Japan Hones Harpoons Before Whale Meeting

[Snazzy]

Japan Hones Harpoons Before Whale Meeting

May 5, 2:12 AM (ET)

By ERIC TALMADGE

TOKYO (AP) - In a cramped laboratory, a biologist with the Institute of Cetacean Research prepares plugs taken from whales' ears for age analysis. Scientists study their reproductive habits, food sources, and the mercury levels in their tissue.

And then, of course, there's the guy who studies the best way to kill them.

For nearly two decades, as commercial whaling has largely vanished under a global ban, a half-dozen Japanese vessels have sailed off to the waters of Antarctica and the northwestern Pacific each year to hunt, kill and bring home samples of whales for an ongoing research program - along with tons of meat for sale.

Possibly no Japanese government-backed activity has so isolated Tokyo from its allies in the United States and Europe, or so enraged environmental groups.

....

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20040505/D82C8BOO0.html

[pinniped]

1. Research my a$$.

As the article states, "It's just commercial whaling in disguise".

And why the fcuk do they care about the age of the whale if it will meet with a bloody harpoon anyways?

Does aged whale meat sell for a premium?

Does young whale meat sell for a premium?

Where's Moby Dick?