WHALES 1 JAPAN 0 minke whale research plan provides scant analysis and justification for sample size No single reason explains the large gap between sample size and actual take of minke whales Facts add force to Australias contention that minke whales quota is set for non-scientific reasons Since 2005, after 3,600 dead whales scientific output limited SCALE OF LETHAL SAMPLING IN MINKES IS NOT REASONABLE IN ACHIEVING OBJECTIVES Little attention given to using non-lethal method of research, non-scientific reasons for methods used. special permits are not for purposes of scientific research JAPAN ordered to revoke all permits to kill whales The International Court of Justice has ruled that Japans whaling programme is not for scientific purposes, in a landmark decision tonight. After years of protest and diplomatic wrangling, the court in The Hague ruled by 12 votes to 4 that Japan does not have the right to hunt whales in the Antarctic. The decision is binding so Japan can not appeal. The court concludes that the special permits granted by Japan for the killing, taking and treating of whales in connection with JARPA II are not for purposes of scientific research, President Peter Tomka told the International Court of Justice tonight. The court ruled Tokyo should cease its whaling programme with immediate effect. New Zealand helped Australia to haul Japan before the courts accusing Japan of exploiting a loophole in the rules by saying they are hunting whales for scientific purposes. Japan says its necessary to kill a small number of whales to find out more about them. In the last 20 years, 10,000 whales have been slaughtered in the name of science. The case started in 2010 but during a three-week hearing last year, New Zealand and Australia argued Tokyos programme was just a commercial operation in disguise. However, Japan argued the court didnt have the right to decide what is and isnt science Foreign Minister Murray McCully said it was a complex case. The big issue for us is whether we do see a pathway out of whaling in the Southern Ocean from Japans perspective and thats what well be looking for in the small print of the courts decision. In 1986 commercial whaling was banned but several countries like Norway and Iceland continue to practise it and remain members of the commission. Japan reverted to the 1940s regulations that allow hunting for scientific purposes but there are no rules on how many whales can be killed.
Posted on: Mon, 31 Mar 2014 10:15:03 +0000