Whalers secure crucial vote win in bid to overturn ban

· Tiny IWC majority declare 1986 moratorium invalid
· Result a return to dark days, say conservationists

Robert Booth
Monday June 19, 2006


Japan's campaign to restart commercial whale hunting received a major boost last night when the International Whaling Commission declared invalid a 20-year ban on the slaughter of the planet's largest creatures for anything other than scientific purposes.

Members of the international commission which regulates whaling voted at a meeting in St Kitts by 33 to 32 to support a declaration that paves the way to the lifting of a moratorium imposed in 1986 to save whale species from extinction.

Japan was joined by delegates from Caribbean and African countries who have been pushing to lift the ban as a way to protect fish stocks from whales and give their small countries food security.

The group - which included Denmark - said the resolution was needed to force the IWC to take up its original mandate of managing whale hunts, not banning them altogether.

Pro-whaling countries still need 75% of votes in the IWC to end the moratorium but last night's vote was seen as a big step towards that goal and Japan is encouraging new pro-whaling states to join the commission in the hope of wresting control from protectionists.

"This tragic moment signifies a great step backwards in time to when the International Whaling Commission was nothing more than a whalers' club," said Niki Entrup, of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society. "This is a return to the 1970s dark days when whales roamed the seas unprotected. The welfare and future of whales remains seriously in question."

"This is a huge disaster," said Kitty Block of Humane Society International. She said it would bolster Japan's pro-whaling "propaganda".

Earlier in the meeting Japan had lost four votes which illustrated its pro-whaling credentials. It had called for secret ballots at the IWC, an exemption to allow Japanese coastal communities to whale, the elimination of a Southern Ocean whale sanctuary and a block on the commission discussing the fate of dolphins, porpoises, small whales and great whales.

The IWC meeting was then thrown into chaos by the vote in favour of the pro-whaling resolution. The declaration's claims that whales are responsible for depleting fish stocks and that non-governmental and environmental organisations which support the whaling ban are a "threat" were fiercely contested, but pro-whaling lobbyists celebrated the first serious setback for those against whaling in years.

"It's only a matter of time before the commercial ban is overturned," said Glenn Inwood, a spokesman for the Japanese delegation.

"This is historic," said Rune Frovik, secretary of the Norwegian pro-whaling lobby the High North Alliance. "For the first time in more than two decades the Whaling Commission expresses support for commercial whaling. This shows the power balance is shifting, but it really shows that both sides need to sit down, compromise and stop yelling from the trenches."

Sue Lieberman, director of the global species programme at WWF International, said a majority of IWC members had adopted language that anti-whaling activists considered scientifically invalid, such as the claim that whales ate large quantities of sought-after fish.

"What is more important than that is this does show that Japan's recruitment drive has finally succeeded. It should be a wake-up call."

Japan has increased aid to countries such as Belize, Mali, Togo, Gambia which are recent members of the IWC. Japan gave $300m to a string of Caribbean islands, ostensibly to develop their fishing industries, but Japan traditionally stresses that whales are responsible for low fish catches.

Japan has abided by the moratorium on commercial whaling since it came into force two decades ago, but, along with Iceland, uses a legal loophole to conduct scientific whaling. Norway is the only country that ignores the ban and more than 25,000 whales have been hunted and killed since the moratorium.

The Japan Whaling Association says Japan would only whale for food rather than oils or bone. It also says it should be allowed to whale because it is part of its culture. "Asking Japan to abandon this part of its culture would compare to Australians being asked to stop eating meat pies, Americans being asked to stop eating hamburgers and the English being asked to go without fish and chips," a statement on its website reads.
Guardian Unlimited © Guardian Newspapers Limited 2006

So p*ss'd off really! I am not having a good image of Japanese gov't at all. Nor can I think of the Japanese people, who will be swayed by their gov't into eating the whale meat, in a positive light. And nature lovers they claim to be. What hypocrisy! It's like they always try and justify everything they do, even when to the world it's wrong. They're always the victim, never the perpetrator, even though they practically bribed the small countries to vote their way. Sorry, I know, I know, not every Japanese is like this, etc. but Japan's general image is not good. And these types of actions brings back bad feelings, and I thought I didn't care too!

Still why must the gov't try to re-introduce whale into people's diets when most have never even had it? Is this truly a neccessity in this modern age? Are Japanese people starving like during WWII?

Do people not realize that whales take a long time to die and have to suffer when being slaughtered? Not to mention they are endangered, if some aren't anymore, then by the time the Japanese and others get through (if they have their way), they will soon enough would not be least surprising.

And Dolphins/whales have intelligence on par with, if not more than dogs/cats, some even say humans. Studies have even shown to them to have self-awareness. I've personally had experience with dolphins and whales due to a research team my cousin was with, and feel that their intelligence crosses species lines, and at once you just feel so sure they can understand a part of you. I always say, I liken it to an would be E.T. experience, as crazy as it sounds, kinda freaky but amazing and insightful all at once.

God, don't they have enough to eat already? It's already bad enough our taste buds are too used to beef, chicken, pork, etc. Why go willfully re-introduce life form to deplete when there's no need in this day and age? And one that's so felt strongly for by the world? It's just plain GREEDY and SELFISH!!!

Sadly, I will say it again SADLY! I tend to believe the people of Japan have not a huge interest in eating whale’s meat, it is sad because the population in Japan somehow always fails to bridge their perceptions with those of its government.

One can clearly understand this when looking back at ww2 for instance. The government of Japan sold its people and land to the west. The government of Japan is partly responsible for the vicissitudes and the final result of their silly strategic back then.
The thing is when I look back at Japanese history I find that similar to the Indian people they in their basic root had a caste system (social hierarchy) which shaped the main structure of governing - meaning there is no clear connection between the rulers to its subjects. No direct connection or what so ever a flaunt communication or consideration between both sides.
I remember in Thailand I met a Japanese gentleman Hiroshi san he was about 62 years old back then (was 2 years ago) and when we talked about ww2 and Hiroshima Nagasaki incidents I was actually crying in front of him while he was starring at me wondering why my feelings are so strong toward something that happened so long ago and to someone else, he said the people in Japan tends (more then anything) to simply forget about the past, to let it go while my western brain was pumping achy blood to my heart screaming for justice I told him there is no western country that would have forgotten such a thing, so he said it wasn’t the peoples decision it was the rulers decision and that’s it.

I couldn’t accept that ofcourse but I dried my tears and left the subject.

So I think the true voice of Japan was never really heard so far.
The people aren’t making the connection between their rulers to their own life or future.

I believe behind this filthy idea (to reclaim the right to hunt whales – which I personally see as a very close relative of men, and by the way those scientist who proclaim to find the “missing link” in evolution saying they found a great big fish with a beginning of limbs, like shoulders and such…– well this means the creatures of the sea are connected to us somehow doesn’t it? In case it’s true anyhow...)
Anyway I think this idea belongs to business people like all things in our world it has to do with money and power – and yes the blaming finger should be pointed to japans government as well as to the other countries in that lobby – they finished almost all the fish in the sea so instead of finding a solution and recover the sea they will move on to the next available and simple solution – whale’s. I wonder just in case they will win…
What they will do after the whales is gone…

you are chinese, of course you dislike the japanese. from the time you were born, the people teach you how to hate, and now backed by the media, you know you have your hatred backed by almost all the chinese.

lawls, whales at par with human. and did u mention something about dogs? lol

Not every Chinese hates or loves Japanese or Japan per se. Personally don't care or think about them either way as, it's never affected my daily life, but whales, that's different as I care and it brings bad feelings out. Believe it or not, some of us were not brought up political, not everyone was brought up in the Mainland (sorry, not to diss on mainlanders), don't you know? That said, it does not mean we don't about know the historical facts or as the case may be from Japan: lack there of. But hey what're you going to do? Troll all over boards spewing hatred like a "VietPunk" type? As far as Japanese people is to me now, from time to time ignorant people get facts all wrong, and we have our duty to correct them...such as Whaling (as this topic was supposed to be about).
From time to time, people think Japanese and Chinese are all the same, and we have our duty to set them straight. From time to time, ignorant people start spouting "Aaaasoooo!", "Arrigato"...so we have to correct them. That's about it really. Mainly don't step on my toes, I don't step on yours, get it?

Right now, you're stepping on mine, as I see you're more into playing up the race card, hatred/nationalist schtick, instead of addressing the sad whale issue at hand, which Japan just happens to be at the forefront. But with a handle like "VietPunk" , that's no big surprise.

I havn't eaten whale meat so far.

What the fu-k? What's wrong with you people? Japan isn't the only country that eats whale meat. Why don't you guys go talk $hit about Norway?
Talking about you don't have a good image of the Japanese. You don't see me trying to bring up a "save the dogs and cat" thread in the Korean and Chinese rooms.

jee ... Pfff!!


You really don’t know how to read between the lines hey?

Watch some movies read books expand your brain and you will be able to

Japan is leading the way with this Whaling issue, which is why the NEWS MEDIA (read that, news media) is focusing on Japan more than other nations. Norway and Iceland are no less guilty, however these nations
countries wouldn't have as much power if it weren't for the Japan gov't bribing poorer, smaller nations to vote their way in the guise of aid:

JAPAN ENCOURAGAES BRIBERY AT WHALE TALKS SAYS THE HSC
http://www.ccnmatthews.com/news/releases/s...ctionFor=600054

Here's multi-media coverage:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/nolavconsole/ukfs_ne...storyid=5084812


Japan Faces whale "Cruelty" claim
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/5091674.stm

Saving the Whales
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/st...5E24218,00.html

There's just a wealth of coverage out there and just about every one of them focuses on Japan. Japan may not be the only country eating whale, but it's been lobbying the hardest. Sadder still is most of it's people don't even have a taste for whale meat (yet), but the Gov't is aiming to change that as soon as it can. Why???
Currently, there are stockpiles of whale meat due to people not being used to Whale meat. So much so that surplus whale meat is being for dog food. But the gov't plans on re-introducing whale meat into school children's lunches to get them hooked. Why?
There's a news video about that also, but I can't find it currently, if it does come up, I'll post the link, but there's just too much out there.

So I would suggest to people to STOP reading between the lines and making this into a nationalistic issue. Read about the topic at hand!

And people keep dredging up eating dogs and cats. How is it even comparable? Who ever advocated eating dogs/cats was right anyways? Is it there a national agenda to go and brainwash its people into eating dog and cats, as with Japan and the whales controversy? Are there any gov't sponsored farms raising dogs/cats as livestock? Are they lobbying in the International front, and bribing nations to boot? Fact is other nation's GOVERNMENTS are not advocating eating dogs & cats period! And then again, I haven't even met one Chinese person who ever ate dog. It may happen in some hick place, but overall, it's still considered taboo. If my country ever started this on a national level, I will be the first to bash my own motherland. So get off the Nationalistic bandwagon.

You remind me so much of this girl at my school, who wanted people sign a petition baning Canada's fishing industry, because they legalize the hunting of seal in that country. Just like the whales, seals are savagely murdered, as they are skinned ALIVE by Canadian fishermen. And, these are the pups who are targeted because of their perfect fur.
Yet, inspite of the fact that seals are so gosh-darn adorable, I told her that it's ridiculous to have people sign a petition as this hurts Canadian people. And, people are more important than animals. Also, this is a Canadian matter and it should be taken care of by Canadians, not Americans.
Also, a ban on Canada's fisheries would only cause them to ban America's, which is something that most Americans are too interested in having happen.

And, also, how are the Japanese being brain-washed? The Japanese people know that whale meat is toxic. Probably caused by China's industry dumping $hit in the ocean, but Japanese scientists are finding that samples taken from grocery stores have higher traces of mercury than what is allowed for human consumption.
Some politicians are lobbying for whale hunting laws, as the it is a lucrative industry. But, the same could be said about beer and cigarettes in any country. Those things are bad for you too, but it isn't because the government brainwashes people that people use them.

When people start dying from Mercury poisoning, or women give birth to deformed babies like they do in the Faroe Islands and other Northern European countries, then the Japanese government will do something about it.

The whaling industry won't be so powerful if many companies go bankrupt from the lawsuits that they will have to deal with.

In any case, I'm not trying to be nationalistic, but it seems to me that other people shouldn't criticize Japan for whale hunting when other countries are doing the same and have always done it in the past, and their countries aren't perfect either.

It's like you'd hold Japan to some different standards than you would other countries, or that's how I felt, even if you didn't mean that.

And further comparison between eating dogs/cats and dolphins/whales since some people keep making into an issue - Fact is whales/dolphins have historically been over hunted. If it weren't for conservation, many of these species would be extinct. Are dogs and cats even an endangered species? Yet WE DO NOT condone eating them. Why not? Do we think dogs/cats are higher up animals? How to make this distinction when studies have shown dophins/whales to be smarter than dogs/cats, even to the level of humans. But people can't relate or don't want to because they've never had direct experience with them. Doesn't it matter that the dying process is a long and painful process for these animals? The slaughtering/dying process would be considered inhumane for all animals, let done to a thinking animal such as the Whale or dolphin species.


It's a WORLD issue and the world's responsilbility. There's no "part of the national heritage" excuse as Japan and its cronies are doing! Just because whales may live in Japan's waters does not mean Japan owns them.

I'm all for eating out of neccessity. But the world has been doing just fine without whale meat for a long time now. Whale meat is not a neccessity, and they are endangered. Yet, apparently Japan's gov't couldn't care less, so much so they use it for dog food! What is the rest of the world to think? If that's not selfish, what is?

It's hard to not stay nationalistic when you keep attacking the Japanese or their government, and accussing them of being selfish.

Attacking people, no (not yet anyways). Gov't? YES! Hell, someone's got to take responsiblity! And please, nationalism doesn't justify killing when not neccessary. Separate the two and see issues for what they really are. That is why a lot of people claim Japanese cannot take criticism. They always think everything is against their nationality. The issue is a world agenda, yet right away, Japanese get all nationalistic and defend their gov't, regardless of what they really feel in their hearts. It's time to think outside the box. Yeah, before it becomes because you're Chinese cr*p, there are numerous studies about this phenomenon. I remember our professor even mentioning it.



That is indeed controversial. But the key word you mention is "hurts Canadian people". It'll hurt them more when animals become extinct! People only going to increase. And as for the "can't do without" reasoning, it's more an excuse. America used to have the biggest whaling industry in history, but they've survived quite nicely without it.
"Hurts Canadian people" would be more understandable if that's all they relied upon for survival as in food. But we have more than enough to eat now (excepting places like Africa, who are not privileged enough to get whale or seal anyway). So in these times, it's wasteful and shortsighted. There's a chance today's selfish actions will bring tomorrows extinction and unbalance to nature, which means your Japanese and Canadian friends will have to find something else to make their livelyhood on at the end anyways. The world'll be poorer all the more and all the regrets and sorrys will be too late.

As for comparing, how would lack of whaling comparatively hurt the Japanese? Is it a neccessity to eat whales now? As for seals, that is another heated topic. But let's just say, as long as inhumane treatment continues, you better believe, there'll be organizations not making it as easy as those seal hunters would wish. Two wrongs don't make a right, as the cliche goes.





Source?


Again, what's with the nationlism/China agenda? Get over it already, it's getting old.




That's not what one wishes for either. There's no need to reach such levels in the first place. Simple.

What are the reason why people hunt Whales? I'm not sure about the specifics. But the only reason i can think of is food.

Point is, it's up to the Canadians and Japanese to do something about it, as it does affect them. However, you also have to factor in that the fishing industries make lots of money off of seals and whales. Also, the fishermen who tend to hunt seals and whales are often risking their lives out of necessity.
Whales are big @$$ animals, I don't know all the details about whale hunting, but if it's anything like "Moby d!ck" then there have probably been some casualties in the process. The same applies to seals, as fishermen have slipped on ice and drowned or froze to death in the waters. Seal hunting involves going after a seal with a club, as bullets ruin the fur. So, it isn't uncommon for fishermen to die every year from hunting seals.
Yet, the reason why anyone would risk their lives in huting these animals is because they have no other choice. Like with Canada, seal hunting season is during the off season for fishing. They wouldn't have any source of income during the seal hunting season if they didn't hunt seals.
The same applies to whales. Not just in Japan, but in other countries too, like in Europe or the caribbean.
source:http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cf...jectid=10332455

source:http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/5088132.stm

However, I don't actually advocate whale or seal hunting. But, I do think that if you're going to force people to stop killing these animals for environmental reasons, then do something to help support the people who'd be hurt by this change.
source:http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/5088132.stm



We all know that seal and whale hunters would be hurt if thier countries would put a ban on the practice. What is the alternative then? Well, that would be doing something to help these people transition to other alternatives, by giving them financial aid and actually providing an alternative.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/5088132.stm

It's not like Japan isn't willing to compromise, but countries like Austrailia that are making it hard for the Japanese to cut a deal as they don't give the Japanese any middle ground.

source:http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cf...jectid=10332455



source:http://www.wdcs.org/dan/publishing.nsf/all...02569F1003E8816






Part of the reason for hunting for cetaceans is due to the shortage of fish in japan's waters.
source:http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/10-10-2003-46351.asp

edit: double post

Couldnt the people raise whales like cows or sheep and use this way to eat them? So you could mass prodice and sell their meat?

To,Lan2z

i am so agains points you presented to against commercial whale huning

1. Whale is endangered species

Japanese govenement is also against hunting of endengered whales. They are only requesting the hunting of certain species which they claim not being endangered. They are supporting sustainable hunting.


2. Whale is more intelligent than dogs/cats

well, the term "intelligent" is very ambiguous. i agree whales are intelligent but not sure if they are more intelligent than cow, dog, cat, horse,etc Is there any sorces which show whales are more intelligent than other animals? where do you draw a line in intelligence from which we can't eat? are you vegetarian? with your sensistivity, i believe you can also have ET experience with cows, horses,etc.


3. whale hunting is inhumane.

again, the term "inhumane" is not clear. these subjctive words cannot be agreed universally unlike the term "endangered" which we can examine scientifically.

You mean really huge animals that require huge tanks and lots of money to raise, and often times die in captivity? Nope.

1). Not endangered claims are based upon Japanese research which are biased. As for certain species not being as endangered than others, that's still not wholly determined and the idea that everyone is still debating shows there's still danger to the species. As for these nations "supporting sustainable hunting , well that's controversary in itself. If the ban gets lifted, it will be much harder to enforce sustainable hunting, especially as many truly endangered species will invariably be killed in the process as well. Even under the current so called scientific killing allowance, other type of species are being killed and fed to the populance. See this report: http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg15520973.000.html

2). Whether YOU THINK whales are smarter or not is your opinion, as you haven't even shown source to prove otherwise. Whereas many studies have proven Whales to be smarter than dogs/cats. Intelligence ambiguous? How many animals can claim self-awareness? Studies have shown they have sophisticated language skills, can even communicate through television, recognise themselves in a mirror, and numerous other signs of intelligence that I've surely never heard a dog or cat possess. Here is one of many sources:
http://www.thedolphinplace.com/facts.html#Intelligence



3). If you can't understand what inhumane treatment means, then what else is to be said? By that kind of logic or illogic, why bother euthanizing pets to relieve suffering, since they're just lower forms of life, right?






Is there a true need in this day and age to kill more than neccessary, to the point of risking endangerment again?? What's the point? These are rich nations with more than enough variety of foods already.


When people know better, they should do better. Not reverse course.

To rockbatam who cannot understand what inhumane means:

A adjective
1 inhumane

lacking and reflecting lack of pity or compassion; "humans are innately inhumane; this explains much of the misery and suffering in the world"; "biological weapons are considered too inhumane to be used"

Source: http://www.wordreference.com/definition/inhumane

Ofcourse, in some countries, they didn't mind using biological weapons on people. In others, it was considered OK to eat human beings too. With that type of mindset, meaning of inhumane is indeed "not clear"

i can step on not only on your toes, but also your mom's face if i wanted to. there, that goes better according to your definition of my user name.

"Troll all over boards spewing hatred like a "VietPunk" type? " you have seen me "Troll all over boards?" and you speak of correcting people, how about correcting your head? vietpunk, what is wrong with me liking punk music that happens to be viet?

back to the argument, what is the different between your argument and...say.. chinese people eating dogs? and more people care about dogs than whales.

Your trolling right now. TROLL.
This was never about nationalism but you try and make it so. This was never about Chinese vs. Japanese or hatred, but you you try and make it so. Just because I happen to be Chinese? TROLL

In that vein, how's it different from me picking up on your handle "vietpunk"? You found it offensive, didn't you? You can dish it out, but you can't take it.

As for commenting about stepping on my mother's face... you're confirming you're image. But if you have insecurities, keep it to yourself.


Frankly I'm not here to amuse you, by continuing on about the dog and cat argument, as I've already addressed it a couple posts back. If you'd bother to re-read, instead of focusing on yourself, you'd see.

I think it’s a good idea actually
And I find it very funny hearing michinobu_zoned saying it’s too expansive (as far as I remember Japan isn’t that poor country nay?)
Anyway I was thinking about it and yeah it could be a solution for those people who crave eating whale’s meat
along with our progress technology - biological engineering and such I guess you can follow the Kentucky fried chicken solution and start engineer whales make them small too so that you can grow them without using much of area.lol

The thing is I still don’t understand what is behind this I don’t understand the interest in eating whale meat.
Anyone have any idea what the deal is?

who is behind this and what is the interest??

1. Whether whales are endengered or not.
Whether the whales are endangered are still debated. As you can say Japanese data is biased I can say those hystelic anti-whaling groups' claim is biased. At least it is recognized that the risk of some species of whales are low.


2. Intelligece
No conclusion has ever reached that whales and dolphines are smarter than other animals we eat. And even if they are more intelligent, why we still cannot eat them? Isn't it very difficult to difine and measure intelligence? from which level of intelligence we can't eat?


the webisite you gave reagarding this point is so useless.


3. Inhumanity
Again, where do you draw your line? How can your line be universal enough to prohibit global whaling? Every animals we eat faced killings anyway. I remembered those animal-activists who enthusiastically showed how terible environment chicken and other cattle were raised. they claim was to stop eating chicken, pork, etc.


Those subjective words,"intelligent", "inhumane" cannot be agreed universally, and can't be a resonable reason for the debate of whaling.


There is a summary in wikipedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whaling

as i look back at humans history i ask my self...
so many people have died at stupid wars etc..pff ..such a waste...could'nt we instead just eat them ??
this way we could have save many other endengered spices...

LOL...!!

sure, I'M the troll. you are the one with barely any post, having the majority of his post in the japanese section. I could figured out you are chinese just be your posts, and those posts have nothing to do with chinese.

you hate the japanese for allowing whales as meat, why don't you hate the chinese for allowing dog meat? dogs are smarter and can be pets. second, you ask 100 chinese if they have eaten dog meat, and ask 100 japanese if they have eaten whale meat, which do you think will be higher?

Do you even understand the topic? It's whaling! Do you not read the news?





1). Really hard to figure out too, since I've ever ONLY posted in CHINESE Chat before the Whale topic with last count at 17 posts. Amongst these 17 posts, majority were in, "u know ur chinese when..."
http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/index.php?...hl=know+chinese

Even a moron could've figured out what race I am!

As you first accuse me as one with barely any posts, and then those posts having "nothing to do chinese", can you find those posts that "have nothing to do with chinese" and post them for us? It shouldn't be hard, right? Bear in mind posts are to be before this current topic (as opposed to post).

Any more LIES?

2). Again why did you make this into a Chinese thing? You can't even stop even after the fact I TOLD YOU I don't have anything against Japanese people personally? WTF?
If I were any other race, I would still have the same feelings! Is that too hard for you to comprehend?



Don't put words into people's mouths. I never said I "hated Japanese" period. Those are YOUR words! Why don't you find and post where I said "I hate the Japanese" for me? I bet you can't because you're a LIAR! You have some sick agenda going on. You're problem is your trying to read too much between lines and twist people's words around. If that's not low...




This is really pointless.
1). Again, you're making this into your racist/national agenda.
2). I've already addressed this point many posts back, like I already told you the last post! Not that I really think you care anyways about whales, dogs or cats. You're more into attacking Chinese.
3). I know I shouldn't but I can't help it even though it's meaningless and proves nothing...I must've known at least 1,000 Chinese people and not one has ever eaten a dog or cat before And??? What's the point?

Sorry to everyone for taking away from the Whales subject.

Back to topic:

They may need much support from caring people to ensure their safety and survival even though "Commercial Whaling Ban Holds—For Now"



http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/20...whalingban.html

Commercial Whaling Ban Holds—For Now
James Owen
for National Geographic News

June 24, 2005
Japan's efforts to relax whaling restrictions were voted down this week at the annual meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC). Yet the possible return of commercial whaling across the world's oceans still worries conservationists.

At the IWC gathering in Ulsan, Korea, which ended today, Japan failed in its bid to lift a ban on commercial whaling. But IWC members agreed to meet again to reconsider the issue with a view to ending the 19-year moratorium.

In the wake this latest impasse, some groups have called for the IWC to be reformed.

Among those voicing criticism was Rune Frøvik, secretary of the High North Alliance, which represents fishers and whalers in Nordic countries. "It's just conflict all the time," he told the BBC. "They say they want to continue with a process, but in fact they are blocking progress."

New Zealand's conservation minister likened conflict within the IWC to a "cold war," with opposing sides—conservationists and whalers—locked in an ideological struggle.

But neutral nations say the way forward may be a long-proposed scheme whereby commercial whaling would be permitted, but only under strict rules.

Despite setbacks for pro-whaling nations, such as Japan and Norway, they managed to undermine further the IWC: The countries indicated they will press ahead with plans to increase the number of whales killed under the rubric of scientific research programs.

Japan signaled its intention to double its annual scientific catch of minke whales to about 900. It also aims to hunt 50 fin and humpback whales—species conservationists say are threatened.

The commission criticized those plans and shot down Japan's bid to allow communities on its northern Pacific coast to hunt 150 minke whales a year. It also rejected Japan's its push to abolish the whale sanctuary in what many refer to as the Southern Ocean—the Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific Ocean regions that surround Antarctica.

Whaling Ban

The International Whaling Commission was formed in 1946 to regulate whaling and to conserve the world's largest living animals.

In 1982, with many whale populations close to extinction following centuries of exploitation, IWC member nations agreed to a ban on all commercial whaling.

While the ban remains in effect, Japan, Norway, Iceland, and Greenland continue to hunt limited numbers of whales. The mammals are killed either for local consumption or scientific purposes.

Since 1994 the IWC has sought to negotiate a sustainable commercial whaling strategy to replace the ban.

Pro-whaling nations say it's time for their proposal, known as the Revised Management Scheme (RMS), to be implemented. Japan has threatened to quit the IWC if the plan isn't adopted.

Anti-whaling groups, such as the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society based in Chippenham, England, oppose the RMS. Groups say the scheme wouldn't detect, prevent, or penalize whaling violations and would jeopardize endangered whale populations.

"Those that believe whaling can be brought under control have had their eyes closed to the past century," said Niki Entrup of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society.

Entrup added that the whaling that has occurred, despite the current moratorium, shows that countries like Japan do not respect the decisions of the IWC.

Scientific Catch

Currently Japan kills about 400 whales a year under the rubric of scientific research. Such programs don't fall within IWC jurisdiction.

Norway has also set a quota to kill nearly 800 minke whales this summer. The nation is also considering scientific whaling of other species in future.

Wildlife groups say most of the whales hunted under the aegis of scientific research end up being sold as food. Conservationists add that researchers don't need to kill a whale to study it.

Non-lethal biopsy darts can potentially tell researchers as much about a whale's age, sex, diet, reproductive status, and genetics as a carcass can, argues Sue Lieberman, director the global species program for the conservation nonprofit the World Wildlife Fund.

"I think what this is about is the commercial market for whale meat in Japan," she said.

However, Japan argues that a total ban on commercial hunting is no longer justified. The nation says whale populations have recovered in the past two decades and that sustainable harvests are now possible.

Japan notes that the IWC's scientific committee agrees that humpback whale numbers are increasing by around 10 percent each year. The committee's most recent estimate also suggests that as many as a million minke whales live around Antarctica alone.

Surveys by the North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission, based in Tromso, Norway, suggest minke whale numbers are either stable or increasing in all areas of the North Atlantic. The commission says current whaling quotas present no threat to the species.

Joji Mori$hita, head of the Japanese IWC delegation, says the Revised Management Scheme, together with monitoring and inspection, would ensure regulated, sustainable whaling. "Science and law should prevail over emotions," he said.

Japan's Fisheries Ministry accuses nations opposed to any commercial whaling of "cultural imperialism." Officials ask how Australia and the United States would take to being told they couldn't hunt kangaroos or deer.

As a cheap source of protein, whale meat became a staple in Japan after World War II. Authorities are currently promoting whale meat to younger generations who are more used to Western-style foods.

In the western coastal region of Wakayama, Japan, around 280 schools are being supplied with whale meat. Education officials say they are trying to rekindle a centuries-old culinary tradition. And this week a Japanese fast-food chain, Lucky Pierrot, announced that it's putting whale burgers on its menus.

This whole business is about earning income for the whaling communities in Norway and Japan. Whale meat will fetch top dollars in the markets, and who stands to gain from the income?

It's time to recognise that the biggest loophole in the argument that whales can be 'sustainably harvested' is that it will be the FOX GUARDING THE CHICKEN COOP!

The International Whaling Commission, which is essentially a trade organization founded to preserve whale numbers for future hunting - not for conservation - is predisposed to serve whalers, not the public good nor the whales'.

That's why it has failed to come up with a framework that can accommodate both environmental and economic needs.

Shouldn't the governments of Norway and Japan help whaling communities to go into surimi production instead???? Nope, doesn't make money lah..........



BTW, Iceland is in this business too. Howabout giving these Eskimos something to make money from aside from whales? Howabout Surimi? Nah...doesn't make money again lah.........

Now Japan is trying wrest control of the board of the International Whaling Commission.

*********

Agence France-Presse, The Associated Press

Published: June 18, 2006
FRIGATE BAY, St. Kitts Japan was expected on Sunday to try to wrest control of the world body that bars commercial whaling, in an attempt to defeat an action taken by anti-whaling states.

Akira Nakamae, deputy director general of the Fisheries Agency of Japan, said Tokyo still hoped to control the International Whaling Commission despite narrowly losing the first three votes at the world body's annual meeting.

A coalition of conservation-minded countries on Saturday blocked Japan's attempt to form a pro-whaling majority on the 70-member body and reverse the moratorium on commercial hunting that went into effect two decades ago.

A proposal to allow fishermen in Taiji, a coastal community in southeast Japan, to hunt minke whales was defeated 31 to 30. It would have needed a 75 percent majority to pass. The failure to win even a simple majority was a stinging defeat for Tokyo.

Four countries that were expected to side with Japan - China, South Korea, the Solomon Islands and Kiribati - unexpectedly abstained, prompting a rebuke from Joji Mori$hita, the Japanese delegation's spokesman: "We are glad this is not a secret vote. Japan will remember which countries supported this proposal and which countries said no."

Japan had proposed Friday to introduce secret ballots, but that vote, which needed just a simple majority, failed 33 to 30. It also failed to remove the issue of hunting dolphins and porpoises from the meeting's agenda, losing by a 32-to- 30 vote Friday.

After losing the vote Saturday, Japan removed another proposal from the floor that would have allowed the hunting of 10 Bryde's whales off its coast each year through 2010 as a form of traditional whaling. Critics said the proposal was a guise to kill whales solely for commercial purposes.

Tokyo believes that whale stocks have sufficiently rebounded to allow regulated hunts of certain species, and Japan plans to lead a meeting Monday on its plan to "normalize" the 60-year- old commission and push it back toward its roots as a whaling management group.

"I can't understand it," said Ben Bradshaw, Britain's minister for local environment, marine and animal welfare. "We are a great friend and ally of Japan in almost every other field. And it is completely inexplicable to me that Japan, Norway and Iceland continue to push for a resumption of commercial whaling."

"That hugely damages their international reputations," Bradshaw added. "The whale meat is stacking up in huge freezers in these countries because they can't sell it. I can only think that it is about a kind of culturally nationalistic obstinacy that makes them pursue this course."

Conservationists expressed relief at the failure of Japan and other pro-whaling countries to achieve a majority, but noted that the votes were becoming closer.

"Japan is now down three votes for three. But the margin was again too close for comfort. Extra countries have turned up since the first day and are voting with Japan," said John Frizell of Greenpeace International.

The five-day meeting of the International Whaling Commission runs through Tuesday on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts.$@


FRIGATE BAY, St. Kitts Japan was expected on Sunday to try to wrest control of the world body that bars commercial whaling, in an attempt to defeat an action taken by anti-whaling states.

Akira Nakamae, deputy director general of the Fisheries Agency of Japan, said Tokyo still hoped to control the International Whaling Commission despite narrowly losing the first three votes at the world body's annual meeting.

A coalition of conservation-minded countries on Saturday blocked Japan's attempt to form a pro-whaling majority on the 70-member body and reverse the moratorium on commercial hunting that went into effect two decades ago.

A proposal to allow fishermen in Taiji, a coastal community in southeast Japan, to hunt minke whales was defeated 31 to 30. It would have needed a 75 percent majority to pass. The failure to win even a simple majority was a stinging defeat for Tokyo.

Four countries that were expected to side with Japan - China, South Korea, the Solomon Islands and Kiribati - unexpectedly abstained, prompting a rebuke from Joji Mori$hita, the Japanese delegation's spokesman: "We are glad this is not a secret vote. Japan will remember which countries supported this proposal and which countries said no."

Japan had proposed Friday to introduce secret ballots, but that vote, which needed just a simple majority, failed 33 to 30. It also failed to remove the issue of hunting dolphins and porpoises from the meeting's agenda, losing by a 32-to- 30 vote Friday.

After losing the vote Saturday, Japan removed another proposal from the floor that would have allowed the hunting of 10 Bryde's whales off its coast each year through 2010 as a form of traditional whaling. Critics said the proposal was a guise to kill whales solely for commercial purposes.

Tokyo believes that whale stocks have sufficiently rebounded to allow regulated hunts of certain species, and Japan plans to lead a meeting Monday on its plan to "normalize" the 60-year- old commission and push it back toward its roots as a whaling management group.

"I can't understand it," said Ben Bradshaw, Britain's minister for local environment, marine and animal welfare. "We are a great friend and ally of Japan in almost every other field. And it is completely inexplicable to me that Japan, Norway and Iceland continue to push for a resumption of commercial whaling."

"That hugely damages their international reputations," Bradshaw added. "The whale meat is stacking up in huge freezers in these countries because they can't sell it. I can only think that it is about a kind of culturally nationalistic obstinacy that makes them pursue this course."

Conservationists expressed relief at the failure of Japan and other pro-whaling countries to achieve a majority, but noted that the votes were becoming closer.

"Japan is now down three votes for three. But the margin was again too close for comfort. Extra countries have turned up since the first day and are voting with Japan," said John Frizell of Greenpeace International.

The five-day meeting of the International Whaling Commission runs through Tuesday on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts.

******

well i agree with almost all u are saying but..
there are no askimo people in ICELAND sorry
youre misplacing greenland i presume?

Whaling is banned world-wide, so nobody hunts for whales in Iceland. There exist some countries who have an exeption to hunt a limited amount of whales each year, for scientific reasons.

Sureley, Greenlanders (Eskimoes are the native Greenlanders. However, the word 'eskimo' is an English adoptation. They prefer the original name, which is Innuit.)live in Iceland, but it has nothing to do with whaling.

OK, Vikings....they are Vikings in Iceland? Should their government get their whaling communities to make......er......produce....er.........ferment......beers?

lol

Yeah, we can say human history is bloddy inhumane.
We can also say oppostite.

since the term "inhumane" is subjective it will really depends on a person's perspctive.

So we can not use inhumanity to discuss whaling.
Of course for the sake of whales it would be nice we conceive something whic enables more "humane" killings.
so that we can eat without any qualm just as we eat chicken, pork, etc.

and have you known any japanese to have eaten whales? of course you dont straight out hate the japanese, you just do so secretly. your trollness wont be obvious if you dont direct it out, but with mal meanings. and this is not about people vs people, and not about me attacking chinese, it's all about YOU. you do not know people who do not eat dogs does not mean it does not happen. people eat dogs in vietnam too. what's my point? the question is what is YOUR POINT with japanese and eating whales?

I don't know what his reasons are, but I think Japan should stop whaling because pretty soon there won't be any whales left.

Whaling is wrong!
You can't compare it to people eating dogs, or cows. Dogs and cows aren't on the verge of extinction.

If we don't stop it now there won't be any whales left for future generations.

The number of whales is difficult to measure and is disputed.
However, at least some species of whale are understand to have low risk of extinction.

No country, including Japan, Norway requrest the whaling of those in danger.

that's not the point he was arguing.

My point with Japanese and eating whales is and has been the same as yours, and that's more to do with Japanese gov't. But for some reason, VietPunk needed to make it seem like I hate Japanese people personally and made an issue out of dogs and cats, just because he found out I happened to be Chinese, which was none of his business anyways.

Your words, not mine. Now who's the troll?



Troll



Ummm, ok. Whatever, since I never claimed otherwise. <confused> Either way, if I know 1,000 or none proves nothing is what I was more or less saying. I just wasn't going to be bothered arguing with you about it. Were you too clueless to understand?

I don't understand why VietPunk keeps trying to make up subjects and arguments that are out of topic.

Oh and I noticed you don't even try to defend yourself when I pointed out all your LIES.





My point with Japanese eating whales is.....
is they shouldn't IF they don't have to. . The gov't shouldn't try to get people hooked onto whale meat when there's more than enough to eat. They'll be endangering the whale species. There's a rich variety of foods in Japan. There may be enough of certain species currently (which is debatable), but certainly not enough to sustain future appetites if Japanese get used to Whale meat. I can't see how there'll be any more whales left if people will get so used to whale meat that they always eat it. Especially when the gov't wants to start with the children:

"Environmentalists point to a glut of whale on Japanese markets as proof that the country does not need the meat. A new Japanese government-backed company was formed this year with plans to sell cheaper whalemeat to schools, bars and hospitals in hopes that more people will develop a taste for it. "


Studies have shown that Japanese people don't like to think for themselves and like to follow authority, and also the popular thought of the day. instead of strict morals and ideals. That kind of mentality would be dangerous also to the survival of whale species if the gov't has designs to get people hooked on whales. Kind of a brainwashing by the Gov't.

My point is...
It's fustrating that Japan's Gov't is leading the way to harm the whales, so in that regard why can't I get bad impression? They can't have their cake and eat it too

"Prime Minister Helen Clark of New Zealand, one of the major opponents of Japanese whaling which is partially in Antarctic waters, said that Tokyo was damaging its international reputation."

"She repeated charges that Japan had used its foreign aid to win the votes of small countries on the commission which have no history of whaling."
"Japan's campaign to restart commercial whale hunting received a major boost ..."
"Japan is encouraging new pro-whaling states to join the commission in the hope of wresting control from protectionists."

hahaha, a box of rock would respond better than you. so a U.S. citizen can say he or she hates the chinese government because they allow people to eat dogs? or can you argue that it is an essential part of the diet or more people will starve? so the government is trying to get people "hooked on whales" now? what is this? the opium of japan?

and please, show me this "Studies have shown that Japanese people don't like to think for themselves and like to follow authority, and also the popular thought of the day. instead of strict morals and ideals."

VietPunk = Troll

Reported.

Well mates

japanese austrians and yeah even icelanders(who doesnt really support whaleing again)

all the fat people who thinks they NEED whale meat in order to survive should start what i referr to as BRAIN DIET this will help them fat f**** get some oxygen to thier brains so that they will be able to start using thier brain and think and hopefully understand how wrong they are and how completly selfish theyve been acting.
too much fat in the brain blocks the blood from arriving to the brain so no thinking is possible
therefor those people problem is mainly thier lazyness and spoiled life which makes them eat more then think !
acting like the world belongs to them while they are actually here for a while and then they suppose to die and clear some space for the next generation,they think they will stay here forever this actually makes them the most stupid and lame creaturethere is around here.

I'm sure it's difficult to get an exact number of whales. That's the point!

If we keep on killing them thinking there are plenty of whales still in the ocean and one
day we wake up and find that maybe there were a bit less whales than we thought then
what do we do? Say 'oops sorry' our estimates were off by several hundred whales.

Besides, what do they consider on the verge of extinction? If there are 3000 whales of
a certain species is that far from extinction? What about 2000, or 1000? Is that still
far from extinction. There used to be a lot more of them.

I say Japan and Norway should invest in bringing the numbers of whales back to the
levels before the 19th or 20th centuries and then they can whale all they want.
The problem with killing off individuals of a species with only several hundred specimens
is that their gene pool is depleted and they become more vulnerable to diseases and
other problems.

That's the same issue with elephants and the ivory trade. Ironically, this time, it's Southern African nations that are pushing for ivory trade to be lifted. Stockpiled ivory can be sold to China and Japan for huge sums of money which can then be ploughed back into elephant conservation. At least theoretically, that's the idea.

Stay on topic please

reported for what? which rule did i break again? lol how about you stfu and read the rules.

Even so, it's not like i care anyways. some mods are retards anyways. Abuse their power, not giving a correct explanation, and try to run when you ask them for explanations.

And about whaling, let japanese do what they want in their waters.

Pfff
Its not Japanese water silly HO!
It’s the whale’s water firstly
The sea can not belong to anyone
If u is talking about army s#it then I will agree do as u wish but when it comes to harming the globe
Pfff this is a lame, arrogant and sleazy way of preserving life honestly.

yes its all about the whales! anybody seen the movie whale rider? How could they kill those whales! They should remake Moby d!ck with a japanese cast.

did you have any idea what you just said?