We hope to use positive action from tourists to encourage a change in policies, but, let's face it, most of the tourists who go to spend their money on the Caribbean would be very upset to know or see such hunts going on. Environmental organizations claim Caribbean nations that are IWC members are being financially influenced by Japan to promote cetacean fishing and support Japan's efforts for a lifting of the IWC ban on commercial whaling. But the Caribbean governments justify cetacean hunts as a sustainable use of their marine resources, and have denied Japan's financial assistance is influencing their whale and dolphin hunting policies. But the government of St. Vincent openly acknowledges that Japan is helping the country to expand its cetacean fishing. Fishing boats tied up on St. Vincent.
Cetaceans are just big fish to many Caribbean fishers.
Of particular interest are the health and nutritional benefits to be derived from the blackfish oil and the possibilities which exist for the development of this product. Also embodied within this program is the development of the national capability for research and management of these species through research support from appropriate Japanese institutions. St. Vincent does not offer whale watching tours. All Rights Reserved. Inc. All Rights Reserved.