The International Whaling Commission banned commercial whaling in the mid-1980s but allows whaling countries to kill whales for research to gather information on migration, eating patterns and pollution levels. After pulling into a Tokyo harbor ending a monthlong mission, the Nisshin Maru crew celebrated their return by lifting beer cans in a joyous toast. Officials at the ceremony praised the ship's crew and defended Japan's fight against international anti-whaling pressure. Tokyo says both are plentiful, putting estimates at 100,000 for sperm whales and 22,000 for Bryde's whales. The hunt is in no way endangering the species, and they are hurting the livelihoods of Japanese fishermen by eating too much fish, fisheries officials say.
Activists say the research is no more than a guise for satisfying Japan's taste for whale meat.
Kazuo Shima, an official with the government-linked Institute of Cetacean Research, said Japan's efforts benefit the entire world. All rights reserved.