Antiwhaling countries say Japan is using the IWC research whaling program as a loophole to engage in commercial whaling. Japan failed to win IWC approval of the sperm and bryde's whale hunt last month at the annual IWC meeting in Adelaide, Australia. In the past, Japan has ignored IWC resolutions, which are not binding. This is a naked attempt to challenge the IWC's authority and to force it to allow the resumption of regulated commercial whaling. A print ad, TV community service announcement, and Internet ads are being placed in media outlets around the world.
Some whale conservationists go beyond public education and lobbying activities.
Captain Paul Watson, president of Sea Shepherd, known for confrontations at sea to protect marine mammals, is prepared to confront the Japanese whaling fleet. The law is the law, and we are prepared to confront Japan on the high seas to enforce that law. Since 1977, Sea Shepherd has rammed or sunk ten whaling and fishing vessels that it has found killing whales, dolphins and endangered marine species in violation of international conservation law. All Rights Reserved. Inc. All Rights Reserved.