Japan to start new ‘research whaling’ in Antarctic, despite IWC resolution
Japan announces new 'research whaling' following ruling by the International Court of Justice in a move conservationists claim is a cover for commercial practices
Japan plans to restart “research whaling” in the Antarctic next year despite a resolution by the International Whaling Commission (IWC) against the practice, a top government spokesman said in Tokyo on Friday.
“We will make preparations so we can start new research whaling in the Antarctic in fiscal next year,” based on a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a regular press conference. “It’s extremely regrettable” that the IWC resolution was adopted, he said.
Suga said Japan’s practices are “completely in line with” the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling.
The IWC approved a non-binding resolution seeking tougher procedures to allow research whaling on Thursday.
Japan cancelled its annual Antarctic whaling hunt for the fiscal year this year after the ICJ ordered in March that the whaling be halted, ruling against Tokyo’s claim that it was for scientific research purposes.