Global conservation groups have accused Japan of ignoring international law as its whaling fleet prepares to head off on its annual hunt.Every November the fleet sails to the Southern Ocean for its
so-called scientific research programme. This year its quota includes 935 minke and 50 fin whales. Three years ago, 50 humpbacks were added to that quota but are yet to be included in the hunt. The International Fund for Animal Welfare says humpbacks could be the target this year. "They've used the threat of killing humpbacks (as) leverage at the negotiating table." The Aussie Federal Government is taking Japan to the International Court of Justice over whaling, but formal proceedings won't be heard until next year.
...meanwhile, Sea Shepherd will continue its anti-whaling fight with three vessels, the stalwarts Bob Barker and Steve Irwin... and a new addition, the Ocean Adventurer.
This futuristic-looking 12-year-old 115-ft. stabilised monohull vessel will fill the role of fast interceptor, replacing the smaller Ady Gil, which the Japanese whaler Shonan Maru 2 deliberately rammed and destroyed on January 6th this year.The 2010-2011 Antarctic Whale Defence Campaign "Operation No Compromise" will be SS's seventh campaign to oppose the activities of the Japanese whaling fleet in the Southern Ocean, and they hope it will be their last. During the past six campaigns, SS has saved nearly 2,000 whales and exposed illegal Japanese whaling activities to the entire world. Last season they saved 528 whales, more than what the Nippin nasties were able to kill.
+ Around the world yesterday, demonstrations marked International Anti-Whaling Day, to coincide with the start of the Japanese whaling season.
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