Latinamerican countries call on Japan to cease “scientific whaling”

Tuesday, February 15th 2011 - 05:45 UTC

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They demand respect for the Southern Whale Sanctuary

Nine Latinamerican countries that make up the “Buenos Aires Group” have called on Japan to put an end to “scientific whaling” as vessels take off for the new hunting season in the Southern Hemisphere.

Given the beginning of a new “scientific whaling” season in Antarctic waters the governments of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru and Uruguay made public a release stating “their strongest rejection to the announced ‘scientific whaling’ hunting of almost a thousand whales included some in the threatened species category, planned for the Southern Whale Sanctuary”.

The Buenos Aires Group, whose members belong to the International Whaling Commission, reaffirms its commitment to the conservation of whales, the maintenance of the commercial (whaling) moratorium dating back to 1986, the promotion of the non lethal use of the resource and respect for the integrity of whale sanctuaries recognized by IWC.

Therefore Latinamerican countries request “the government of Japan to end the ‘scientific whaling’ which is performed in a sanctuary established by the IWC precisely with the purpose of protecting whales”.

“Buenos Aires Group countries consider that the continuation of these catches year after year in spite of the international community rejection, do not contribute to a confidence environment that sponsors a constructive dialogue inside the IWC, the only multilateral forum which is recognized for the management and conservation of whales”, concludes the release.

Categories: Environment, Latin America.

Tags: Buenos Aires Group, IWC, Japan, Southern Whale Sanctuary, whale hunting, whales.

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thewhalepeople.com
It's great to see Latin Americans taking up the fight against illegal whaling. And although there will be those out there who comment that Japan is doing everything under “the rules of the law”, even Japan's own press rooms admit the lie. It's a whaling ship. No more, no less. And it is hunting in protected waters.

The good news is that the Japanese public are actually, for the most part, reacting favorably to less consumption of whale meat. 6000 tons of frozen whale meat sit in frozen storage, with officials scratching their head as to how to dispose of it. And now Japanese are asking why whaling is done so far away from home with such an abundance of whale meat that is not being consumed?

This is a major step in awareness in a culture that suppresses truth and who will prosecute those who blow the whistle on government officials. An ethnic that tells you to not question authority and know your place in life.

We can only hope more people join the ranks to voice their dissent and protect these magnificent creatures.
Feb 15th, 2011 - 05:48 pm 0
Lily
Pls. see the following article denouncing a Japanese whaler in the coast of CHile: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0InLtD-GQ0&feature=player_embedded
Feb 15th, 2011 - 08:12 pm 0
Marcos Alejandro
We should stop buying their cars around the world, I am sure that they will listen. I highly recommend watching The Cove.
http://www.takepart.com/thecove
Feb 15th, 2011 - 09:08 pm 0

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