Editorial: Whale hunts need to stop

FILE

Japan has again defied international opinion by resuming Southern Ocean whaling.

Acting Foreign Minister Todd McClay has hit out at the decision, calling on Japan to heed the 2014 International Court of Justice decision and international scientific advice concerning their whaling activities.

In early 2015, the International Whaling Commission's expert panel issued clear and unambiguous recommendations that Japan postpone the lethal components of its research proposal, he says.

A year earlier, the International Court of Justice found Japan's previous Southern Ocean whaling programme to be unlawful, as it was not for purposes of scientific research.

It is deplorable that to this day whales - intelligent and social marine mammals - are threatened with slaughter.

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Exploitation by the whaling industry led to serious declines in many of the world's populations of whales, although thankfully many are now in the process of recovering.

Acting Foreign Minister Todd McClay

According to the International Whaling Commission one reason for this is the improved management of whaling that began in the mid-1970s, when management by population or stock was introduced.

Clearly, if whale populations are to be preserved then the hunting of whales, often perpetrated in the name of science, must end.

Japan appears to take a different view.

Its willingness to go against international opinion is alarming and must not go unchallenged.

It is pleasing to see our Government take a steadfast position on this issue.

Across the Tasman, Australian Environment Minister Greg Hunt has also voiced opposition, saying Australia did not accept in any way, shape or form the concept of killing whales for so-called 'scientific research'.

Mr McLay says New Zealand will continue to actively pursue an end to Southern Ocean whaling - hopefully more countries will condemn Japan's actions and international pressure will force it to review its decision.