Six Japanese whaling boats set sail on November 8 from Shimonoseki, Japan on a five-month voyage into the Southern Ocean Sanctuary around Antarctica. Their purpose: to kill more than 930 whales in the name of science.
Despite a resolution passed at the last International Whaling Commission calling on Japan to reconsider its “scientific” whaling program, this year's fleet will more than double the whales it killed last year. For the first time 10 fin whales, the world's second largest animal, will be killed. There are also plans for the endangered humpback whale to suffer the same fate in the near future.
Scientific whaling is nothing more than commercial whaling in disguise, with the whale meat from the hunt being sold on the open market.
According to a leading international law professor, the Japanese Government is breaching international laws by continuing its 'scientific' whale hunt. You can put a stop to whaling by helping IFAW convince the Australian Government to take the Japanese Government to the international courts.
Your donation enables us to build our case against Japan's scientific whaling program … before it's too late. IFAW also replaces dangerous fishing gear that entangles whales, reduces ship strikes and ocean noise through new legislation, fights for whale sanctuaries, and establishes whale watching programs around the world.
Despite a worldwide ban on whaling and international criticism, the painful killing of whales continues under the guise of 'scientific' whaling for research purposes. There is no need to kill a whale in order to study it. There are compelling arguments that Japan is flouting international law. Tell the Australian government that it's time to take legal action.
The painful killing of whales does not benefit science, whales or people. We need as many people as possible to voice their outrage at the hunting of humpbacks and other majestic whales in international waters. An e-card is the perfect way to ask friends and family to get involved.
Find out how Australia can challenge Japan's scientific whaling program in international court. Whales already face grave threats from pollution, ocean noise, ship strikes and entanglements. Japan's exploitation of the scientific whaling loophole to kill more whales is an outrage that must be stopped. There is a more economically viable and sustainable way. Learn more here.
