Japan begins Pacific whale 'research,' plans to kill 51 minkes

[Omaha Steve]

I found this while looking for info on the Norway whaling post: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10025511927

http://rt.com/news/185812-japan-starts-whale-hunting/

Published time: September 07, 2014 18:08



Workers butcher a Baird's Beaked whale at Wada port in Minamiboso, southeast of Tokyo, June 28, 2008. (Reuters / Toru Hanai)


Japan has launched its seasonal Pacific whale hunt off Hokkaido Island, planning to kill 51 minke whales for what it describes as “research” purposes. Earlier this year, the International Court banned Japan’s Antarctic whale hunt, deeming it unscientific.

Four ships set sail from the port city of Kushiro on Sunday for Japan’s annual “research-based” whale hunting campaign, local media reported.

The fleet plans to catch 51 minke whales during the trip, which is to last through the end of October, Japan’s Fisheries Agency said.

The campaign is officially aimed at researching the contents of whales' stomachs to survey the impact of their predation on coastal fishing, the Japan Times reported. The meat of the mammals will be sold in markets and restaurants. Environmental activists claim that Japan’s “research” is a cover-up for commercial whaling.



An animal rights activist covered in red paint lies on a white sheet made to look like a Japanese flag during a protest against dolphin and small whale slaughter, Madrid, September 3, 2008. (Reuters / Susana Vera)

FULL story at link.

[Baclava]

1. 'Whaling has a long history in Japan... and is considered to be a part of traditional life'

Japan set to resume whale hunts in Antarctic despite UN ban

Minke, fin and humpback whales were the targets of Japanese hunters before the fatal studies were banned by the U.N. Officials in Tokyo stated that only minke whales will be hunted in the revamped studies, as that species is believed to be more numerous than other whales

Whaling has a long history on the island nation of Japan, and is considered to be a part of traditional life. In June, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe raised ire among many people of other nations when he promised to eventually resume commercial whaling.

Prior to the ruling by the ICJ, whale quotas for expeditions usually called for 935 minke whales to be harvested, along with smaller quantities of other species.

http://www.techtimes.com/articles/14772/20140905/japan-resuming-whale-hunt-antarctic-un-ban.htm