Australia wants Japan to call off humpback hunt

The Japan News.Net
Wednesday 19th December, 2007

An Australian plan to get Japan to abandon the killing of humpback whales in the Southern Ocean could be settled later this week.

Australia will lead a diplomatic protest against the plan in Tokyo, where diplomats have already revealed that Japan may agree to abandon the humpback kill because of world concerns.

Japan's intention has been to harpoon up to one thousand humpback whales in the Southern Ocean, off Australia, as part of what it says is scientific research.

Whatever happens to the humpbacks, Japan will probably continue with plans to kill up to 900 minke whales under its program, which is conducted under the auspices of the International Whaling Commission.

Japan says it is not concerned about Australian plans to send navy ships to monitor its whale kill this Southern Hemisphere summer.

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