What is the UKs position on Japanese Scientific Whaling activities?
Japan abides by the moratorium on commercial whaling, but exploits a loophole in the convention, which allows it to undertake special permit (so-called “scientific”) whaling. Its research programmes have not met with universal support or acclaim from the IWC Scientific Committee. That committee has not endorsed this so-called research and has expressed many reservations. The UK, together with a majority of IWC members, has consistently criticised Japan for its lethal whaling operations that are authorised under special permits (so called “scientific” whaling). Japanese whaling vessels are currently engaged in a programme of scientific whaling known as JARPA II in the Antarctic in which Japan plans to kill 935 Minke whales each year. It will also kill 50 Fin and 50 Humpback whales. This is particularly alarming as Humpback and Fin whales are classified as “vulnerable and endangered” respectively in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Such action severely hampers international effor
