Earth Protect Blog

No-kill researchers sail to study Antarctic whales

Researchers set sail from New Zealand on Tuesday to study whales off Antarctica without killing them - an open challenge to Japan's killing of up to 1,000 whales a year in the name of science.

By RAY LILLEY
Associated Press Writer
WELLINGTON, New Zealand —

Japan has a six-boat whaling fleet in Antarctic waters as part of its scientific whaling program, an allowed exception to the International Whaling Commission's 1986 ban on commercial whaling. Opponents claim Japan's program is commercial whaling in disguise, with the whale meat sold for food in Japan.

Some 18 scientists from Australia, France and New Zealand are taking part in the initial six-week voyage from the New Zealand capital, Wellington, to research whales, their food and their interaction with the environment.

complete article at http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2010954397_apasantarcticawhaling.html