Japan’s controversial decision to expand its commercial whaling to include fin whales has sparked criticism from Australia and animal rights activists. The second-largest animal species on the planet, fin whales are deemed “vulnerable” by conservation experts, making Japan’s move even more alarming.
Adding fin whales to its catch list, which already includes minke, Bryde’s, and sei whales, Japan plans to hunt 59 of these majestic creatures this year. Australia’s environment minister Tanya Plibersek expressed deep disappointment, urging all countries to end commercial whaling.
The situation is further complicated by the arrest of prominent anti-whaling activist Paul Watson in Greenland, under an international warrant issued by Japan. Watson, the founder of Sea Shepherd, was detained while on a mission to confront Japan’s new whaling factory vessel in the North Pacific.
Japan’s history of whaling dates back centuries, with the meat serving as a crucial protein source post-World War II. Despite international tensions and reputation damage, Japan withdrew from the International Whaling Commission in 2019 and resumed commercial whaling in its waters, justifying the practice as sustainable.
\
[ad_2]
Source link
