The strangeness of Japan's decision to start openly hunting whales
Japan is facing international condemnation after confirming it will resuming commercial whaling for the first time in more than 30 years.
The country’s fleet will resume commercial operations in July next 2019, the government’s chief spokesman, Yoshihide Suga, said of the decision to defy the 1986 global ban on commercial whaling.
Suga told reporters the country’s fleet would confine its hunts to Japanese territorial waters and exclusive economic zone, adding that its controversial annual expeditions to the Southern Ocean – a major source of diplomatic friction between Tokyo and Canberra – would end.
He said Japan would officially inform the IWC of its decision by the end of the year, which will mean the withdrawal comes into effect by 30 June.
Its decision prompted criticism from conservationists and other nations including the UK and Australia.
The UK’s environment secretary, Michael Gove, said he was “extremely disappointed” by Japan’s move.
He said in a tweet: “The UK is strongly opposed to commercial whaling and will continue to fight for the protection and welfare of these majestic mammals.”
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