An Early End to Japan’s Whaling Season, and What It Means for Dolphins

[synchromesh]

An Early End to Japan’s Whaling Season, and What It Means for Dolphins

February 22, 2011 by David Phillips, Save Japan Dolphins

By Ric O’Barry

Campaign Director

Save Japan Dolphins

Earth Island Institute

It’s official. The Japanese government has recalled its whale-killing fleet from Antarctica, citing interference from activists from Sea Shepherd. The withdrawal is a resounding victory for whales and all the organizations working to stop Japan’s killing of whales and dolphins. It has also sent shock waves through the notorious and politically powerful Japan Fisheries Agency. Even Japan’s mafia, the Yakuza, has used the whaling issue to vilify foreigners and the influence of environmentalists. Many of our allies in Japan have been regularly intimidated by the combined power of the government and the extreme nationalist groups.

But while Japanese Fisheries Agency has maintained that it would never stop its Antarctic whale killing, it has now done just that. The impacts on the entire whaling and dolphin-killing policies of Japan are in flux.

Without question, the relentless and building internal and external pressure on Japan to change is working. It is now seriously doubtful that Japan will be able to send the fleet back to Antarctica again. The Cove movie and our work in Taiji, combined with scientific rebukes regarding Japan’s irresponsible global killing of whales, dolphins, sharks, and bluefin tuna are changing the landscape.

The issue of the Japanese dolphin slaughter is no longer a big secret. I used to plead with Japanese media to write a single line, but since last year the media now chases me for the story.

The Japanese public is also changing. The older generation that consumed whale meat is rapidly passing. Despite government denial of concern about mercury poisoning, the public is rejecting buying whale and dolphin meat. Consumption has gone down an astonishing 30% just in the past year, mostly, we have been told by insiders, due to mercury concerns among consumers and grocers.

Whale meat is now piling up in storage freezers – an astonishing 5,670 tons, the most ever. The government is desperately trying to get rid of whale meat through offering it to school lunch programs and other gimmicks.

Japan’s whaling and dolphin-killing machines have been so badly battered in the past year, that discussions are being raised in high circles as to whether it is worth it.

But our response must be clear. We must redouble our efforts and intensify pressure inside and outside Japan. We must fight strenuously against any effort by the Japanese government to step-up killing of dolphins and whales in order to replace the losses from their failed Antarctic operations.

Please go to our Action Page to get involved, and encourage your friends, neighbors, and family to do so as well:

http://www.savejapandolphins.org/take-action/support-us-on-the-frontlines-in-japan

Source

[occidentalis]

Very happy to admit that maybe I was wrong about the Sea Shepherd's tactics. Hopefully this is not just a temporary win.

[WoodDragon]

All I can say is FTW Sea Shepherd!

Unfortunately, elsewhere dolphins are having a bit of a hard time of it.

Edited February 26, 2011 by WoodDragon

[Magicdirt]

`

Edited May 8, 2011 by Magicdirt

[tripsis]

Excellent news! The Sea Shepard is awesome. Huge respect for those who dedicate their time to go out there and fight the battle on the open water.

[synchromesh]

Direct Action definitely has a place in the world.