Japan - stop the senseless deaths in the Antarctic

6 January 2009

(Sydney, Australia) - IFAW extends condolences to the family of Hajime Shirasaki, the 30 year old crew member missing overboard from whale spotter ship the Kyoshin Maru No 2, and urges the Government of Japan to close the whaling season early to prevent anymore meaningless deaths.

“Since Japan began defying the international whaling ban more than 20 years ago there has been a litany of disasters threatening human lives, the survival of species and severe environmental damage to one of the most pristine areas on Earth,” IFAW Campaigns Manager, Darren Kindleysides, said.

Shirasaki’s death follows the loss of Kazutaka Makita, the crew member who died in a blaze onboard the Nisshin Maru, during the 2007 hunt and the brutal killing of almost 10,000 whales in the Antarctic for “science” by Japan since the global moratorium on whaling came into force in 1986.

“In light of yet another tragedy we ask the Japanese Government to reflect on the terrible costs this unnecessary slaughter brings for people, whales and the environment.

“Japan’s whaling program is a bloody stain on the Antarctic environment. The whalers should return to port before more lives are lost,” Mr Kindleysides said.

For media-related inquiries, contact:
Kerry Glenn, IFAW Asia Pacific Communications Officer
Tel: +61 9288 4993
Mobile: 0437 414 329
Email: kglenn@ifaw.org