Why Does Japan Need Scientific Whaling?
Since it was introduced, the Japanese have repeatedly changed the stated aims of the JARPA (Japanese Whale Research Programme under Special Permit in the Antarctic) scientific whaling program.
The original objectives concerned the estimation of biological parameters for
stock management of minke whales, and elucidation of the role of minke and sperm
whales in the marine ecosystem (although the sperm whale element of the proposal
was dropped).
In 1995-96, a new objective was introduced; to investigate the effects of environmental changes on cetaceans. In addition, the research was expanded into adjacent areas and a further 100 animals a year were taken.
At the time, the IWC Scientific Committee were told that this was for "one year only," although the extra catches have continued ever since.
Japan claims that consumption of fish by whales has led to imbalances in the marine ecosystem and has used this assumption to justify the expansion of scientific whaling in the North Pacific.
The Japanese Press Agency, Kyodo, (3 May 2000) reported that: "Japan says it wants to research ecosystems by studying the types and amounts of marine life consumed by the two species of whale."
In 1995-96, a new objective was introduced; to investigate the effects of environmental changes on cetaceans. In addition, the research was expanded into adjacent areas and a further 100 animals a year were taken.
At the time, the IWC Scientific Committee were told that this was for "one year only," although the extra catches have continued ever since.
Japan claims that consumption of fish by whales has led to imbalances in the marine ecosystem and has used this assumption to justify the expansion of scientific whaling in the North Pacific.
The Japanese Press Agency, Kyodo, (3 May 2000) reported that: "Japan says it wants to research ecosystems by studying the types and amounts of marine life consumed by the two species of whale."
Photo © IFAW
