Japan suspends Antartic whaling

[Princess Luna]

http://english.aljazeera.net/mritems/Images/2011/2/16/201121610223301360_20.jpg Japan halted the hunt after persistent "violent" disruptions by an anti-whaling group [GALLO/GETTY] Japan has temporarily suspended its annual Antarctic whaling after repeated harassment by a conservationist group, a government official has said.
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society ships have been chasing the Japanese whaling fleet for weeks in the icy seas off Antarctica, trying to block Japan's annual whale hunt, planned for up to 945 whales.
Japan has halted the hunt since February 10 after persistent "violent" disruptions by the anti-whaling protesters, Tatsuya Nakaoku, a fisheries agency official, said on Wednesday.
So far, the attacks have not caused any injuries or major damage to the vessels, he said, but the protesters are throwing rancid butter in bottles and once the protesters got a rope entangled in the propeller on a harpoon vessel, causing it to slow down.
"We have temporarily suspended our research whaling to ensure safety," he said.
The fleet plans to resume hunting when conditions are deemed safe, he added, but declined to say how long the suspension is planned for.
Controversial whaling
The whale hunts, which Japan says are for scientific purposes, are allowed by the International Whaling Commission as an exception to the 1986 ban.
But opponents say they are a cover for commercial whaling because whale meat not used for study is sold for consumption in Japan.
The Sea Shepherd group has been shadowing Japan's whaling fleet for several years, and its campaign has drawn high-profile donor support in the United States and elsewhere and spawned the popular Animal Planet series 'Whale Wars'.
Japan's fisheries agency has called Sea Shepherd a terrorist group for its actions.
Grant Pereira, an advisory board member for the group, welcomed the halt, saying Japan "should have suspended (the hunts) 10, 15 years ago," he said. "It's morally and legally wrong to kill whales."
While whale meat is not widely eaten in Japan, many people here believe it is hypocritical for westerners to condemn whaling while they kill cows, pigs, fish and lambs for food.
It is a cultural difference, they argue.
Last year, one of the Sea Shepherd's boats sank after colliding with a Japanese vessel.
Peter Bethune, the boat's captain from New Zealand, was later arrested when he boarded a whaling ship from a Jet Ski, and brought back to Japan for trial.
He was convicted of assault, vandalism and three other charges and given a suspended prison term. Bethune has since returned to New Zealand.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2011/02/20112169468973768.html

[ÑóẊîöʼn]

Good news.

945 whales! I'm absolutely disgusted that Japanese whalers would use science as a shield for their activities. How can you fuck up doing science so badly that you need nearly a thousand full-size whales in order to do it?

I also call bullshit on the comparison with farm animals. Unlike whales, farm animals have been bred over many generations to be reared and slaughtered for various human purposes. Whales are wild animals that are not only hunted instead of farmed, but hunted in spite of their dwindling numbers and threatened habitat.

Japanese whalers and their apologists are all a bunch of revolting cocks.

[RedStarOverChina]

Good news.

945 whales! I'm absolutely disgusted that Japanese whalers would use science as a shield for their activities. How can you fuck up doing science so badly that you need nearly a thousand full-size whales in order to do it?

I also call bullshit on the comparison with farm animals. Unlike whales, farm animals have been bred over many generations to be reared and slaughtered for various human purposes. Whales are wild animals that are not only hunted instead of farmed, but hunted in spite of their dwindling numbers and threatened habitat.

Japanese whalers and their apologists are all a bunch of revolting cocks.Not nearly as revolting as "Sea Shephard" and their supporters, I reckon.

[red cat]

A very good news for the environment and global eco-system.

But what will happen to the workers associated with whaling ?

[ÑóẊîöʼn]

Not nearly as revolting as "Sea Shephard" and their supporters, I reckon.

What exactly have they done that is any worse than a thinly-disguised commercial whaling operation using science as an excuse to plunder the planet we are all currently sharing?

[RedStarOverChina]

What exactly have they done that is any worse than a thinly-disguised commercial whaling operation using science as an excuse to plunder the planet we are all currently sharing?
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/MPGBFiV5YSo/0.jpg
Protecting endangered species is one thing---Making it seem like a moral outrage everytime someone kills a whale or a seal is another.

Killing endangered species of whales is probably not the best idea, but not all species of whales are endangered. The minke whales which constitude the majority of the Japanese catch, are by no means endangered.

Moreover, the attention-whore tactics used by Sea Shepard can only be described as shameless and cockish:

In his book, Earthforce!, Watson advises readers to make up facts and figures when they need to, and to deliver them to reporters confidently.[5] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_Shephard#cite_note-The_New_Yorker_2007-11-05-4) He also states that the "truth is irrelevant" due to the nature of mass media.[45] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_Shephard#cite_note-44) In response to criticism that he manipulates the media, Watson has stated: "What we do is provide the media with the kind of stories they can't resist... and this is how we bring attention to what's happening to the whales, the seals, the sharks and the other marine conservation campaigns we're involved in."[31] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_Shephard#cite_note-Telegraph_2009-04-17-30)Picking and crashing on whaler boats and then act like they were the victims of violence is just punching below the belt IMO.

[ÑóẊîöʼn]

http://i.ytimg.com/vi/MPGBFiV5YSo/0.jpg
Protecting endangered species is one thing---Making it seem like a moral outrage everytime someone kills a whale or a seal is another.

That's obnoxious, but what the whalers are doing is worse by far.


Killing endangered species of whales is probably not the best idea, but not all species of whales are endangered. The minke whales which constitude the majority of the Japanese catch, are by no means endangered.

I actually couldn't find any reliable data on the minke whale populations of Antarctica. It seems we don't even know how many there are, so how can you justify unregulated hunting deceitfully dressed up as scientific research?


Moreover, the attention-whore tactics used by Sea Shepard can only be described as shameless and cockish:

Picking and crashing on whaler boats and then act like they were the victims of violence is just punching below the belt IMO.

That sort of thing is why I don't take Greenpeace seriously when they talk about nuclear power. But minke whale meat isn't as important as electricity.

[Tablo]

I care about the environment, but I would like to know how many workers got laid off because of this? Also, I think general overfishing of the ocean is an infinitely bigger issue than whaling. Honestly, I don't particularly care too much about the whales and I especially don't care about the whales that are not endangered. Maybe I have my priorities a bit mixed up, but I really really hope the whalers did not lose their jobs and are now fishing something else or at least found some new employment.

Also, FUCK the sea shepherd and its crew.

[Widerstand]

"While whale meat is not widely eaten in Japan, many people here believe it is hypocritical for westerners to condemn whaling while they kill cows, pigs, fish and lambs for food."

Not like they weren't right with this...

Also the unemployment argument used here is fucking dodgy as hell. Would anyone oppose technological advance (automation) because workers will be laid off?

[Tablo]

"While whale meat is not widely eaten in Japan, many people here believe it is hypocritical for westerners to condemn whaling while they kill cows, pigs, fish and lambs for food."

Not like they weren't right with this...

Also the unemployment argument used here is fucking dodgy as hell. Would anyone oppose technological advance (automation) because workers will be laid off?

Killing whales and refusing to advance technology is entirely different.

I oppose workers being laid off, as I assume everyone here does. While I'm not a luddite, I don't want workers laid off because of tech advances. We should oppose layoffs whether they are done with or without tech advances because it is done purely out of a desire by capitalists to increase profit. The whole problem is ultimately capitalism and I don't think I wholly understand what is wrong with defending the workers employment, especially in such a competitive job market as Japan's.

[Widerstand]

Killing whales and refusing to advance technology is entirely different.

I oppose workers being laid off, as I assume everyone here does. While I'm not a luddite, I don't want workers laid off because of tech advances. We should oppose layoffs whether they are done with or without tech advances because it is done purely out of a desire by capitalists to increase profit. The whole problem is ultimately capitalism and I don't think I wholly understand what is wrong with defending the workers employment, especially in such a competitive job market as Japan's.

Defending the workers employment is all fine, but as you just said that's not an argument against stopping whaling, is it? You made it sound like it was. Also I very much doubt anyone got fired yet (then again they probably only have seasonal contracts, so I guess they may have been effectively laid off).

[RedStarOverChina]

I actually couldn't find any reliable data on the minke whale populations of Antarctica. I am by no means an expert on minke whale population, so I will have to rely on you-know-what for anecdotal evidence:


Recent genetic studies of Antarctic minke whales indicate the current population is likely to be lower than, or equal to historical levels. According to analyses by Ruegg, et al., the long-term population size of the Antarctic minke whale is estimated at 670,000 individuals.[9] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minke_whales#cite_note-8) The authors also argue '“The research suggests that direct competition for food is not keeping the [other species] large whale populations from recovering".

In 2010 Japan received a quota of 500 minke whales. Even if the above number is bloated, 500 minke whales a year probably won't make a dent on minke whale population.


so how can you justify unregulated hunting deceitfully dressed up as scientific research? Whaling is an unregulated, deceitfully packaged business partially because International Whaling Commission does not allow for sustainable commercial whaling.

I don't see the problem with sustainable commerical whaling in principle---Of course whether we can prove it's sustainable is another issue---One that I'm willing to leave to the experts.

[bcbm]

Not nearly as revolting as "Sea Shephard" and their supporters, I reckon.

yeah stopping people from killing whales is way more fucked up than killing whales.

[RedStarOverChina]

yeah stopping people from killing whales is way more fucked up than killing whales.
So you think harrassing and terrorizing butchershop workers, farm workers, fishermen, etc., is a good idea?

Or is it because certain animals such as whales, seals or dogs are untouchable because they are considered cute?

People get so sanctimonious when it comes to whales, seals, dolphins or dogs, that they jump to condemn anyone who dares to make a living by harvesting these animals for food or other needs. As if their sense of righteousness is self-evidently superior to all other perspectives.

[bcbm]

So you think harrassing and terrorizing butchershop workers, farm workers, fishermen, etc., is a good idea?


depends what theyre killing


lol "farm workers?" yeah save the grain

[RedStarOverChina]

depends what theyre killing

I'm glad you took the time to offer a well-articulated and thorough argument. You really nailed me there.

[StalinFanboy]

Aren't dolphins and whales some of the few types of animals that are of near human intelligence?

[RedStarOverChina]

Aren't dolphins and whales some of the few types of animals that are of near human intelligence?
Not so sure about whales, but dolphins, crows and pigs are considered some of the most intelligent animals there are.

Yes, I said pigs.

[Salyut]

I don't see the problem with sustainable commerical whaling in principle---Of course whether we can prove it's sustainable is another issue---One that I'm willing to leave to the experts.

Whale meat is full of mercury. (http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=packaged-whale-meat-in-ja) I know the orca pods in the Pacific Northwest have PCB contamination issues...

[bcbm]

I'm glad you took the time to offer a well-articulated and thorough argument. You really nailed me there.

anytime bro

[RedStarOverChina]

Whale meat is full of mercury. (http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=packaged-whale-meat-in-ja) I know the orca pods in the Pacific Northwest have PCB contamination issues...
So does the salmon, tuna, swordfish or any other predatory fish in the ocean. Moderate consumption of these fish does not negatively effect one's health---speaking from both personal experience as well as what the radio man told me.

Whale muscle meat actually has the similar or lower level of mercury than swordfish. (Note to self: NEVER eat any of the whale's internal organs. EVER.)

Plus, whale meat is quite expensive, those who can afford to eat enough whale meat to get themselves even a mild case of mercury poisoning are probably fat Japanese Bourgeois dickwads, so I don't care all that much. :p

[Salyut]

Plus, whale meat is quite expensive, those who can afford to eat enough whale meat to get themselves even a mild case of mercury poisoning are probably fat Japanese Bourgeois dickwads, so I don't care all that much. :p

It was my understanding that they serve it in schools. :(

[ÑóẊîöʼn]

So you think harrassing and terrorizing butchershop workers, farm workers, fishermen, etc., is a good idea?

Or is it because certain animals such as whales, seals or dogs are untouchable because they are considered cute?

People get so sanctimonious when it comes to whales, seals, dolphins or dogs, that they jump to condemn anyone who dares to make a living by harvesting these animals for food or other needs. As if their sense of righteousness is self-evidently superior to all other perspectives.

Alright then, since fish aren't particularly cute, and overfishing of cod and such is arguably more environmentally damaging than whaling, would you have problem with the active disruption of trawler fishing?

[RedStarOverChina]

Alright then, since fish aren't particularly cute, and overfishing of cod and such is arguably more environmentally damaging than whaling, would you have problem with the active disruption of trawler fishing?
I remember meeting a former fisherman from Newfoundland, Canada. He told me that back when Newfoundland's cod population collapsed in 1992, fishermen in Newfoundland were ordered to stay at home and refrain from any fishing activities. Most, including him complied. It wasn't long until they realized----surprise, surprise---fishing boats owned by large corporations were still allowed to operate with impunity, despite the government ban.

What I'm getting at is that I get the sense that much, if not the most of the illegal "fish/whale poaching" that's going on are committed by large corporations or other sizable enterprises. I cannot imagine individual fishermen going on whaling expeditions without the backing of corporate/big business' private capital.

If I'm correct in asserting that corporate capital is behind all the killing of whales, especially endangered whales, then why attack individual whaling boats and endanger the lives of their crew?

Wouldn't it be more effective (and less dickish) to tackle the businesses responsible for it, even if it means putting an end to dramatic television shows featuring the Sea Shephards being self-righteous douchebags?



It was my understanding that they serve it in schools. :(
That was between 1954-1970. Whale meat and sea food in general were probably less poisonous back then.

[Princess Luna]

I remember meeting a former fisherman from Newfoundland, Canada. He told me that back when Newfoundland's cod population collapsed in 1992, fishermen in Newfoundland were ordered to stay at home and refrain from any fishing activities. Most, including him complied. It wasn't long until they realized----surprise, surprise---fishing boats owned by large corporations were still allowed to operate with impunity, despite the government ban.

What I'm getting at is that I get the sense that much, if not the most of the illegal "fish/whale poaching" that's going on are committed by large corporations or other sizable enterprises. I cannot imagine individual fishermen going on whaling expeditions without the backing of corporate/big business' private capital.

If I'm correct in asserting that corporate capital is behind all the killing of whales, especially endangered whales, then why attack individual whaling boats and endanger the lives of their crew?

Wouldn't it be more effective (and less dickish) to tackle the businesses responsible for it, even if it means putting an end to dramatic television shows featuring the Sea Shephards being self-righteous douchebags?



That was between 1954-1970. Whale meat and sea food in general were probably less poisonous back then.
i don't see how they endanger the lives of the crew by throwing stink bombs and rancid butter on the deck. Also the whaling corporations most likely have a good deal of "friends" in the Japanese government so you can protest and petition all you want and it will likely amount to shit. The best way to bring down a corporation is by taking away its profit.

[RedStarOverChina]

i don't see how they endanger the lives of the crew by throwing stink bombs and rancid butter on the deck.
And one wonders why that did not replace signal lamps and flaghoist signaling as the standard form of navigational communication.

Sea shephard has a history of sinking whaling boats (http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:P5oJnmaz9OgJ:www.highnorth.no/library/movements/Sea_Shepherd/se-sh-re.htm+sea+shepard+violence&cd=1&hl=zh-CN&ct=clnk&source=www.google.com):

1993: Paul Watson orders the crew on board the Sea Shepherd vessel “Edward Abbey” (formerly US Navy) to open cannon fire at a Japanese fishing vessel.

The following transcript stems from the 1993 Yorkshire Television documentary “Defenders of the Wild - Ocean Rider”

Paul Watson (over the radio): We are going to ram you!
Stand clear!

A Taiwanese drift-netter (over the radio): “Why are you
crushing our ship?”

Paul Watson: “You are killing too many dolphins ..
and you insulted us by calling us creeps.”

From another confrontation with a Japanese fishing vessel:

Narrator: Sea Shepherd is ready to ram again.
Now Paul Watson wants the Edward Abbey to fire directly
at the drift-netters.

Watson: “Fire a couple in the stern right at the water line.
Nobody’s there.”

Narrator: “To the relief of many of the crew members the
order is not carried out. The Edward Abbey fires a cannon
shot across its bow. Still the Japanese ship does not stop."

# 1993: Sea Shepherd makes an unsuccesful attempt at scuttling the combined minke whaling and fishing vessel "Senet" at her moorings in Gressvik. The vessel was salvaged, but the water had caused some damage.

# 1993: Sea Shepherd concludes that the organisation has sunk 8 ships and rammed and damaged a further 6.Last year, one of Sea Shephard's boat crashed on a Japanese whaler boat----and then deliberately sank their own boat to gain public sympathy.

[Revy]

RSOC, do you think people should also be able to hunt chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas and orangutans for meat? Just because it's an animal doesn't mean it is equal in intelligence to farm animals. Dolphins and other cetaceans including whales have been shown to have high intelligence. The reason it's wrong to eat people is not because we are cute, most people who oppose whaling are not doing it for that reason. There is also the issue from when whale oil was made out of whale blubber almost bringing whales to extinction.

[Widerstand]

RSOC, do you think people should also be able to hunt chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas and orangutans for meat? Just because it's an animal doesn't mean it is equal in intelligence to farm animals. Dolphins and other cetaceans including whales have been shown to have high intelligence. The reason it's wrong to eat people is not because we are cute, most people who oppose whaling are not doing it for that reason. There is also the issue from when whale oil was made out of whale blubber almost bringing whales to extinction.

What about humans who are dumber than chimpanzees? (can happen unfortunately). Are we allowed to eat them?

Intelligence is a stupid criteria.

[RedStarOverChina]

RSOC, do you think people should also be able to hunt chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas and orangutans for meat? Just because it's an animal doesn't mean it is equal in intelligence to farm animals. Dolphins and other cetaceans including whales have been shown to have high intelligence. The reason it's wrong to eat people is not because we are cute, most people who oppose whaling are not doing it for that reason. There is also the issue from when whale oil was made out of whale blubber almost bringing whales to extinction.
People have been hunting primates for food since for ever. Admittedly, there seems to be some health risks associated with eating them---most notably, a little something called AIDS.

So yeah, there's my rationale for not eating primate bushmeat, however flawed it may be.

The level of an animal's cognition has nothing to do with what we eat. Pigs are far more intelligent than dogs or cats, yet in Western culture eating pork is considered acceptable while eating a dog or a cat would attract angry mobs as well as lead to a criminal conviction.