Japan has confirmed that it will leave the IWC (International Whaling Commission) to begin commercial whaling in July of next year.
The International Whaling Commission (IWC) has prohibited commercial whaling since 1986. It is a worldwide agreement that about 80 governments have signed throughout the world. Nonetheless, countries like Japan, Russia, Denmark, and Iceland have maintained commercial whaling despite opposition to the moratorium.
The government of Japan has legally proclaimed its resignation from the IWC in a new declaration, stating that whale stocks have returned to healthy levels. Whale flesh is a long-standing custom in Japan. Particularly for towns near the shore. The majority of customers, on the other hand, have lost interest in trying whale flesh. Whale hunting has always taken place on Japan’s territory and special economic zone in the Pacific. Commercial whaling is forbidden in Antarctic seas, according to the Antarctic Treaty. In this region, all economic activities are forbidden.
However, some environmentalists disagree with the choice and are dissatisfied with it. Greenpeace has accused Japan of being “sneaky” in trying to sneak in the statement over the Christmas season. Hoping that the aggressive action would go unnoticed by the rest of the globe. “It’s apparent that the administration is attempting to hide this revelation from foreign media towards the end of the year, but the world sees it for what it is,” says the author. According to Greenpeace Japan’s Executive Director, Sam Annesley
“Today’s announcement is out of sync with the international community, much alone the level of protection required to secure the future of our seas and these magnificent creatures,” he said.
“Overfishing in both Japanese coastal glasses of water and high seas areas has resulted in the extinction of several whale species due to contemporary fleet technology. The majority of whale population, especially bigger whales like blue whales, fin whales, and sei whales, have yet to be recovered.”
The international community has responded with political retaliation. Australia’s government has chastised Japan for its whale-hunting activities. As a result, they have issued a statement criticizing the withdrawal and expressing their “deep disappointment.”
In a joint statement, Australia’s foreign minister, Marise Payne, and environment minister, Melissa Price, stated,
“The International Whaling Commission serves a critical role in international collaboration on whale protection.”
“Their withdrawal is unfortunate, and Australia strongly urges Japan to rejoin the Convention and Commission as soon as possible.” Japan stated that it will continue to work with the IWC as an “observer.”