U.S. ‘deeply regrets’ Japan’s continued whaling

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following Japan’s latest announcement of continuing its whaling activities in the Southern Ocean, federal officials recently said in a press release that the U.S. “deeply regrets” Japan’s decision and “expresses its deep concern” about potential violence connected with whaling.

“We are very concerned about Japan continuing its whaling program in the Southern Ocean Sanctuary,” said Monica Medina, U.S. commissioner to the International Whaling Commission and principal deputy under secretary of commerce for National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration.

These catches, Medina said, will only increase the growing friction within the IWC over how to deal with the large number of whales that continue to be killed while a moratorium remains in place.

“There is no reason to kill these creatures in order to learn about them,” said Medina in the release. “All the necessary science that we need for the management of whales can be achieved using non-lethal techniques.”

The U.S. is also concerned by statements by anti-whaling activists that suggest life-threatening tactics would be employed during protest activities in the Southern Ocean.

“The safety of vessels and life at sea is the highest priority for the United States,” Medina said. “I ask all parties to respect the commission’s wishes and immediately refrain from any acts at sea that risk human life or safety. These dangerous confrontations in the Southern Ocean must stop before someone gets seriously hurt or even killed.”

In July 2011, IWC member nations adopted by consensus a resolution regarding the safety of vessels engaged in whaling and whale research-related activities. The resolution disapproves of actions that risk human life and property and supports navigational safety regulations.

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