15 April 2008 - The
Australian Government is disappointed that
551 minke whales were killed during the
2007/08 summer, but both pleased and relieved
that Japan did not proceed with the hunt
of humpback or fin whales.
It remains Australia’s
firm view that there is no scientific justification
for Japan’s whale hunt in the Southern Ocean.
The Government's objective
continues to be the cessation of whaling
by Japan in the Southern Ocean.
The Government will continue to work to
bring an end to whaling in the Southern
Ocean, including through bilateral discussions
with Japan and at the annual meeting of
the International Whaling Commission in
June this year.
As part of the Government’s
initiatives against whaling, the Oceanic
Viking monitored the whaling fleet for several
weeks in January and February.
The Oceanic Viking operated
in a safe and non-confrontational manner
while performing its monitoring and evidence
gathering mission. It was in regular communication
with the whaling fleet throughout.
Over the course of the
whaling season, the Australian Government
called repeatedly for all vessels in the
Southern Ocean to exercise restraint and
condemned all violent or illegal activities
that could endanger safety or lives at sea.
Despite these calls,
several incidents occurred which clearly
could have led to injuries or fatalities.
The Australian Federal Police is continuing
its enquiries into incidents involving the
Sea Shepherd during this period. The Australian
Government welcomes the continuing close
cooperation between Japanese and Australian
law enforcement authorities on these matters.
