THE WORLD VOTES AGAINST EXPANHED ‘SCIENTIFIC’ WHALING

22/06/2005 - Australia’s resolution to condemn Japan’s plan to expand its so-called “scientific” whaling take has passed at the International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting in Ulsan, South Korea this afternoon.

Japan took a proposal to the IWC to more than double its take of minke whales to 935 and to start taking humpback and fin whales.
Australia was supported by 29 other countries to defeat Japan’s plan at the meeting.

The final vote saw 30 nations vote with Australia and 27 nations vote against. The Solomon Islands abstained from the vote.

“Australia and pro-conservation nations have today won a massive victory for whale conservation,” Senator Campbell said.
“This is a fantastic outcome because it reinforces Australia’s determination to ensure all commercial and so-called “scientific” whaling is consigned to the dustbin of history.

“It is imperative now that Japan and the pro-whaling nations comply completely with the decision by this world whaling body.
“To do anything different would signficantly damage Japan’s international standing and seriouslyundermine the whole credibility of the IWC,” Senator Campbell said.