Media release - 9 January
2013 - The Gillard Government welcomes the
official confirmation by the Republic of
Korea that it will not go ahead with a lethal
so called “scientific” whaling program.
The decision was announced
in a circular released by the International
Whaling Commission.
Environment Minister
Tony Burke said he was pleased Korea had
carefully considered its approach to so
called ‘scientific’ whaling.
“The oceans can only
be properly cared for if every nation plays
its part,’’ Mr Burke said.
“This decision shows that Korea is willing
to be a responsible custodian of the oceans
and is willing to respect the moratorium
on commercial whaling.
“It contains some very strong lessons and
messages for Japan.”
The Government has been
advised that Korea has reviewed the strong
evidence that all information required for
whale conservation and management can be
obtained by modern, non-lethal research
methods and concluded there is no need to
proceed with a “scientific” whaling program.
“Australia is more than
happy to share our techniques and approaches
to non-lethal cetacean research to help
Korea answer their key management and conservation
priorities,” Mr Burke said.
Attorney General Nicola
Roxon said Australia is known for its firm
position on whaling
“We condemn all forms
of commercial whaling, including so-called
‘scientific’ whaling. There is no reason
to kill whales in the name of science,’’
she said.
“That’s why we are taking action in the
International Court of Justice to stop so
called ‘scientific’ whaling once and for
all.”
The International Court
of Justice will now set the case down for
oral hearing in The Hague. The Government
anticipates that the case is likely to be
listed for hearing in the latter half of
2013.
+ More
Japanese whaling vessels
nearing Macquarie Island
Media release - 31 January
2013 - The Australian Government has received
confirmation that a Japanese whaling support
vessel, the Shonan Maru No 2, has entered
our exclusive economic zone near Macquarie
Island in the Southern Ocean.
The Government strongly
objects to whaling vessels passing through
Australian territorial seas or our exclusive
economic zone.
Australia has made it
clear to Japan on a number of occasions
that vessels associated with its whaling
program are not welcome in Australia's Exclusive
Economic Zone (EEZ) or Territorial Sea.
The vessel is a non-whaling
support ship which forms part of the fleet
accompanying whaling vessels.
Our embassy in Tokyo has conveyed these
sentiments directly to the Japanese government.
