Japan's recent decision to expand its whaling program to include
two additional species of protected whales has brought a wave of con
demnation worldwide.
The International Whaling Commission banned commercial whaling
in 1986. Despite that ban and in the face of
growing international protest, Japan has
killed over 5,000 whales under the guise
of "scientific research." The meat is sold
in Japanese markets.
This year Japan expanded this cruel and unsustainable hunt to
include endangered Bryde's whales and sperm whales, in addition to
the minke whales it has hunted for years.
This blatant disregard for an international treaty has triggered
outrage around the world.
i ne worm stands against Japanese whaling. Fifteen
nations, led by Ireland, have formally issued a diplomatic protest to the
government of Japan seeking an end
to scientific whaling, and stating their
particular concern "at the decision to
target two new species." Austria, Brazil,
Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico,
Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand,
Sweden, Switzerland, the US, and the UK joined Ireland in protesting
the Japanese action.
The President stands against Japanese whaling.
President Clinton has directed that Japan be denied access to allotments
for fishing US waters in response to Japan's
decision to expand its hunt to include two
whale species protected under US law. He has
further directed his cabinet to examine, over a
60 day period, other options including trade
sanctions and other economic measures.
The Secretaries of State and Commerce stand
against Japanese whaling. US Secretary of State Madeleine K.
Albright last month personally conveyed "strong disappointment"
to Japan's Foreign Minister, and warned of possible sanctions. US
Commerce Secretary Norman Y. Mineta on September 13th certified
(under the Pelly Amendment to the Fishermen's Protection Act of 1967)
that Japan is undermining international efforts to protect whales,
triggering a process for the president to consider trade sanctions
against Japan.
The US Congress stands against Japanese whaling.
A resolution now being circulated in the United States Congress urges
withholding of US support for a UN Security
Council seat for Japan until Japan ends its abuse
of the scientific whaling exemption under
International Whaling Commission rules. The
resolution, sponsored by US Representative William
Delahunt, questions whether Japan can be trusted to fulfill its commit
ments to the letter and spirit of multilateral environmental agreements.
Japanese environmentalists stand against Japanese
whaling. IRUKA & KUJIRA (Dolphin & Whale) Action Network in
Tokyo has written to Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright stating
that Japan should be denied a permanent seat on the UN Security
Council because of its expanding whaling operations. This group and
73 other Japanese organizations have united to oppose Japanese whal
ing practices. Public opinion polls in Japan show little support for
whaling, particularly if it damages Japan's image and economy overseas.
Take a stand now,
before it's too late.
IUrge the President to impose sanctions on Japan. Call
202/456-1414 or send an email to president@whitehouse.gov
2 Tell your Member of Congress to support the Delahunt
Resolution. (Contacts available in the "Find your official"
section of www.voter.com or check your local phone book.)
3 Visit www.StopWhalingNow.com for campaign updates
and more ways to help.
Stop the slaughter. Stop whaling now.