WHALE HUNTERS MUST NOT HIDE BEHIND 'SCIENTIFIC' EXCUSE
November 28, 2007 12:00 AM
A Liberal Democrat MEP has written to the Japanese embassy to express her dismay that Japanese boats have already set sail on a mission to slaughter up to 1000 minke, fin and humpback whales between now and April 2008.
Liz Lynne MEP stresses that there is no need to kill whales for scientific research purposes, and for too long pro-whaling nations have hidden behind this as an excuse to resume commercial hunting for whale meat.
Speaking today, Liz Lynne said:
"The Japanese government must know the strength of public feeling against this needless whale slaughter, I have received many letters from concerned constituents requesting action.
"It is a great shame that the 1986 hunting ban agreed to International Whaling Commission left such a huge loophole in the legislation. It is no secret that past scientific hunts have led directly to whale meat going on sale in restaurants and supermarkets.
"I find it particularly alarming and offensive that this hunt will involve the fin and humpback whales, which are classified as 'endangered' and 'vulnerable'. That said the plight of whales generally is still precarious.
"To continue this slaughter of endangered species is extremely short-sighted and while it may adhere to the wording of the agreed moratorium on hunting, it does not adhere to the spirit. All members of the IWC need to work towards a comprehensive solution to whaling and European members need to speak with a unified voice to persuade the Japanese and others that this hunt is not acceptable."
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Liz Lynne MEP has long campaigned on animal welfare issues, recently speaking in strong support of the recent EU proposal for a ban on the import of cat and dog fur into the European Union due to the horrific practices often involved in their slaughter in the Far East.
Concerns of a resumption of commercial whaling have grown in recent times, since a 2006 IWC resolution in favour passed by a majority of one, with Denmark voting with pro-whaling countries such as Japan. This raises the possibility of commercial hunting, although any vote would require 75% of IWC members to be in favour.
Liz has added her support to calls in favour of the EU becoming a full IWC member, saying that a unified EU voice would give more weight to the pro-conservation and anti-hunting members.
What would you like to do next?
-
Subscribe for updates
Follow the party's activity on...
- Twitter:
- Liberal Democrats
- Facebook:
- Liberal Democrats
- YouTube:
- Liberal Democrats