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26 July 2001
Japan tries to obstruct moves to protect
critically endangered whale population
| London - Greenpeace expressed outrage today at Japan's decision
to vote against a proposal to protect the critically endangered
Western North Pacific Gray whales, of which there are believed
to be less than 100 left. |
Gray whale courtship. © Nolan/Innerspace
Visions |
Japan was the only country to vote against a proposal at the International
Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting to 'safeguard' the remaining whales
which are listed as 'critically endangered' by the World Conservation
Union, putting them in the same bracket as the black rhinoceros
and mountain gorilla.
Gray whale. © Herrmann/Innerspace Visions |
The proposal, which called for countries to "actively pursue
all practicable actions" to eliminate man-made mortality"
was put forward following a disturbing report by the IWC's
scientific committee.
The report observed how the Western North Pacific Gray whale
population had only 12 adult females bearing calves and that
some individuals were skinny.Worryingly the report also found
that of the less than 100 individuals, the ratio seemed to
be two males to one female.
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"The loss of a single individual whale from this population brings
it one step closer to extinction," said Greenpeace whale campaigner,
Richard Page. "Japan has shown its true colours today by voting
against attempts to save this critically endangered whale population
and clearly regards whales and whale conservation with contempt.
"Japan always claims that its pro-whaling initiatives are based
on sound science, but it's clearly prepared to ignore scientific
advice when it does not fit its pro-whaling agenda," he added.
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