Japan to Propose Partial Resumption of Commercial Whaling

June 27, 2018

Tokyo- Japan plans to propose a partial resumption of commercial whaling at a general meeting of the International Whaling Commission in Brazil in September, officials said Tuesday.

Japan made a similar proposal in 2014, which was rejected due to opposition from antiwhaling countries.

Japan has halted commercial whaling since 1988 in line with a moratorium by the IWC. But the country now sees it possible to restart commercial catches of minke and some other whales whose resources are sufficient.

The IWC consists of 40 whaling countries and 48 antiwhaling countries.

Nothing has been decided for a long period of time because important proposals, such as catch quotas and areas of protection, currently require support from three-quarters of countries present.

Japan will also propose allowing important proposals to be adopted by a majority vote if approved by a subordinate body of the general meeting.

The rule change will make it easier for the IWC to introduce measures that antiwhaling countries want, including setting up whale protection areas.

Japan believes that the proposal for the rule change will help weaken opposition to the partial restart of commercial whaling. Jiji Press