Australian Government declares opposition to Japanese whaling in the Southern Ocean

The Australian Government has joined 32 like-minded nations to protest Japan's decision to resume whaling in the Southern Ocean this summer.

Governments urged Japan to respect the International Whaling Commission's procedures and the advice of its Expert Review Panel and Scientific Committee. There is no scientific basis to include lethal methods in Japan's whaling program. As such, Japan should not issue a special permit to conduct lethal whaling activities.

The science is clear: all information necessary for management and conservation of whales can be obtained through non-lethal methods.

The Australian Government does not support what is a deeply disappointing decision by Japan and we will continue to raise our concerns at the highest level of the Japanese Government.

Australia is committed to the protection of whales. We will continue our efforts in the International Whaling Commission to promote whale conservation and uphold the global moratorium on commercial whaling.

We are working with other likeminded nations to build international consensus against Japanese whaling. We are also exploring options for further legal action.