| Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC December 21, 2007 Japan Agrees to Suspend its Hunt of Humpback WhalesWe welcome today’s announcement from Japan that it will suspend its plan to target humpback whales during this year’s whaling program that is underway in the seas off Antarctica. The decision follows several rounds of talks between the U.S. chairman and Japanese vice-chairman of the International Whaling Commission (IWC). The IWC announced the agreement publicly today, and the Department of State has supported the U.S. chairman’s dialog with his Japanese counterparts since June. Japanese ships left for Antarctica on November 18.
“Japan’s decision will promote global efforts to protect the endangered humpback whale,” said Assistant Secretary Claudia McMurray. “It also is an important step in fostering continued cooperation through the IWC.” Japanese officials told the U.S. Commissioner and IWC chairman Bill Hogarth they would postpone the harvest of humpback whales at least until after the next meeting of the International Whaling Commission slated for June. This year, Japan had planned to target 50 humpback whales for the first time in its Antarctic program along with 50 fin whales and up to 935 minke whales. 2007/1152 |
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