Senators Boxer and Snowe Pleased Japan is Scaling Back its Whale Hunt

December 21, 2007 -- Washington, DC -- U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME) said they were encouraged by Japan’s decision to suspend its hunt of humpback whales at the request of the United States.

“I am pleased that Japan has responded to international pressure and suspended part of what its Fisheries Agency calls its largest whale hunt ever,” Boxer said. “While I am glad that the Japanese have called off their hunt of humpback whales, I remain concerned that they are still hunting over 1,000 whales, including the endangered fin whale.”

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Senator Snowe said, “Japan's decision to halt their planned hunting of endangered humpback whales shows the positive outcomes that can be achieved through effective diplomacy. This decision underscores the importance of the International Whaling Commission’s efforts to protect large whales. IWC Chairman Bill Hogarth should be commended for the instrumental role he played in achieving this important outcome for the conservation and protection of this endangered species. As Bill prepares to retire as Assistant Administrator of the National Marine Fisheries Service, this is certainly a remarkable achievement that will shape his legacy of success in the international marine conservation arena.”

Senators Boxer and Snowe, along with six other Senators, sent a letter to the Japanese Ambassador to the United States last month asking Japan to suspend or limit its whale hunt and spare protected and endangered whales, including humpback and fin whales.

The text of the letter follows:

November 29, 2007

The Honorable Ryozo Kato
Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of Japan to the United States
2520 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20008

Dear Ambassador Kato:

We write today to respectfully request that Japan reconsider its impending hunt of approximately 1,000 whales, including fin and protected humpback whales. As we understand, a Japanese whaling fleet is en route to the Antarctic Ocean to hunt these mammals over the next few months for what Japan has called research purposes. We are particularly concerned about the size and scope of the hunt, and the targeting of 50 humpback whales. This is the first time Japan has sought to kill this particular species since it was protected by a worldwide moratorium in 1966.

First and foremost, we believe there are other means available for Japan to undertake scientific research on whales and whale populations. In 1986, the International Whaling Commission banned commercial whaling, while providing an exemption for scientific research. While we acknowledge the exemption, we question the necessity of conducting a hunt of this magnitude, and are strongly opposed to the targeting of protected species. Non-lethal techniques exist that allow collection of necessary data to better understand whale populations, and we encourage Japan to conduct its research using these methods.

We also worry that Japan’s proposed actions could inflict significant harm on vulnerable whale populations. Whales are highly migratory animals and a shared global resource. Humpback whales, known for their unique vocalizations and athleticism, were once hunted to the brink of extinction. And although populations have increased, the World Conservation Union currently lists the humpback whale and the fin whale as vulnerable and endangered, respectively.

As such, we join the growing chorus of world leaders and environmental experts in asking Japan to reconsider its decision to conduct this hunt, or, at a minimum, significantly scale back its scope. We also ask that Japan immediately cease the killing of both humpback and fin whales, and only employ non-lethal techniques for studying these populations. By pursuing these actions, Japan can continue to make significant scientific contributions, while conserving and protecting these important species.

Thank you for your consideration of this important request.

Source: Senator Barbara Boxer