Japan begins hunting large fin whales

Japan will add large fin whales to its list of commercially hunted species.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi made the announcement on May 9, saying Japan would resume hunting whales five years after leaving the international body that regulates commercial hunting of marine mammals.

According to a VNA correspondent in Tokyo, Japan resumed commercial whaling in its territorial waters and exclusive economic zone in 2019 after withdrawing from the International Whaling Commission (IWC).

Japan will add large fin whales to its list of commercially hunted species. Photo: japantimes.co.jp

This week, the Fisheries Agency sought public comment on a draft revision to its fisheries control policies that would allow commercial fin whale fishing.

At a regular press conference, Mr. Hayashi said the Japanese government will continue to promote whaling activities and take necessary diplomatic steps.

“Whales are an important food source and need to be used sustainably, based on scientific evidence,” said Mr. Hayashi, adding, “It is also important to inherit traditional culinary culture in Japan.”

Japan caught a total of 294 humpback, Bryde's and sei whales last year, according to government figures. The agency currently limits commercial whaling to three relatively small species.

Japan has faced criticism from environmental groups for launching scientific whaling in 1987, following an IWC ban on commercial whaling.

According to VNA/Tin Tuc Newspaper

Source: https://www.baoquangbinh.vn/quoc-te/202405/nhat-ban-bat-dau-san-ca-voi-vay-lon-2217919/