On Tuesday, officials reported that Australia was going to draw the attention an international court to Japan's unethical whaling practices. As of right now, the overall international laws of whaling are still being disputed. But there are current laws in place, which state minimal whaling can take place for research purposes, which Australian officials believe Japan to be exploiting. However, the Japanese still believe it to be justified, "Japanese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hidenobu Sobashima said Tuesday that Japan's whaling, which has killed up to 1,000 whales in Antarctic waters annually, is authorized." Many believe the meat of these whales end up at fisheries, and in markets and restaurants for consumption. The Japanese believe that it is unfair to hinder practices that are deemed as a part of their cultural experience, and just because others do not agree or are not accustomed to these practices, does not mean they should hinder others' opportunities to do so. The Japanese also wanted to make it known that they believe in conservation as well, and do not plan on abusing their position in the case of an endangered species. At the conclusion of the article, it was stated that although there are minor disputes of environmental practices, Australia and Japan remain as close allies and trading partners.
By: Becca Sage
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/06/01/australia.japan.whaling.court/index.html?npt=NP1
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