Reject Japan's Latest "Scientific" Whale Killing Plan

Japan has submitted a whale killing proposal to the International Whaling Commission (IWC) — the global body that oversees the protection of endangered whales. Japan plans to kill 333 minke whales every year for the next 12 years under the guise of "scientific research".

Minke whales are intelligent, sensitive mammals who communicate with each other through complex vocalizations. Killing them under the guise of "science" is inhumane.

Last year, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Japan to shut down its "scientific whaling" program in the Antarctic, concluding it was not scientific research. The court also found Japan's whaling operations violated the ban on commercial whaling and compromised the integrity of the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary. Following the ruling, the IWC approved plans to tighten the rules around whaling for research purposes, and passed a resolution to uphold the ICJ ruling. This effectively shut down Japan's Antarctic whaling plans.

Now Japan is trying to find another way to kill whales. Following the latest proposal, nearly 500 cetacean scientists and researchers from 30 countries are rallying against it, according to news reports. They are urging the IWC to reject the plan. But if the IWC is to listen, they need our support.

Will you join me in urging the IWC to reject Japan's attempt to start whaling again under the guise of "scientific research"?