Japan leaves the commission to protect whales and announces the return of commercial whaling | Nature

• Why does Japan want to resume whaling while Japan's whaling trade International ban

Japan has been a member of the IWC since April 21, 1951. This organization was created seven decades ago to ensure the preservation of these cetaceans and to prevent their blind hunting in the oceans.

Since 1987, Japan has allowed the killing of whales for scientific purposes only, but the issue is controversial. Critics and animal welfare organizations say the program is being used. to cover the commercial hunt, since the meat is sold on the market.

The Japanese say whale consumption is part of the culture.

In September of the same year, Japan attempted to lift the ban on commercial whaling at the organization meeting in Santa Catarina, but was defeated in a vote.

In 2014, the International Criminal Court ruled that Japan had to stop hunting in Antarctica – which Tokyo did for a season, thus reducing the number of animals and species targeted, but having resumed for the 2015-2016 season.

The spokesman for the Japanese government said that after his withdrawal from the organization, the country would act as an observer within the IWC and would ensure that the Tokyo government remains committed to the management of marine resources according to scientific data.

Australia and New Zealand welcome the decision to abandon whaling in Antarctica but express their disappointment at Japan's decision to slaughter marine mammals.

Greenpeace condemned this decision and disputed the claim that whale stocks would have recovered, stressing that marine life was threatened by pollution and overfishing.

"Today's statement is in contradiction with the international community, not to mention the protection needed to preserve the future of our oceans and our majestic creatures," says the note. l & # 39; NGOs.