WHALE HUNTERS MUST NOT HIDE BEHIND 'SCIENTIFIC' EXCUSE

11.28.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 28th Nov 2007

A West Midlands region MEP has written to the Japanese embassy to express her dismay that Japanese boats have already set sail on a mission to slaughter up to 1000 minke, fin and humpback whales between now and April 2008.

Local Euro MP Liz Lynne stresses that there is no need to kill whales for scientific research purposes, and for too long pro-whaling nations have hidden behind this as an excuse to resume commercial hunting for whale meat.

Speaking today, Liz Lynne said:

"The Japanese government must know the strength of public feeling against this needless whale slaughter, I have received many letters from concerned constituents requesting action.

"It is a great shame that the 1986 hunting ban agreed to International Whaling Commission left such a huge loophole in the legislation. It is no secret that past scientific hunts have led directly to whale meat going on sale in restaurants and supermarkets.

"I find it particularly alarming and offensive that this hunt will involve the fin and humpback whales, which are classified as 'endangered' and 'vulnerable'. That said the plight of whales generally is still precarious.

"To continue this slaughter of endangered species is extremely short-sighted and while it may adhere to the wording of the agreed moratorium on hunting, it does not adhere to the spirit. All members of the IWC need to work towards a comprehensive solution to whaling and European members need to speak with a unified voice to persuade the Japanese and others that this hunt is not acceptable."