But the IWC has been losing momentum in the past decade - essentially allowing some countries to whale under the guise of "research".
In fact, over the past 20 years the number of whales being hunted has gone from just a handful a year, to over 2000 a year (figures collated by the WDCS)
The IWC meets regularly, and is made up of countries around the world, which vote on various whaling and conservation related issues,
But, something fishy is going down at the latest IWC Inter-Sessional meeting in Rome.
The IWC Chairman is putting forward a proposal to allow Japan to whale in its own waters, but not in the waters of other countries.
While, to some, this may seem a reasonable compromise - allowing Japan to have its way and harvest whales only in its own territory - it could open up a can of worms.
Every country in the IWC gets the same vote - whether it's a small Island in the Caribbean, or Australia or the U.S.
WDCS Australia says Japan and Norway have been working behind the scenes over the past several years to buy the votes of smaller, poorer countries and Islands, so they can vote in favour of resuming commercial whaling.
Those opposed to whaling believe if Japan is given the green light by the international community to hunt in its own waters - then there will be a surge by other pro-whaling countries to do the same, which could lead to the resumption of commercial whaling.
I, for one cannot believe the very organisation which was formed to stop commercial whaling, may in fact allow it to start again.
Australia, of course is opposed to the proposal - but it will be voted on, by all countries involved in the IWC - including those smaller nations, bought out by the likes of Japan and Norway.
The final draft of this proposal will be put up at the next main IWC meeting to be held in June in Portugal.
So, while we here in South Australia look forward to w
Comments
Say no whaling, its all wrong and research is just an excuse. Where's our conscience?
Mar 12 07:42 pma huge no should be the answer from everyone its cruel and barbaric no animal should go through such pain especially as carcasses are wasted as hardly anyone in japan want to eat whale meat
Mar 15 11:28 amWhaling is disgusting, it should be outlawed immediately. For science, what a lot of garbage. It is about time the Governments of the world produced a backbone and forced the Japanese to stop. Tony5
Mar 24 09:30 amThere is no reason that whaling should be allowed to continue. The biggest problem is the administration in powerful countries such as our own do not simply have the balls to say NO. Total block on all import and export to Japan. Total fuel blockade to Japan and also extend it to other countries such as Norway if they so desire to continue down the path.. What is wrong with nil tolerance. spineless authorities that we have that cant stand up for what the majority of the global people want.
Mar 26 08:14 am