2002.06.21 IWC/54/OS
IKANOpening Statement of Iruka (Dolphin) and Kujira (Whale) Action Network
Request for more discussions that have a positive contribution to
cetacean conservation
Dolphin and Whale Action Network is a citizens group dedicated to
working for the conservation of dolphins and whales from in Japan. We
recognize the serious impact of Japanese whaling and dolphin hunts, and
also the human-induced climate changes and marine water pollution on
whale species.
We feel there is a need for the immediate and sustainable whale
conservation plans, and present the following to IWC.
Scientific whaling is contributory only to the whaling industry,
and we feel that our taxes are used improperly. Scientific whaling also
increases the possibility of the circulation of illegal whale meat.
There are experts inside Japan who take a critical view towards
the put forth problem that the whales are the sole cause of the decline
in fish catch. It is unscientific to use such excuse to attempt the expansion
of scientific whaling.
High level chemical contamination of whale meat is now a well-known
fact. Even then, there are some people who try to hide this problem and
start to enlarge the circulation of the meat. We should not allow expansion
of such circulation. It also distributes products that would threaten
human health, for the benefit of only a few people.
Dolphin hunts in the Japanese coastal waters have been ongoing,
for meat that is sold as whale meat. Among the dolphins caught, are
species whose populations are threatened due to the heavy industrial
pressure.
Iruka (Dolphin) & Kujira (Whale) Action Network
http:homepage1.nifty.com/IKAN/