“It appears obvious there is almost no market for whale meat, so if the Japanese government will not listen to the conservation argument to stop whaling, perhaps Iceland’s official recognition that there’s no market for the meat could finally encourage Japan to stop its expanded ‘scientific’ whaling program.”
New Zealand Conservation Minister John Carter disputing the supposed demand for whale meat.
The market for whale meat in Japan is probably nowhere near the size so-called ‘scientists’ may suggest, although Mr Carter’s claims that there’s almost none is equally suspect. It’s true that schoolchildren in certain areas are being lumbered with the stuff whether they like it or not, but on the other hand, some people do seem to buy it simply because they want to.
Plus to try and increase interest and tempt those willing to give it a whirl, whale is now available in cute little cans.
And for those after something fresher, supermarkets seem to have finally sussed that presentation could be a powerful tool in boosting whale sales. This for example doesn’t look especially appetising.
But with the addition of a bit of green and a lovely little flower, the minke below is much more appealing.
Maybe.
Jon says
It doesn’t look so great, but I’d still like to try it if I could get a chance.
Debs says
Not for me thanks…..
The Truth says
I love Japan, but this slaughter NEEDS TO STOP.
AS says
Hmmm…I am one for trying “exotic” foods but when it comes to endangered species I have my doubts.
Paul says
Wow, that really doesn’t look that appealing at all. That said, I am partial to a bit of black pudding every now and then, so who am I to judge?
hyes says
hey but what about other animals that we eat? isnt that also slaughtering?
dont we kill cows in SLAUGHTERHOUSES?
Amy says
Yeh but think about this cows aren’t ENDANGERED!
And if you want the future generation to see these wonderful creatures then I ask all you Japanese whalers to please stop this now I may only be 13 but I do know right from wrong.
Katherine says
Not that I think this is at all right, I am a vegetarian after all, Minke whales are not endangered, and the only whale that Japan is legally allowed to “scientifically hunt” under a strict quota . Go to the IWC website and do some research.
Amy says
Well they are soon gonna be if the Japanese hunt them at this rate
But any who what would i no i’m only 13 why should people listen to me?
Nicky says
The whale killing must stop and the dolphin slaughtering must stop as well! The Japanese people are killing these poor animals and torchuring them. Watch this video http://www.glumbert.com/media/dolphin. And sign this petition: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/427037941
HELP STOP THIS NOW!!!
James says
I find it interesting that one of the most powerful and enlightened countrys on this planet in its obvious desire to consume the world and live a decadent life of excess, Japan chooses to kill whales. I love Japan, but I am disgusted by this.
james says
read this:
Tokyo – A new company has been established in Tokyo to help sell whale meat that was caught in the Antarctic Ocean under the guise of scientific research, Japanese media reported Thursday.
With the encouragement of the Fisheries Agency, Tokyo-based Geishoku Labo plans to market whale meat as a low-calorie, low-fat source of protein to hospitals, supermarkets, restaurants and to individuals via the internet.
Established on May 1, the company expects to start selling in June more than 1,000 tons of whale meat caught by the Japanese fleet during the November to March research trip to the Antarctic Ocean.
‘There must be many consumers who want to get a taste of whales if they have a chance,’ the company was quoted as saying by Asahi Shimbun.
Japan began its controversial whale research in 1987, after an international ban on commercial whaling the year before. Members of the International Whaling Commission have condemned Japan’s scientific research as commercial whaling in disguise.
Once a staple of school lunches, the subsequent decline in quantities of whale meat has raised the average wholesale price to 2,000 yen (18 dollars) a kilogram.
Japan claims it uses the profit from sales to fund the scientific programme, which costs up to 6 billion yen a year, according to the newspaper.
Since 2000 Japan has increased the number of whales captured for research, with this year’s catch of 850 minke whales more than double last year’s haul.
The fleet of eight ships also caught for the first time, 10 fin whales – which are classified as endangered.
This year’s catch of whale meat is expected to reach 5,500 tons, up 1,500 tons from last year.
Greenpeace Japan sees the endorsement of the new company as evidence that Japan is catching whales for commercial purposes and using the research as an excuse, the group’s campaign director Junichi Sato told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa on Thursday.
‘If it is a research just as the government says, it would not capture nearly 900 whales, including the endangered species,’ Sato said.
‘It (opening of the new firm) is a clear sign that Japan’s whaling is not for research, but for business, and it has been all along,’ Sato added.
Barbara says
Whaling NEEDS TO STOP!!!
But why would anyone listen to me??????????????
Someone with the power to stop it should!! I have none bt I am willing to spend my life trying to stop it!