Send a frigate to protest whale slaughter - Greens

The Green Party is urging the Government to send a frigate to observe and protest the annual Japanese whale slaughter in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary.

Conservation Spokesperson Metiria Turei said today that while the annual diplomatic protest announced by Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick will help to convey New Zealand's outrage at the inhumane atrocity of whaling, stronger measures must also be considered.

"We should use our experienced navy professionals and boats to protest this hunt, at the place where the slaughter is happening," Mrs Turei says.

"Diplomatic protest has its place, but efforts to date have failed."

Japan is about to start its annual whale hunt. This year they plan to kill more than 900 Minke whales and 50 endangered Humpback whales and 50 Fin whales by firing grenade loaded harpoons into them.

"The Prime Minister and other top level ministers responsible for the national response to Japan's whale slaughter must realise that their 'softly softly' approach is having little impact.

"Australia has committed to sending a ship to Antarctica. It's time for New Zealand to do the same.

"And while we can't all fit on a frigate and tell the Japanese what we think in person, the Green Party is urging New Zealanders to build their own sand whale sculpture on a beach this summer, take a picture of it with their friends and family, and email it to us at whales@greens.org.nz

"At the end of summer we will compile all the pictures into a book and send it to the Japanese Fisheries Minister and to the Japanese media.

"All the photos will be on our website for the rest of the world to see at http://www.greens.org.nz/campaigns/conservation/whaling.htm "

ENDS

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