Japanese Whaling Fleet Departs for Scouting Mission

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release

January 8th, 2015

Japanese Whaling Fleet Departs for Scouting Mission – Set to Return to Southern Ocean Slaughter in 2015/2016

Today, the Japanese whaling fleet heads for the Southern Ocean in a blatant disregard for both the International Court of Justice ruling and global sentiment against the slaughter of whales. The fleet this year will conduct 'non-lethal research' and begin the preparations to return to full scale whaling next year.

"The Japanese whale poachers have once again departed for the Southern Ocean. Clearly this year's expedition is nothing but a scouting trip in preparation for the resumption of poaching operations in the 2015/2016 season. Despite the verdict at the International Court of Justice in the Hague that prohibits Japan from killing whales under the JARPA II program, Japan has decided to circumvent the court's decision and continue to flaunt international regulations. It seems the Japanese whaling fleet is hell-bent to ignore the wishes of the international community and to deepen their isolation on the topic of whaling. What should have ended continues, a criminal operation funded by Government subsidies," said Captain Alex Cornelissen, Chief Executive Officer, Sea Shepherd Global

"The publication of the new research plan combined with the scouting exercise for this year is proof that Japan has just one motive to be in Antarctica and that is to kill whales. International commissions, courts and sentiments have seemingly no effect on their intent to seek out and destroy this safe haven for the whales at the bottom of the world. Japan stands alone in their quest to see the bang of the grenade-tipped harpoons triumph over the silence of harmony in this great whale sanctuary," said Sid Chakravarty, Captain- MY Sam Simon.

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About Sea Shepherd Australia

Sea Shepherd Australia is a non-profit conservation organisation whose mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world’s oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species. Sea Shepherd Australia uses innovative direct-action tactics to investigate, document, and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas. By safeguarding the biodiversity of our delicately balanced oceanic ecosystems, Sea Shepherd Australia works to ensure their survival for future generations. Visit: http://www.seashepherd.org.au

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