The Japanese whale hunting industry is considering recalling its whaling fleet due to protesters from an environmental group, which is obstructing the fleet from hunting. The purpose of the hunts is for scientific research, says the Agricultural Ministry.
The environmental group is called the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and so far has prevented the whaling fleet from meeting its quota of 850 whales a year. In fact, the fleet has not caught a single whale since Feb. 9.
The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society blocks the whalers in any way it finds. Including, tangling the fleet’s propellers with ropes, throwing flares on board the whalers’ ships, and even shining lasers into the eyes of whalers blinding the crew temporarily.
Fearful of the crews’ safety the Agricultural Ministry considered cancelling this year’s hunt but did not want to appear to give in to the environmentalists’ efforts. Despite negative attention from abroad whale hunting is an effort to hang on to culture and tradition. And the Agricultural ministry feels it is important to maintain the fleet.
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