The Australian government has expressed strong disappointment over Japan’s decision to expand its commercial whaling activities to include fin whales, a species regarded as vulnerable by conservationists. Japan’s government confirmed plans to allow whalers to catch up to 59 fin whales, the second-largest whale species, within its economic zone.
Environmental Concerns
Australian Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek condemned the decision, highlighting the threat to the fin whale population. Japan exited the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in 2019 and resumed commercial whaling, citing scientific research, a justification heavily criticized by environmental groups.
International Response
Australia’s response reflects ongoing global concern about Japan’s whaling activities, as many countries and conservationists continue to advocate for the protection of vulnerable whale species against commercial hunting.
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