FLORIANOPOLIS, Brazil — Japan proposed an end to a decades-old ban on commercial whaling at an international conference Monday, arguing there is no longer a scientific reason for what was supposed to be a temporary measure. If the ban on commercial whaling were to be lifted, it would then be up to the commission to set catch limits. ADVERTISEMENTSome, however, contend the research program remains a cover for commercial whaling because the whale meat is sold for food. The attempt to reintroduce commercial whaling could be even more contentious. “The argument that we put forward from Australia is that we don’t want to see any whales killed, whether they’re killed because (of) commercial whaling or whether it’s so-called scientific whaling.”The commission declared a “pause” to commercial whaling beginning in the 1985-1986 season, but it remains in place today.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer September 11, 2018 01:18 UTC