September 15, 1999 Issue #4b
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Safe Passing Update Newsletter (SPUN) This is a non-Makah hunt related item but an important whale related item that needs urgent attention. ----- Commercial Whaling Again We are very happy to report that the Russian Government has decided to stop the beluga hunt, refused to issue any further export permits, and revoke the existing domestic quota of 2100 animals. We would like to thank all those who worked tirelessly on this issue. Great work! On Monday, September 13, thirteen tons of beluga whale meat (36 whales) from the sea of Okhotsk was traded from Russia to Japan and arrived at the port of Hakkodate in Hokkaido Japan. This was to be the first of a much larger order by Japan that could have reached as many as 900 tons. Japan remains the leading proponent of commercial whale hunting, and is the only country that kills hundreds of whales under the guise of scientific research. It hunts Southern Hemisphere and North Pacific minke whales, killing up to 540 animals each year -- allowed due to a loophole in international regulations. This is one of Japan's most recent efforts to re-ignite commercial whaling. Japan continues to pressure many other countries, particularly in Latin America, Asia, and the Caribbean. Meet us to protest the Japanese government's blatant disregard for the world's outcry to protect marine mammals. Seattle Consulate General of Japan Representatives from many environmental and animal rights groups will be speaking at the event. Gather as many people as you can and bring protest signs. For information, email OPC@SAFEPASSING.ORG Erin (erin@safepassing.org) Please forward this information to all relevant lists. ----- ______________________________________________________________________ Safe Passing - http://www.safepassing.org |
