DANGEROUS TIMES AHEAD FOR HUMPBACKS!
NOV 2007 As the Japanase whaling fleet readies for its 2007-08 summer voyage into the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary, it is timely to remember this season's hunt will see around 1000 minkes, 10 fins plus (for the first time in recent years) 50 humpback whales, killed by harpoon. The humpbacks under threat are possibly the same indviduals we have been watching migrate along the coasts of Australia this season, maybe even the ones seen just yesterday (12 Nov) in Sydney Harbour. Most of these whales are now accustomed to friendly boats, having interacted with the whale watching fleet for the last 20 years or so, which may make them easy pickings.

IFAW (the International Fund for Animal Welfare) has launched a new STOP WHALING web site, with heaps of information about the issue and detailing ways you can help stop the slaughter in the Southern Ocean.

JAN 2007 Confrontation on the high seas is inevitable as Japan once again continues its whaling program deep in the Southern Ocean this Summer. Seashepherd Conservation Society's Captain Paul Watson is there again aiming to put his vessel, the Farley Mowat, between whalers and their targets -- which this season are expected to be up to 935 minke whales and 10 fin whales. Original planning to also take humpbacks, it seems they won't be back on the menu 'til next Summer.

Australia's Environment Minister Ian Campbell yesterday announced that he has closed Australian ports to Japanese vessels involved in whaling operations, which is a welcome (albeit long overdue) measure.

May 2006 JAPAN killed over 800 MINKE Whales in the Southern Ocean this past 2005-2006 Austral Summer. Next Summer they plan to increase the kill numbers, and add HUMPBACK and FIN whales to their list of target species. Visit Greenpeace and Seashepherd, where you can add your support to the anti-whaling efforts.
Don't let these guys become next summer's whale-burgers!