Jean-Michel Cousteau's Statement on the Japanese Government's decision to withdraw from the IWC

The Japanese government announcement of their decision to withdraw from the International Whaling Commission and resume commercial whaling is very disappointing, but it is not surprising. Japan has been whaling for decades often under the guise of “research.” With this announcement, Japan will no longer be whaling in the Southern Ocean, leaving the Southern Hemisphere free of whaling for the first time in centuries. They will limit their unacceptable practice their own economic zone.

Although this is a victory for the whales of the Southern Ocean, it continues a practice that is unacceptable and removes Japan from the council of nations at the IWC. While they may continue to whale with impunity in Japanese waters, we must hope that it is a first step for the Japanese government to curtail the practice in their own waters, as well.

As citizens of a water planet we know that when we protect the oceans, we protect ourselves.

Warm regards,