Japan and allies block whale bid

COUNTRIES led by Japan have blocked a move by South American and African states to create a South Atlantic sanctuary for whales endangered by hunting despite a global moratorium in force for 30 years.

The proposal brought by five African and South American countries would have needed the support of threequarters of the International Whaling Commission’s 88 members. In the event, 24 countries were opposed, including Japan. Japan is one of a handful of countries, including Norway and Iceland, that continue to hunt whales by making use of a loophole in the moratorium allowing the practice of “scientific whaling”.

On Monday, Japanese envoy Joji Morishita said the IWC remained split between a majority backing a whaling ban and countries “supporting sustainable utilisation”.

“Unless we solve this issue, or find a way out of this stalemate, no issue will be actually discussed in a constructive manner,” Mr Morishita said.

Environmentalists have said the South Atlantic is crucial to preserving diversity.

“This is an area that is critically important to a wide range of whale species,” said Matt Collis, of the International Fund for Animal Welfare.