Japan proposes end to commercial whaling ban

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.

But the proposal faces stiff opposition from countries that argue that many whale populations are still vulnerable or, even more broadly, that the killing of whales is increasingly seen as unacceptable. Japan currently kills whales under a provision that allows hunting for research purposes. “Science is clear: there are certain species of whales whose population is healthy enough to be harvested sustainably,” reads the Japanese proposal, presented Monday at the biannual International Whaling Commission meetings taking place this week in Florianopolis, Brazil. “Japan proposes to establish a committee dedicated to sustainable whaling (including commercial whaling and aboriginal subsistence whaling).”

Japan’s proposal would also change how the international body operates, reflecting its frustration with an organization that it says has become “intolerant” and a “mere forum for confrontation.”

It’s not clear when the vote will happen; the meeting lasts until Friday. It’s also possible that the Japanese could pull back the proposal, or attempt to negotiate the inclusion of parts of it in other proposals.

Japan has hunted whales for centuries as a cheaper alternative source of protein to meat. Its catch has fallen in recent years in part due to declining domestic demand for whale meat and challenges to its hunt.