Skip to main content

Japan's New Whaling Ship: A Cause for Concern

 Japan's launch of the Kangei Maru, a new whaling ship, has sparked outrage among conservation groups worldwide. This vessel, replacing the infamous Nisshin Maru, raises serious concerns about Japan's continued whaling practices, particularly in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary.

The Kangei Maru: A Lethal Upgrade


The Kangei Maru boasts several worrying features. Its extended range of 13,000 kilometers suggests a potential return to the Southern Ocean, a designated whale sanctuary. Additionally, its design allows for the processing of larger fin whales, a vulnerable species still recovering from past commercial whaling.


Environmental organizations like Blue Planet Society and the Sea Shepherd Global have strongly condemned Japan's renewed whaling efforts. Concerns include the targeting of vulnerable species and the defiance of international regulations protecting whales.

Japan has a long history of whaling, previously conducting controversial "scientific" hunts in the Southern Ocean. While they commercially hunt whales within their own waters since 2019, the Kangei Maru's capabilities reignite fears of a return to large-scale hunting in international waters.

The Kangei Maru represents a significant setback for whale conservation efforts. With its advanced technology and extended range, this new vessel poses a direct threat to these magnificent creatures.

The Call to Action

The international community must come together to pressure Japan to abandon whaling altogether. Sustainable alternatives for coastal communities currently reliant on whaling need to be explored and implemented.

Further Resources:

This article highlights the controversy surrounding Japan's whaling practices and the potential threat posed by the Kangei Maru. It emphasizes the need for international collaboration to protect whales and ensure their survival for future generations.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Distress Alert: Sailing Vessel Kiliki Overdue and in Need of Assistance

UPDATE:  The crew members were rescued.
Post a Comment
Read more
  On the night of March 6, 2025, at 22:16 UTC, a crew member of the merchant vessel MV Ariadne fell overboard in the central Adriatic Sea, approximately 30 nautical miles off the Italian coast, at latitude 41°39'N and longitude 16°50'E. Current weather conditions in the area are favorable, aiding search and rescue operations. The Italian Coast Guard promptly initiated search operations, deploying naval units and helicopters to locate the missing mariner. All vessels transiting the area have been alerted and are requested to maintain vigilant watch, reporting any sightings to the National Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (IMRCC) in Rome. The Coast Guard commander emphasized the importance of collaboration among maritime units in emergencies like this, noting that swift intervention is crucial to increasing the chances of successful rescue operations. Search efforts will continue unabated until the missing mariner is found or until authorities deem it necessary to conclude ...
Post a Comment
Read more

PAN-PAN Alert: Sailing Vessel SKYFALL Requests Assistance in South Atlantic

February 28, 2025 – A PAN-PAN distress message has been issued for the sailing vessel Skyfall (MMSI: 235099478), a 13-meter sailing yacht flying the United Kingdom flag. The vessel is experiencing critical rigging issues and is at risk of losing its mast. The crew has requested urgent assistance. Distress Details Message Received: February 25, 2025, at 05:57 UTC Vessel Name: Skyfall (Call Sign: 2GPT6) Position: 22° 22' 26.4" S, 001° 31' 42.0" W Crew Onboard: 2 persons Issue: Loose rigging, expected mast loss Assistance Required: Additional diesel jerry cans from nearby vessels Weather Conditions in the Area Wind: 15 knots, gusting to 19 knots from ESE Wave Height: 1.9 meters Sky Conditions: Mostly clear to partly cloudy Call for Assistance Any vessels in the vicinity are strongly encouraged to assist. Skyfall requires extra fuel to maintain power and stability as the crew deals with their rigging failure. Mariners able to provide aid should report to ...
Post a Comment
Read more