Japanese whale hunts in Southern Ocean sanctuary raise concerns in New Zealand

Local whale watching businesses in New Zealand fear that Japanese whale hunting in the Southern Ocean could have a dramatic effect on their business.  Despite the Southern Ocean being declared as a sanctuary by the body that governs international whaling (International Whaling Commission), Japanese whalers are currently hunting in the region in the name of research.  There are concerns that whales which are often seen off Kaikoura, and are now migrating to the Southern Ocean for food, could soon be killed.

Local politician, Nanaia Mahuta said: “We’ve got to question what’s being done under the guise of scientific research.”