WHALES ALIVE PRESS RELEASE

Japanese Whalers to be Prosecuted

28 May 2010

The Announcement Today By The Australian Federal Government That It Will Take Japan To The International Court Of Justice In The Hague In An Attempt To End Its Barbaric Practice Of Whaling, Is Good News, Says Mick McIntyre, Director Of Australian Based Whales Alive.

“For years Japan has exploited a loophole at the IWC which has allowed it to continue the barbaric and inhumane slaughter of these magnificent creatures in the Southern Ocean under its so-called spurious ‘scientific whaling program’, which in reality is commercial whaling. Japan will at last be called to account for its outrageous behavior,” said McIntyre.

“Action needed to be taken outside the IWC which was gridlocked on this issue, “said Macintyre.

The Australian Labour Party went to the electorate in 2007 with a promise to take Japan to court to end whaling, a promise which is now fulfilling.

“Japan has shown a lack of good faith in stopping this barbaric practice and the Australian Government knows that Australians do not want to see any more images of Japanese whalers in action, such as we saw in 2008 when photos were published of a minke whale and its calf being hauled aboard a Japanese whaler,” said McIntyre.

Whales Alive applauds this move by the Australian Government to bring Japan to the International Court of Justice to account for its behavior.

Mick McIntyre has attended every International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting since 1993 and will be attending this year’s meeting in June at Agadir, Morocco.

McIntyre Is Available For Interview Call 0408 884 999, Or Michael Young 0410 408 492

Http://www.Whalesalive.Org.Au

28 May 2010

GOVERNMENT INITIATES LEGAL ACTION AGAINST JAPANESE WHALING

Australia will initiate legal action in the International Court of Justice in The Hague against Japanese ‘scientific’ whaling in the Southern Ocean.

The decision underlines the Government’s commitment to bring to an end Japan’s program of so-called ‘scientific’ whaling in the Southern Ocean. It also demonstrates our commitment to do what it takes to end whaling globally.

The Australian Government has not taken this decision lightly. We have been patient and committed in our efforts to find a diplomatic resolution to this issue. We have engaged in intensive discussions in the International Whaling Commission (IWC) and bilaterally with Japan.

We have enjoyed the support of many other IWC members who share Australia's concerns and goals. We commend countries of the European Union, the Buenos Aires group of Latin American countries, and others who have joined with Australia in highlighting, in particular, the necessity for phasing out whaling in the Southern Ocean Sanctuary.

But to date, the response of the whaling countries has not been positive. Recent statements by whaling countries in the Commission have provided Australia with little cause for hope that our serious commitment to conservation of the world’s whales will be reflected in any potential IWC compromise agreement.

The Government has always been firm in our resolve that if we could not find a diplomatic resolution to our differences over this issue, we would pursue legal action. The Government’s action fulfils that commitment.

Australia will remain closely engaged in the IWC process and will continue to work hard in the lead up to and at the IWC meeting in June to pursue our objectives While an outcome at that meeting which meets Australia’s fundamental conservation objectives is slim, the Government will continue to engage constructively in the diplomatic effort.

Australia and Japan share a comprehensive strategic, security and economic partnership. We share a substantial commercial relationship built over many decades, growing strategic and security linkages, and work together closely in key international forums such as the G20, the United Nations, the World Trade Organisation and APEC.

The Government’s action today reflects a disagreement in one element of a relationship that is deep, broad and multi-dimensional.

Both Australia and Japan have agreed that, whatever our differences on whaling, this issue should not be allowed to jeopardise the strength and the growth of our bilateral relationship.

At the same time, the Australian Government will keep working tirelessly to achieve an end to whaling in the Southern Ocean, and we will use all legal and diplomatic avenues to achieve our goal.

A formal application will be lodged in The Hague early next week.

------

National Whale Day 2010 - Byron Bay

All sorts of exciting events are planned for National Whale Day 2010 in Byron Bay. Whales Alive will be up at the Cape Byron Lighthouse giving talks and presentations to the public from 11am - 1pm. You can come and meet whale researchers from the Southern Cross University Whale Research Group and learn all about whales and their environment. Following these presentations during the day, an action packed festival will then kick off in the evening.

To celebrate the return of the humpback whales, National Whale Day Festival 2010 has been organised by Whales Alive, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and Surfers for Cetaceans for June 5th 2010 in Byron Bay, Australia. The day will celebrate the beauty and majesty of whales and raise awareness of their uncertain future. Come and learn about the plight of the whales whilst enjoying some great music, food and market stalls. The Festival's music lineup will feature Deya dova, Juzzie Smith, The Grains and Greg Sheehan plus a very special headline act - that's so special we can't mention their name. Vegetarian and vegan food stalls will be provided by local favourites including Soul bow, Organic Kitchen and Bay Leaf. the evening will also have silent auctions and raffles with great prizes, films by the Oceania Project and much much more!!

It is an all ages event. Gates open at 4pm and music begins at 4.30pm and will play into the late hours. The venue is 412 Ewingsdale Rd, Byron Bay. Follow the latest news about the event on the facebook page National Whale Day (Byron Bay and Northern NSW).

Humpback Whale Migration Begins

On Saturday 24th April 2010, the first of the whales were spotted off the Cape Byron Lighthouse by Whales Alive's Liz Hawkins. It's a great sign as winter descends upon us, the whales are returning to the tropics. We are anticipating a fantastic year for the whales and look forward to seeing some of our old friends!