Organisation Q&A Publication IWC in detail Media Release History of whaling Contact us
Japan Whaling Association
JWA Newsletter News articles Related sites Home
page2
17th JARPA Fleet Off to the Antarctic
The fleet to carry out Japan's 17th Antarctic Whale Research Program (JARPA) left Shimonoski Port in Western Japan for the Southern Ocean on November 7. The research fleet consists of five vessels: the mothership Nisshin-Maru, the three sighting/sampling vessels (Yushin-Maru, No.2 Yushin-Maru, and No.1 Kyo-Maru), and the dedicated sighting vessel No.2 Kyoshin-Maru.
The fleet will research the entire Area IV in the south of 69 degrees S (70-130 degrees E) and eastern part of Area III (35-70 degrees E) of the Antarctic, sampling up to 440 minke whales. The research program, carried out by the Institute of Cetacean Research (ICR), is aimed at collecting bilogical and ecological information, such as natural mortality, recruitment, segregation of minke whales and the Antarctic ecology, which is necessary to realize science-based stock management of whales. The research will last until April 15 next year.
At the departure ceremony attended by some 800 people, ICR Director-General, Dr.Seiji Ohsumi, said: "The knowledge on whales accumulated through the past research has been highly acclaimed by the IWC Scientific Committee and other scientific bodies.
Research fleet leaving Shimonoseki port
Research fleet leaving Shimonoseki port

As the first phase of Japan’s Antarctic research program draws to an end, the present research has a crucial significance in formulating future research programs."
Japan, Czech Republic Share
Common View on Whaling

Japan and the Czech Republic shared the same recognition that the whaling issue should be addressed on the basis of best available scientific evidence.
This agreed view was expressed in a joint statement toward strategic partnership between Japan and the Czech Republic signed by Japan’s Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and his Czech counterpart Vladimir Spidla during the bilateral summit meeting held in Prague on August 21.
The statement, among other things, confirmed that the two countries had the same view on the importance of conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, including whales.
The Czech Republic is reportedly considering membership in the International Whaling Commission (IWC). What impact this statement will have on Czech’s future move toward this possible goal deserves attention.
Japan to Conduct DNA Test on
Whale Products from 2004

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said it will carry out DNA testing for whale and tuna products from fiscal 2004 starting in April as a means to detect illegal labeling.
The Ministry has already been enforcing this measure on such products as rice. Under this program, the testing authorities will randomly obtain whale products throughout the country and analyze them to ascertain whether the labeling shows the place of origin of the products accurately.
This scientific testing project is expected to further enhance the transparency of distribution of whale products in Japan.

back back page 1- 2 - 3 - 4 next next
Organisation | Q&A | Publication | IWC in detail | Media Release
History of whaling | Contact us | JWA Newsletter | News articles | Related sites
 
Japanese Site