According to a report the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society has engaged the Japanese fleet in a series of high-seas clashes. The group this week claimed that its campaign, despite international condemnation, had saved 500 whales. Japan’s Fisheries Agency refused to comment on this but it is true the Japanese fishermen were harassed by the group in their mission.
According to Japan whaling is a part of its culture and it had planned to kill 850 minke whales and 50 fin whales. But under international pressure Japan dropped the plan to kill 50 humpbacks. The Japanese media reported that this year Japan is expected to catch something between 500 and 600 whales.
Sea Shepherd argues that whaling is barbaric and that Australia and other nations are only paying lip service to fighting Japanese whaling. To thwart the mission of Japan the group has thrown what it describes as stink bombs filled with rancid butter onto the decks of whalers. But Japan claimed that the bombs contain acid which stings the eyes.
In early this year the group has confrontation with the Japanese vessel on whaling mission. The protestors boarded the ship and set off a two-day standoff.
