Paul Tapp’s picture of a whale rejoicing (in life!) … in the tranquil waters around Maria Island
The International Court of Justice has upheld Australia’s bid to ban Japan’s Antarctic whaling program.
ICJ president Peter Tomka said the court concluded the scientific permits granted by Japan for its whaling program were not scientific research as defined under International Whaling Commission rules.
Mr Tomka said in The Hague that the court was persuaded that Japan had conducted a program for logistical and political considerations, rather than scientific research.
The court unanimously found it had jurisdiction to hear the case, and by 12 votes to four found that special permits granted by Japan in connection with the program, JARPA II, did not fall within the IWC convention.
It therefore ordered that Japan revoke any scientific permit under JARPA II and refrain from granting any further permits.
Prominent Australians welcomed the ICJ’s decision.
• Read the court’s decision for yourself, here
• Peter Whish-Wilson: An historic win for all Australians
• Sea Shepherd celebrates ICR win for whales
*Pic*: Paul Tapp’s brilliant picture of a whale frolicking off Maria Island is also this month’s First Day of The Month TT picture …
