Stop This Crime Before it Happens

by Fred O'Regan

Earlier today, the Government of Japan launched its whaling fleet for the waters of the Southern Ocean Sanctuary around Antarctica where it plans to kill more than 1,000 whales over the next several months. For more than 20 years, Japan has pursued this senseless and cruel slaughter in the name of 'science', openly defying an international ban on commercial whaling.

This year, Japan has added 50 endangered humpback whales to its target list, blatantly ignoring regulations protecting this endangered species. These charismatic singers of the sea have been protected from commercial whaling for more than 40 years.

The United States can help protect these whales and the time has come to act. Please take a moment to contact your Senators and Representative today and encourage them to support strong U.S. leadership in saving the humpbacks and other whales from needless killing.

Unnecessary, Unlawful and Unspeakably Cruel

Top scientists and legal experts around the world have condemned Japan's "scientific" whaling as unnecessary and unlawful. Just this week, an international panel of legal experts issued a new report calling for action to end Japan's illegal whaling. Whaling is unspeakably cruel it can take more than half an hour for a whale to die; many suffocate, struggling to free themselves, lashed to the side of a whaling ship.

It is not necessary to kill whales to study them in the 21st century. The best science in the world today comes from IFAW scientists and others studying live whales in their ocean habitat. And whale watching now provides important revenue and jobs to coastal communities in more than 90 countries and territories worldwide.

Animals and people both do better when whales are seen and not hurt. Together we can end illegal whalng! Please join us and take action today!