Korea protests Japan plan to resume commercial whaling

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Korea protests Japan plan to resume commercial whaling

Korea expressed “serious concerns” over Japan’s decision to restart commercial whaling this month after suspending the practice over 30 years ago.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries warned Monday against Japanese commercial whaling operations that could impact whales in Korea’s waters.

The government explained that there are around 1,500 minke whales in Korea’s waters that travel between the two countries and that they could be targeted by its neighbor’s whaling operations.

The ministry said Japan’s operations must not influence the population of whales in Korean waters.

According to the ministry, about 30 species of whales can be found in Korean waters.

It added that further discussions should be undertaken and that these talks should be held under the auspices of the International Whaling Commission (IWC).

Japan suspended commercial whaling in 1988 amid mounting international criticism.

The country continued whaling since for research purposes, however, it lifted its ban on commercial activities after withdrawing from the IWC last month.

Korea introduced its own ban on commercial whaling in 1986.

By Chae Yun-hwan
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