JAPAN PUSHES TO 'LEGALISE' WHALING!

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Message 1035876 - Posted: 25 Sep 2010, 1:50:26 UTC

There can be no excuse for senseless and barbaric behaviour - one wonders how the Human Race would be viewed by 'visitors'. Frankly, there are times when I believe that this planet would benefit from a cull of Homo Sapien.



Don't take life too seriously, as you'll never come out of it alive!
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Message 1035934 - Posted: 25 Sep 2010, 5:41:28 UTC - in response to Message 1035876.  
Last modified: 25 Sep 2010, 5:42:06 UTC

There can be no excuse for senseless and barbaric behaviour - one wonders how the Human Race would be viewed by 'visitors'. Frankly, there are times when I believe that this planet would benefit from a cull of Homo Sapien.



all the time, that is.
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Message 1036661 - Posted: 28 Sep 2010, 19:24:23 UTC

@ML1 -- Not sure if you were aware, but thought you might find this interesting. Saw it in a post elsewhere.

TRIBUNE SPECIAL REPORT - Chicago Tribune, April 11, 2006
Sushi and Rev. Moon: How Americans' growing appetite for sushi is
helping to support his controversial church
By Monica Eng, Delroy Alexander and David Jackson
Tribune staff reporters

"...The Moon followers' seafood operation is driven by a commercial
powerhouse, known as True World Group. It builds fleets of boats, runs
dozens of distribution centers and, each day, supplies most of the
nation's estimated 9,000 sushi restaurants."
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/watchdog/chi-0604sushi-1-story,0,656681.story

True World in San Francisco
http://www.trueworldfoods.com/?p=149

True World locations in the US:
[url]http://www.trueworldfoods.com/?page_id=7[/rl]
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Message 1036899 - Posted: 29 Sep 2010, 12:36:14 UTC - in response to Message 1036661.  

@ML1 -- Not sure if you were aware, but thought you might find this interesting. Saw it in a post elsewhere.

TRIBUNE SPECIAL REPORT - Chicago Tribune, April 11, 2006
Sushi and Rev. Moon: How Americans' growing appetite for sushi is
helping to support his controversial church

... supplies most of the nation's estimated 9,000 sushi restaurants."
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/watchdog/chi-0604sushi-1-story,0,656681.story ...


Quite a story in itself! Thanks for that.

I hope they don't serve whale and dolphin...

And it's going to be an 'interesting' story for what next for tuna...


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Message 1036901 - Posted: 29 Sep 2010, 12:43:18 UTC
Last modified: 29 Sep 2010, 12:44:15 UTC

Quite a lot more from Taiji. Things have been quiet with bad weather stopping 'play' until:


Conservation group cuts nets, freeing dolphins in Taiji, Japan

The European-based conservation group The Black Fish claims to have cut the nets of holding pens in Taiji, Japan, freeing "a number of dolphins" that had been selected for sale to aquariums and so-called dolphinariums around the world. ...


And for the first hand view from the resident observers:

Where to begin..

...Let me start at the beginning. Yesterday, in the late morning, two fishermen where hanging around us at the Cove. My dad went and stood by one of them and said “hello”. One guy left, and the other one stayed. To make a long story short, the fishermen threatened my dad ...

... We were not associated with this group whatsoever.

The police knew this. But!...



Quite a turn of events. Whoever they are, the new group calling themselves "The Black Fish" have certainly rattled the fishermen's cages...


Disgusted with some of the Japanese!

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Message 1036906 - Posted: 29 Sep 2010, 12:57:13 UTC - in response to Message 1036901.  
Last modified: 29 Sep 2010, 12:58:20 UTC

Quite a lot more from Taiji. Things have been quiet with bad weather stopping 'play' until: ...


Meanwhile, it looks like the Japanese, Faroese, and Captain Paul Watson are all as uncompromising as ever:


Captain Paul Watson Responds to Yasue Funayama

The Asahi Shimbun has been running a steady stream of opinion pieces in support of killing whales. The latest is from Yasue Funayama, an Upper House lawmaker of the Democratic Party of Japan, who serves as parliamentary secretary for agriculture, forestry, and fisheries...

... Captain Paul Watson: Whaling is already banned in Antarctic waters. It is called the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary. The Japanese delegation does not seem to understand what the word “sanctuary” means.

Yasue Funayama: Japan's position is that anyone has a right to utilize marine resources--whether whales or tuna--so long as they are sustainable. ...

Captain Paul Watson: The word “sustainable” has become a catch-word, meaning business as usual. Bluefin tuna are hardly sustainable, in fact it was only because of Japanese and Chinese bribery and influence that the Bluefin was not designated as endangered by CITES this year. The word “sustainable” is used to justify exploitation. No nation has the right to destroy entire species and to invest in the extinction of a species as Japan is doing with Bluefin tuna. As they diminish the numbers, the value of the fish increases and..."



The Forgotten Victims of Mercury Poisoning

There had been much written and said about the impact of mercury on children and adults in Japan and the Faeroe Islands from eating dolphins and pilot whales.

Yes, it is true that the children of the Faeroe Islands have the highest levels of mercury in their bodies of any other group of children on the planet. Yes, it is true that the children in Japan are being fed mercury-polluted school lunches.

So what?

Why should we care?

I don’t think we should.

After all, the government and the people of Japan and the Faeroe Islands...

...And they are probably right. Who are we to interfere with their cultural right to poison themselves and their own children? ...



Very good questions there. Unfortunately, in the connectedness of food chains it does impact the entire planet.


Disgusted with some of the Japanese!

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Message 1038245 - Posted: 2 Oct 2010, 10:31:16 UTC

Can I just ask a simple question. What are the reasons against the Japanese killing whales?
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Message 1038260 - Posted: 2 Oct 2010, 11:14:13 UTC - in response to Message 1038245.  

We all have to eat. But, I think that the sentiment attached to Whales and Dolphins has to do with the fact that they are large-brained mammals who may be very much like you and I in their awareness and societal structures.

You could say the same, to a lesser degree, for great apes, horses, dogs, goats etc.

So there are advocates for these and then there are a few advocates for not eating any animals at all.

Most people don't have a problem with eating animals that are raised specifically for food such as chicken, hogs, cattle and sheep. They would probably not exist in their present forms if not specifically bred for food production.

Life requires one species to eat another even if they are only plants. Some draw the line in different places on this issue.

Daddio
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Message 1038265 - Posted: 2 Oct 2010, 11:49:53 UTC - in response to Message 1038260.  

OK, I get the point - and I am not trying to be oppositional here - but if the reson against killing whales is because they have awareness then I can't see why we kill any animal at all, or at least all higher order animals, as all higher order animals certainly have an awarenss of their existence. And I suspect that pretty much all higher order animals have a social structure, from elephants to lions and tigers, to the great apes, even wolves. I guess I see the 'whale question' as a bit of 'Japan bashing' to be honest.
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Message 1038515 - Posted: 3 Oct 2010, 0:35:31 UTC - in response to Message 1038265.  
Last modified: 3 Oct 2010, 0:38:38 UTC

I don't think it's any more Japan bashing than Korean bashing for eating dogs. It does seem off balance when you think about the Inuit being allowed to take whales as well. There it seems more in line with a long ago primitive way of life. Maybe the same for the japanese. Thing is though that in the frozen North there is not too much else to eat--not so in Japan.

There does seem to be a somewhat general concensus among most of the western world that many higher order animals are off limits. Horsemeat is served though and included in dog food.

Interesting question--some people are Vegans for the reason of not wanting to hurt animals. Me: I think that fish and farm animals that are raised for food are OK with most people.

It was probably the discovery that it was more efficient to eat the flesh of ruminant animals than dig all day for roots and berries. The time that this freed up probably allowed us to develop language, arts and other skills since we now didn't need to spend our days searching for plant foods.
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Message 1038718 - Posted: 3 Oct 2010, 16:32:08 UTC

WELL frankly a huge percentage of the dolphins and whales that are washing up on the beaches here are the result of radiation poisoning because the water from our hospital sewers is draining into the oceans nearby. San Francisco Ocean Beach is a graveyard between Seton Hospital and Livermore. The San Francisco Zoological Gardens are a close third. The water seeping around broken radio collars [who keeps track of these?] and leaking leaking hospital plumbing is going into the ground water table and also into pipes we terminate underwater right IN THE SEA itself
keep telescopic listening devices aimed at the Zenith of the Horizon
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Message 1039507 - Posted: 8 Oct 2010, 12:25:41 UTC - in response to Message 1038643.  

Ahoy, shipmates!

Can I just ask a simple question. What are the reasons against the Japanese killing whales?

I understand this is about protecting biodiversity. See the BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/animals/conservation/cetaceans/:
    Commercial whaling during the 19th century wiped out most of the world's whale populations. Because whales mature and breed slowly, numbers will take a long time to recover, if they do at all.

    The International Whaling Commission (IWC) banned commercial whaling completely in 1986. There is, however, a clause in the rules which allows countries to issue permits to kill whales for research. Japan uses this loophole to hunt whales and the meat from their research ends up for sale on the domestic market.


Regards

PK
Finland


Yeah, OK, protecting biodiversity. This seems a reasonable argument. Mind you, species are being exterminated every year. Why are whales the focus of such angst? No-one worried when a species of cockroach disappeared.
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Message 1039531 - Posted: 8 Oct 2010, 13:19:42 UTC - in response to Message 1039507.  

Yeah, OK, protecting biodiversity. This seems a reasonable argument. Mind you, species are being exterminated every year. Why are whales the focus of such angst? No-one worried when a species of cockroach disappeared.

Because:

We very nearly wiped out all the species of whales in a very wasteful rush for their oil;

The present method of killing them is undoubtedly agonising and can take an hour for them to die;

A harpooned whale eventually dies due to blood loss, or from drowning in its own blood, or from the whalers deliberately drowning them;

They are intelligent social creatures;

Entire family groups are slaughtered;

There is very big business in whale watching;

Whales are an important part of the ocean ecology. They are needed to keep a balance in the food chain. That includes for our fishing and food;

We like to think that civilisation has moved on from such cruel hunting barbarity.


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Message 1042619 - Posted: 16 Oct 2010, 10:00:01 UTC - in response to Message 1039507.  

these large marine mammals are being destroyed by the use of SONAR and the high radioactivity of the plastics in our waterways
they are frenzied and in pain
often the humming sound of a motor is attractive to them because it calms their frantically beating hearts




thank you for reading this
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Message 1045684 - Posted: 2 Nov 2010, 21:37:09 UTC - in response to Message 1039599.  

... Am not convinced the Japanese Government is necessarily logical here. But the Japanese campaigners’ call seems reasonable. ...


Curiously, the latest big conference on defending/maintaining biodiversity was held in Japan...

The outcome has made some positive achievements, but the conference has been variously rated as being "sterile" and "weak"...

More political procrastinations?

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Message 1045687 - Posted: 2 Nov 2010, 21:44:41 UTC
Last modified: 2 Nov 2010, 21:47:40 UTC

Japanese blind obstinacy? Or just pure financial greed by the few in power and those too corrupt to change?


1st talks between whaling town, environmentalists end with no accord

The first-ever dialogue between local leaders in the town of Taiji, Wakayama Prefecture, and foreign activists campaigning against dolphin hunting there ended Tuesday without signs of compromise from either side, as widely expected.

The activists from three anti-hunt groups, including the U.S.-based Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, said that although they understand the practice is part of local culture and a tradition, dolphin hunting is inhumane and the hunt's long standing does not justify its existence.

The town's representatives, including Taiji Mayor Kazutaka Sangen, argued that whaling and dolphin hunting provide their livelihood and that it is important to have a spirit of mutual respect for different cultures. ...

Richard O'Barry, a U.S. dolphin conservationist who appeared in the Oscar-winning U.S. documentary film "The Cove," was supposed to be the fifth participant from the protest groups, but canceled his attendance, although he showed up at the venue of the talks.

According to The Associated Press, O'Barry said he would not participate due to "severe restrictions on the Japanese and international media." Members of some Japanese media outlets were denied entry by the meeting's organizers...



Interestingly, dolphins have been hunted at Taiji only since the 1970's or later... And only by one group of fishermen.


Excellent patient effort there by Sea Shepherd and by the many other visitors/observers/guardians interested in the fate of the dolphins there.

Disgusted as ever with the perpetrators!
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Message 1047046 - Posted: 8 Nov 2010, 13:09:48 UTC

Continued developments on both sides of the planet for this one...

Whale protection bid

IN an Australian first, Tasmania will consider declaring its entire coastal seaboard a whale sanctuary after a 5km gap was discovered between the state and the official start of the Commonwealth's marine protection zone. ...

... It follows uproar earlier this year when it was discovered the Japanese Institute of Cetacean Research chartered a Tasmanian plane for spy flights from Hobart to track the anti-whaling protest fleet.

The call comes as the Japanese whaling season officially gets under way. ...



Taiji Update: 100 Dolphins on Death Row

This morning, the Japanese dolphin serial killers drove about 100 dolphins into the Cove.

The gutting barge is in place, and they are getting ready to kill the entire pod.

We have fifteen Cove Guardians in place, but the Japanese Coast Guard has brought in a 95 foot armed patrol boat, and dozens of police are patrolling the area on shore.

We must continue to register our concerns with the Japanese consulates and embassies around the world. They must never think that we will forget the cruelty and the killings. Taiji must be seen as Japan’s most shameful town, a stain upon the honor of all that is Japanese.




More updates on Cove Guardians Daily Reports.

As the story has unfolded, it looks to be purely a story of greed from just a handful of 'fishermen' in Taiji holding all to ransom.


Excellent patient effort there by Sea Shepherd and by the many other visitors/observers/guardians interested in the fate of the dolphins there.

Disgusted as ever with the perpetrators!
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Message 1047234 - Posted: 9 Nov 2010, 12:44:38 UTC
Last modified: 9 Nov 2010, 12:45:49 UTC

It doesn't take long for some Japanese to go extreme or greedy.

The greedy:

November 8

"Yes, even after their greedy haul of two days, the molesters went out in less than perfect weather today. They found dolphins and pushed them into the cove. The dolphins attempted to enter the harbor itself. Perhaps they were responding to the calls from their family members imprisoned there."

The extreme:

A large coast guard patrol vessel, helicopter, and the 'fishermen' now barracading off the cove, and wandering around with (illegal) foot-long knives...


And a first hand close up view:

It’s a sound that will never leave my head… Her screams



Positive action?:

More Dolphins in Peril - We Need Your Help!

"8 dolphins taken captive, 2 drowned while being taken captive, an unknown number have been killed but they are preparing to release 40 or so. We believe that the Taiji fishermen are being heavily pressured..."


People can make a difference.


All at Taiji.

Disgusted with the Japanese perpetrators!
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Message 1047804 - Posted: 12 Nov 2010, 13:33:23 UTC

This looks to be getting a little odd...

The Taiji 'whalers/fishermen' have gone to great lengths to string up fishing nets on land as barracades around the cove and were very publicly watched doing so.

And now this yesterday:

November 11th Slaughter

There is a rather strange video shootout and a 'Royal Visit' by the Mayor.

There also appears to be continued press and TV interest...


People can make a difference.


All at Taiji.

Disgusted with the Japanese perpetrators!
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Message 1051105 - Posted: 25 Nov 2010, 16:00:57 UTC

Taiji dolphin slaughter update:


Report from Taiji: November 23

... We have to wonder what sort of “favor” the mayor of Taiji receives for allowing the molesters to take over a public park for their “commercial” enterprise. In the US, we would look at this arrangement and suspect public corruption. How is it legal in Japan for a commercial concern to control a public area? How is it legal that the police would protect that activity? Why do the taxpayers in Japan support the protection of this activity provided by the police and coast guard? Are there no investigative journalists who want to explore these questions?

What happens to dolphins in Taiji and in other places in Japan, would be criminal in the US and in most other advanced societies. The atrocities committed in Taiji are legal under Japanese law yet the Taiji dolphin molesters behave like criminals. They expend great effort in trying to conceal what they do. Is it that they believe what they do is criminal? Is it because they know their actions bring shame and dishonor to their nation?...

... It is clear that the pressure coming to bear on the captive dolphin trade is being felt. Evidence of this is found in the fact that Sea World is offering to donate the proceeds from the sales of children’s tickets to a couple of conservation organizations. We understand that supporters of these groups are not taking too kindly to having their organizations linked to the captive trade.

The annual IMATA conference begins in Boston on December 3.

Thank you to the citizens of Japan who are weighing these issues and beginning to take a stand to solve them. Thank you to everyone who is on the front lines of this war...




The Changing of the Guard at Taiji

Scott West and his daughter Elora are close to completing their three-month stakeout near the notorious Cove in Taiji, Japan. Their three-month Japanese entry visa expires in early December and they will be forced to depart.

There is no question that Scott and Elora have done an excellent job in coordinating Cove Guardian volunteers who have come to Taiji to take a stand for the dolphins...

... Never before has there been a day-to-day, daily monitoring of the activities at Taiji. We are finding that it is having an impact. Kill numbers are down from previous years, more attention is being focused on the slaughter, and the killers have been under more pressure than ever before...

... We will win this campaign to abolish the slaughter of dolphins at Taiji. Japan will lose patience with a small handful of Taiji thugs who insist upon bringing shame to the nation of Japan.

In 1865, Emperor Meiji outlawed the Samurai in an attempt to bring Japan into the 20th Century. There has never been a tradition in Japan more sacred and more Japanese than that of the Samurai. Yet the Emperor knew that clinging to the feudal traditions would cripple Japan in the modern world, and thus he abolished an entire class of Japanese and all of their traditions.

Surely, Japan today will not fail to abolish something practiced by a very few fishermen in one little town in Japan so that the nation of Japan can join the 21st Century as a nation that respects and protects nature.

The Japanese people are sophisticated, modern, and enlightened in so many ways. They are practical, and they are proud. It is their pride that is an obstacle to ending whaling and dolphin killing, but in the end, it will be their pride that dictates that they will make the right decision to see Japan end cruel and ecologically destructive traditions and practices...




People can make a difference.


All at Taiji.
Martin
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