Whale-killing loophole closed after Japan abused system

* Crackdown on fake science research permits after massive public outcry *

The International Whaling Convention has voted to close a major loophole in whale protection that allows hundreds to be slaughtered by Japan every year in the name of scientific research.

Under new rules, Japan must now seek approval from the IWC to hunt whales for so-called ‘scientific research’’. Previously, the decision on how many whales could be killed under the system had lain with the Japanese government, which supports whaling and opposes protection for whales.

The system was abused by Japan to keep its whaling industry alive, drawing international condemnation, and in 2014 the International Court of Justice ruled the Japan’s ‘scientific’ hunts in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary was illegal.

In the past week, more than 1 million people around the world have joined a campaign in support of the proposal to reform the system launched by Avaaz, the global campaigning movement.

Luca Nicotra, Senior Campaigner at Avaaz said: “Japan has used scientific research as an excuse to keep butchering whales, abusing the system with complete impunity for years. Backed by a million people around the world, the International Whaling Commission can now harpoon any fake science programmes aimed at hunting whales for meat, before they begin.”

Avaaz launched a global campaign in support of the proposal, and delivered the  million-signature petition to governments at the IWC meeting in Slovenia this week.

For more information or interviews with Luca, please contact: Bert Wander on +447968017731 or bert@avaaz.org