Pew Encouraged by Japan's Decision to Forego Killing Humpback Whales

Navigate to:

Pew Encouraged by Japan's Decision to Forego Killing Humpback Whales

Below is a statement from Monica Medina, director of whale conservation, The Pew Charitable Trusts' Environment Group, on Japan's announcement that it will forego plans to kill 50 humpback whales.

“We are encouraged that Japan has decided to not kill endangered humpback whales as previously planned. However, we hope this is just a first step. Despite an international moratorium on commercial whaling, the world's whales face many threats to their survival, including climate change, ship strikes and Japan's active whaling program.

“The Bush Administration deserves credit for encouraging Japan to forego its plans to kill humpback whales, which had drawn international consternation.”

“Next month Pew is hosting a symposium in Tokyo to address an ongoing impasse at the International Whaling Commission that has resulted in more whales being killed last year (more than 2,000) than in any year since the whaling moratorium entered into force in 1986. Today's announcement bodes well for the conservation of whales in the 21st Century.”

Pew is no longer active in this line of work, but for more information, visit the Pew Whale Conservation Project campaign.

Spotlight on Mental Health

Composite image of modern city network communication concept

Learn the Basics of Broadband from Our Limited Series

Sign up for our four-week email course on Broadband Basics

Quick View

How does broadband internet reach our homes, phones, and tablets? What kind of infrastructure connects us all together? What are the major barriers to broadband access for American communities?

Pills illustration
Pills illustration

What Is Antibiotic Resistance—and How Can We Fight It?

Sign up for our four-week email series The Race Against Resistance.

Quick View

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, also known as “superbugs,” are a major threat to modern medicine. But how does resistance work, and what can we do to slow the spread? Read personal stories, expert accounts, and more for the answers to those questions in our four-week email series: Slowing Superbugs.

Explore Pew’s new and improved
Fiscal 50 interactive

Your state's stats are more accessible than ever with our new and improved Fiscal 50 interactive:

  • Maps, trends, and customizable charts
  • 50-state rankings
  • Analysis of what it all means
  • Shareable graphics and downloadable data
  • Proven fiscal policy strategies

Explore

Welcome to the new Fiscal 50

Key changes include:

  • State pages that help you keep track of trends in your home state and provide national and regional context.
  • Interactive indicator pages with highly customizable and shareable data visualizations.
  • A Budget Threads feature that offers Pew’s read on the latest state fiscal news.

Learn more about the new and improved Fiscal 50.