Early Halt to Japanese Whaling Could Mark Permanent End to Hunt in Antarctic Waters

Josh Reichert, managing director of the Pew Environment Group, issued the following statement today in response to the announcement of the withdrawal of the Japanese whaling fleet from the Southern Ocean one month before it normally heads home:

"The Pew Environment Group welcomes the early departure of the Japanese whaling fleet from the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary. Commercial whaling does not belong in the 21st century. We hope that the removal of the fleet marks the end of all whaling in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary, and that Japan confirms this exit is permanent at the annual meeting of the International Whaling Commission in July.”