Natalie Homer

Less than 10 days after the arrest of anti-whaling activist Paul Watson at its behest, the Japanese Government declares that endangered fin whales have been added to its summer kill list, confirming suspicions that a return to high seas slaughter of the world's largest mammals was always their intention. On July 21st, Denmark arrested Paul Watson in response to a request from Japan, on allegations stemming from his opposition to Japan's illegal whaling activities in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary. Just days ago, Japan issued a formal request for his extradition. "Even after Japan’s whaling program was brought before the International Court of Justice in the Hague, and deemed illegal, Japan continues to flaunt International conservation law and Paul Watson is being punished for Japan’s crimes. Denmark surely realizes the political motivation here for this arrest request: Japan needs Paul Watson out of the way so they can get back to slaughtering the world’s great whales.” Stated Locky MacLean on board the Captain Paul Watson flagship off the coast of Greenland, which was en route across the Arctic to oppose the Japanese whaling effort until Mr. Watson’s arrest. Fin whales, the world’s second-largest whales, remain vulnerable according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, driven to the brink of extinction due to centuries of whaling. The giant mammals can live up to 90 years and are over 25 meters long. Japan has confirmed that it will allow the catch and kill of up to 59 fin whales in its commercial hunt. This news comes as the newly built US $47m Japanese factory whaling ship Kangei Maru sets sail on its maiden hunt. Although at the time of its completion Japan only allowed the hunt of smaller bryde’s, minke, and sei whales, the Kangei Maru boasts a deck long enough to easily haul whales 25 meters long. ACTION IS NEEDED NOW! Head to freepaulwatson.org to sign the petition and help us #FREEPAULWATSON and end the slaughter of these vulnerable creatures.