Whale Watch Kaikoura Welcomes International court ruling

Whale Watch Kaikoura welcomes the International Court of Justice ruling that found Japan's Southern Ocean whale hunt is illegal under international law.

Whale Watch Kaikoura Chief Operating Officer Kauahi Ngapora said the decision was a victory for justice and for what many had fought for over many years.

“It has been our consistent belief that Japan’s Southern Ocean whale hunt was illegal and actually a hunting exercise weakly veiled under the guise of scientific research.”

Mr Ngapora said the decision that no further permits for scientific whaling should be issued under Japan's scientific whaling programme, was a major victory for the consistent opposition of many people, organisations and countries from around the world that had continued to oppose the activity of the Japanese whaling industry.

“Whales are a taonga for all in the world to enjoy. They have been exploited and in many cases driven to or near extinction. Whales provide not only a powerful experience when viewed in nature, but have also been the catalyst to re-invigorate the Kaikoura community.

"I join with many in our community to applaud this decision and we along with all others opposed to the practise of commercial whaling will remain staunch in our opposition and fight to put an end to these barbaric and unnecessary killings."

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