Greens call for protester protection as whaling fleet sets sail

File photo / Australian Custom Service

A Japanese whaling fleet headed for the Southern Ocean has sparked calls for the Government to protect protesters.

Media reported today that three ships accompanied by a Japanese Fisheries Agency patrol boat set sail from Shimonoseki in western Japan, and were headed to the Southern Ocean for the annual whale hunt. The fleet reportedly aimed to catch about 900 minke and fin whales this season.

Green Party oceans spokesperson Gareth Hughes said the best thing the Government could do to protect the whales was to ensure the safety of protest vessels by sending an navy vessel to monitor the whale hunt.

"Diplomatic pressure has failed, and the case against Japan in the International Court of Justice will take some time to resolve," Mr Hughes said.

"At this point in time, the best thing the Government can do to save the whales is to ensure the safety of protest vessels trying to stop the hunt."

Mr Hughes pointed to an incident last year in which the New Zealand protest boat, the Ady Gill, collided with a Japanese whaling ship as an example of the dangers protesters at sea faced.

"The presence of a New Zealand patrol vessel would serve as a restraint on all parties while signalling to the Japanese Government our serious wish to protect these rare and wonderful marine mammals."