KEY POINTS:
Japan uses a loophole in the 1986 moratorium to kill whales in both hemispheres for research, with a target of about 1000 in this year's Southern Ocean operations.
Captain Paul Watson of the hardline Sea Shepherd group says he is confident the Japanese would not make even half their quota this year of almost 1000 minke and fin whales after protesters bugged the fleet during a boarding at sea in January.
Is there a case for 'scientific' whaling? Here is a selection of Your Views:
