Joint call for caution in whaling wars

The Andy Gil lost its bow after being hit by the Shonan Maru No 2. Photo / Supplied

New Zealand has joined the United States, Australia and the Netherlands in a call for whaling protest ships in the Southern Ocean to ensure the safety of life at sea.

In a joint statement today the four governments said they were resolute in their opposition to whaling and were "disappointed" that Japan's whaling fleet had left for the Southern Ocean.

"We are deeply concerned that confrontations in the Southern Ocean will eventually lead to injury or loss of life among both whaling crews and protestors, many of whom are nationals of our countries," they said.

"We call on the masters of all vessels involved in these actions in the Southern Ocean to take responsibility for ensuring that safety of human life at sea is their highest priority."

The governments said the respected the right of individuals and groups to protest peacefully, including on the high seas.

"At the same time we condemn dangerous or violent activities from all participants. Any unlawful activity will be dealt with in accordance with relevant international and domestic laws."

They said the Southern Ocean was a remote and unforgiving environment and the capacity for search and rescue was low.

"We are deeply concerned that an incident in this remote region could end tragically. The collision between an anti-whaling vessel and a Japanese vessel on January 6, 2010, demonstrated clearly the dangers involved."

That appeared to be a reference to the collision between the protest ship Ady Gil and a Japanese whaling ship, which sunk the Ady Gil.

New Zealander Pete Bethune then illegally boarded the Japanese vessel and was arrested and put on trial. He was given a two-year suspended sentence and is now back in New Zealand.

- NZPA