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Continued escalation of the battle between Japanese whalers and conservationists could lead to someone dying, New Zealand's whaling commissioner Sir Geoffrey Palmer says.
His comments come after the captain of the militant anti-whaling group Sea Shepherd, Paul Watson, claimed he had been shot in the chest by the Japanese.
"It may lead to considerable difficulties in terms of loss of life if care is not taken," Sir Geoffrey told ABC Radio.
He called for restraint and urged both parties to obey the law.
"It's quite important that the international law relating to maritime matters is preserved," Sir Geoffrey said.
The Australian Federal Police have been called in to investigate after the clashes between the whalers and Sea Shepherd's vessel, the Steve Irwin.
Sir Geoffrey said a meeting of the International Whaling Commission in London had singled out Sea Shepherd.
"The meeting did seek to name them (Sea Shepherd) because of the behaviour they have been engaged in recent weeks down there (in the Southern Ocean).
"It's not in accordance with international law, you can't defend it."
- AAP
