Japan expects its whaling programme in the Southern Ocean will resume next year, court documents indicate.
The International Court of Justice last month ruled the programme invalid, finding that it was a commercial activity disguised as scientific research.
Japanese leaders have said the country plans to abide by the ruling but the Institute of Cetacean Research has indicated whaling could resume in a different format.
In a memorandum lodged in a United States lawsuit against the anti-whaling group Sea Shepherd, the institute says whaling permits would not be issued for the 2014-15 season because of the ICJ decision, but they could be issued in the following summer.
"Plaintiffs expect that they will be conducting a Southern Ocean research programme for subsequent seasons that would be in accord with the ICJ decision," the memorandum said.
