THE HON TANYA PLIBERSEK MP
MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND WATER

MEDIA RELEASE

1 August 2024

Australia opposes all forms of commercial whaling

Australia is deeply disappointed by Japan’s decision to expand its commercial whaling program by adding fin whales.

Fin whales are the second largest of all whales and are considered vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

This expands Japan’s commercial whaling program beyond the Bryde’s, minke and sei whales that are already caught. Japan’s whaling will continue to operate within its territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone.

Australia is opposed to all commercial whaling and urges all countries to end this practice.

Australia’s efforts through the International Whaling Commission have contributed to a whaling-free Southern Ocean and a decline in commercial whaling around the world. Australia will continue to advocate for the protection and conservation of whales and the health of our ocean for future generations.

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