Whaling: Australia seeks to close IWC loopholes

Australian Environment Minister Peter Garrett has announced that Australia will send an envoy to Japan and will propose that the International Whaling Commission (IWC) close loopholes that allow Japan to continue whaling.

He told reporters in Sydney that Australia would present the IWC with three main changes, including a collaborative international research program, bringing scientific whaling under the scrutiny of the commission, and carrying out plans to protect whales from contemporary threats, such as shipping and marine pollution.

"We have a responsibility to continue to increase our efforts to make sure that these beautiful animals aren't killed in the name of science," the Australian Associated Press quoted Garrett as saying.