hunt around 1,000 whales each year in the Southern Hemisphere, ostensibly for the purposes of scientific research.

BS'

One whale would keep all the researchers in Japan going for years, scientists only need minute amounts of anything to research it....

Would it be possible for me to hunt about 1000 people a year, for 'scientific research'?

Oh my God- Jon. Thats funny!
You'd think they'd let that one go or something, wouldn't they?
No I guess not, they seem to have caught a pleseasaur, I'm sure that I spelled it wrong, but I mean a loch-ness monster fish. they couldn't get that back for scientific research even though it would have been worth I don't know how much- a couple billion dollars?
truly sad- a real fishing culture and they f-ed up a dinosaur. Oh well a white whale might make a real good fish burger or something? eh?

Nothing --and I mean NOTHING--- can justify hunting this unique creature. Hell, let alone ANY whale. I love Japanese culture, but I cannot see how whaling still figures so high on their list of priorities. And their doing for "scientific research"? Yeah right --and that's really "swordfish" they sell at the supermarket. I can't believe anyone could think this is no big deal.

Save Migaloo!

I fully agree- The intelligence level of these creatures rivals and even surpasses many political entities around the world. It's got to be a sin to kill something, just because it isn't bi-pedal or whatever-
Does anyone in Japan know why they are really doing this? Is there a Japanese fisherman that can explain this to me? I really hate to pass any judgment on anything without knowing first hand, both sides of the story. It's apparently very obvious that this is wrong- But they keep doing it- I just want to know Why? Anyone?