Updates on the 2006-7 dolphin drive hunt season, Japan

Update: 16 October 2006
On October 11, the Ito City Fishing Cooperative held a meeting at its Futo branch, inviting media reporters. After explaining a brief history of the drive fishery in Futo they declared that they would continue the drive hunt this season.

According to the Cooperative, aquariums have already ordered 30 bottlenose dolphins from the Ito City Fishing Cooperative. About 20 fishing boats with 40 fishermen will participate in the drive hunt this season, and if necessary, spotter boats will go out to sea and try to find pods of dolphins.

The Japan Fisheries Agency permits Futo a quota of how many animals it can take during the drive hunts - this season (Oct 06 - Mar 07) their allowance is: 600 dolphins: 70 striped dolphins, 75 bottlenose dolphins and 455 spotted dolphins.

According to the local people, they saw pods of dolphins off the shore of Futo three weeks ago. (Information courtesy of Elsa Nature Conservancy of Japan)

Update: 13 September 2006
This year the dolphin hunt has begun one month early, on 6 September. It has been reported that 25 bottlenose dolphins were driven into Hatakejiri Bay, by 13 fishing boats. Six of these dolphins were purchased by the Taiji Whale Museum which will train and display them in captivity.

We are unaware as to why the hunt has begun early - it has been reported by authorities that the quota for dolphins has not been filled in previous hunts, therefore more time was needed. However, considering the worldwide condemnation this hunt brings, the early start could be a tactic in order to disrupt the campaign against this brutal practice. (Information courtesy of Elsa Nature Conservancy of Japan)

To read more about and take action against this appalling slaughter please click here

Homepage image: Elsa Nature Conservancy
Image: ©Helene O'Barry (One Voice)