Japan to exit from International Whaling Commission and cease Southern Ocean whaling

The Australian Government is extremely disappointed that Japan has announced that it will withdraw from the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling and its decision-making body, the International Whaling Commission, and resume commercial whaling.

Their decision to withdraw is regrettable and Australia urges Japan to return to the Convention and Commission as a matter of priority.

The Australian Government welcomes Japan's announcement that it will stop whaling in the Southern Ocean as of next summer.

Joint media release:
Japan to exit from International Whaling Commission and cease Southern Ocean whaling