United States joins other anti-whaling nations in statement opposing Southern Ocean whaling.

• Author: Crook, John R.

In December 2012, at the start of the summer whaling season by Japanese whalers ostensibly conducting "scientific research," the United States joined Australia, the Netherlands, and New Zealand in a further statement calling for restraint in encounters between whalers and whaling opponents. (6) The statement affirms the four governments' continued opposition to "scientific" whaling in the Southern Ocean.

The Governments of Australia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United States jointly condemn any actions that imperil human life at sea during the 2012-2013 Southern Ocean whaling season. We reiterate our call to the masters of all vessels involved to ensure that safety of human life at sea is not endangered and international collision avoidance regulations are observed to avoid injury or loss of life among protestors and whaling crew. We draw their attention to the International Maritime Organization's 17 May 2010 resolution on assuring safety during demonstrations, protests or confrontations on the high seas, and the International Whaling Commission's 2011 Resolution on Safety at Sea. We respect the right to peaceful protest, including on the high seas. We condemn dangerous or unlawful behaviour at sea by any party in the Southern Ocean or...