IDA And Save Japan Dolphins Coalition Challenge Obama Administration On Japan

[AJShannon]

IDA And Save Japan Dolphins Coalition Challenge Obama Administration
On Japan
Dr. Elliot M. Katz presents urgent appeal for dolphins and whales at
Ocean Policy Task Force public hearing

San Francisco, Calif. – On September 17, President Obama’s Ocean
Policy Task Force heard an urgent appeal on behalf of imperiled whales
and dolphins in Japan. Speaking for the Save Japan Dolphins coalition,
Dr. Elliot M. Katz, president of In Defense of Animals (IDA),
challenged the administration to engage Japan directly to stop the
ongoing slaughter.

“The Obama Administration needs to bring the issue of the slaughter of
whales and dolphins by Japan to the highest levels of that
government,” began Dr. Katz. “Two years of negotiations between IWC
member nations, including the Bush Administration … has resulted in no
agreement to end the commercial whaling that takes place in defiance
of the moratorium, and no concessions from Japan.”

The Save Japan Dolphins Coaltion called on President Obama to
personally engage the new Prime Minister of Japan, Yukio Hatoyama, to
end the slaughter of dolphins and whales in Japan and to enforce
international treaties. IDA also asked President Obama to accelerate
efforts to gain the support of other heads of state for the U.S.
position at the International Whaling Commission (IWC). Dr. Katz added
that “the ongoing impasse threatens the future of the IWC and serves
the interests of the Japan Fisheries Agency, which continues to
promote subsidized whaling and the sale of often poisoned dolphin and
whale meat to the Japanese people.”

The film “The Cove” is bringing the truth about Japan's intransigence
and questionable use of fisheries’ aid to nations that support its
position, to public attention throughout the world for the first time.
The Obama Administration must not miss this opportunity to protect
whales and dolphins permanently by engaging the Prime Minister of
Japan.

The Save Japan Dolphins Coalition is comprised of: Animal Welfare
Institute, Campaign Whale, Earth Island Institute, Elsa Nature
Conservancy, In Defense of Animals, and Ocean Care.