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In
the name of "tradition"
By March 2004, some 20,000 dolphins will have perished with the
full consent of the Japanese government, which has authorized
this, past and future hunting seasons. This slaughter is not only
permitted in Japan, it is actively encouraged, once again in the
name of so-called "tradition".
Mercury
Dolphins are hunted for their meat, which many Japanese consider
a delicacy… even though pollution means that dolphin flesh
is heavily contaminated by heavy metals. A study, published in
2002 at the request of the Japanese government, noted that high
concentrations of mercury and carcinogenic substances were found
in dolphin and whale livers, to the extent that this posed a serious
threat to human health with in particular a risk of brain damage.
Agony
The dolphin hunters employ barbaric techniques. Out at sea, dolphins
are stabbed with harpoons then brutally dragged onboard using
butcher's hooks to be finished off on deck. Dolphins near the
coastline are driven into shore to be trapped in bays where they
are struck on the head with spikes or have their throat slit.
They die a slow and agonizing death. A few dolphins escape death
to instead be taken for captivity in dolphinariums in Japan (where
there are many large marine parks) or other countries.
International opposition
There have been signs of a slight change of heart in Japan. Some
fishermen have stopped hunting to instead organize dolphin watches
(but outside the hunting season). Still, large-scale international
opposition and protests remain the most likely means of successfully
putting an end to this massacre of dolphins.
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