Asia PR News

WASHINGTON, Dec. 21 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ –

The following is a statement from Monica Medina, Director of Whale
Conservation of the Pew Environment Group:

“We are encouraged that Japan has decided to not kill endangered humpback
whales as previously planned. However, we hope this is just a first step.
Despite an international moratorium on commercial whaling, the world’s whales
face many threats to their survival, including climate change, ship strikes and
Japan’s active whaling program.

“The Bush Administration deserves credit for encouraging Japan to forego
its plans to kill humpback whales, which had drawn international consternation.

“Next month Pew is hosting a symposium in Tokyo to address an ongoing
impasse at the International Whaling Commission that has resulted in more
whales being killed last year (more than 2,000) than in any year since the
whaling moratorium entered into force in 1986. Today’s announcement bodes well
for the conservation of whales in the 21st Century.”

For additional information visit www.pewwhales.org

SOURCE: Pew Environment Group

CONTACT: Justin Kenney of the Pew Environment Group,
+1-215-575-4816,
jkenney@pewtrusts.org

Web site: http://www.pewwhales.org