The Netherlands, the United States, Australia and New Zealand have urged both the Japanese whalers and the Sea Shepherd activists to do everything possible to avoid endangering human lives during their confrontations.

In response to the warning Sea Shepherd has called it a futile formality. Head of the environmental organisation, Geert-Jan Vons told Radio Netherlands the warning was a false gesture. He called it “an easy statement to make from behind a desk.”

Mr Vons says if the various governments are really so concerned, they should send a ship to follow the Japanese fleet. “Everyone agrees that Japan is breaking the law. The cause is not being tackled.”

The Japanese whaling fleet went to sea last week. In the coming months, they will hunt whales in the waters south of Australia and New Zealand. As was the case in previous years, Sea Shepherd will do everything it can to disrupt the hunt. Last year, a Sea Shepherd vessel sank after a collision with a Japanese whaler.

In a joint statement, the four countries said these confrontations endanger the lives of whalers and activists alike.

“The Southern Ocean is a remote and unforgiving environment. The risks are big and the capabilities of rescue services limited.”

The Netherlands, the US, Australia and New Zealand emphasised that those who endanger safety will be prosecuted. Two Sea Shepherd vessels, the Steve Irwin and the Bob Barker, sail under the Dutch flag.

(gsh/imm/nc)

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