Japan's relentless drive fisheries have added to the ongoing worldwide furore and condemnation of the killing, capture and confinement of these wonderful free-ranging manine animals.
During these hunts, small whales and dolphins are rounded up into shallow bays and slaughtered with knives and hand-held harpoons. The drive fishery in Japan continues due to the demand for the meat however the demand for the animals to supply the parks far outweighs the demand for consumption.
The killing must be stopped. In late September 2003 members of Sea Shepherd were in Taiji documenting the slaughter in an attempt to stop these kills. On 23rd October, 30 Melon Head whales were rounded up and driven into the bay. The crew blocked 17 of the animals and saved them from slaughter, however 69 striped dolphins and 13 pilot whales were killed.
Many of the general public in Japan are aware of these hunts taking place in their country and are disgusted when advised of the slaughter.
To see how opposed the Japanese are to their catch the wild animals have a look at the valiant efforts of protestors to free the animals.
After a valiant struggle in the water, see video, they swam ashore and were immediately arrested and held, in separate jails, for 22 days without charges, bail or communication with the outside world.
