LONDON, Nov. 23 (Kyodo) - A chain of aquariums in Europe have removed Japanese goods from its stores in protest against Japan's latest whaling expedition.
The Sea Life group is also calling on Europeans to boycott all Japanese products in the run-up to Christmas in an attempt to change Tokyo's mind over its controversial whaling program.
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Much has been made that this year's hunt in the Antarctic Ocean --which includes 850 minke and 50 fin whales -- will also include 50 humpback whales for the first time since 1963.
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Around 60 British parliamentarians have even "adopted" their very own humpbacks after green campaigners took photos of "well-known" whales. Their progress will be tracked on the migratory route south.
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Sea Life director and marine biologist Rob Hicks said, "The Japanese government ignores all diplomatic lobbying to stop this butchery. If we register our outrage in a way that threatens their economy though, we think that may have more impact."
Whale slaughter triggers call for boycott of Japanese goods The UK-based network of SEA LIFE attractions is calling for a boycott of Japanese goods this Christmas in protest over Japan's Antarctic whale hunt.
There are twenty-five SEA LIFE centres in eight countries across Europe, and all of them are calling for the boycott.
And over the weekend of Dec 1st and 2nd any child under 14 who signs a special ‘message to Santa' asking him not to bring them anything made in Japan this year,will be given free admission.
The Japanese fleet has gone to the Antarctic with the intention of killing 950 whales, including - for the first time - humpbacked whales.
"Japan uses a loophole in the charter of the International Whaling Commission to carry on whaling for so-called ‘scientific' purposes," said Sea Life director and marine biologist Rob Hicks.
"The Japanese government ignores all diplomatic lobbying to stop this butchery, even though polls suggest that even the majority of Japanese people are against it.
"If we register our outrage in way that threatens their economy though, we think that may have more impact."
Sea Life Centres have begun regular broadcasting of the famous and haunting ‘song of the humpbacked whale' over its aquarium sound systems to help rally support for its boycott.
The Centres' own gift shops are removing all Japanese goods from their shelves.
"When you consider the number of Japanese electrical products, mobile phones, computer games and other such items that help fill Christmas stockings, this protest could really make in impact," said Rob.
Primary schools are also being urged to make the painting of ‘Stop Killing Whales' posters a special art assignment.
"Whichever school pupil paints the best poster will win a free Sea Life visit for his or her who school class," said Rob, "and we'll make a huge display of all the best entries."
The SEA LIFE network includes attractions in Finland, Germany, Holland, Belgium, France, Spain and Ireland as well as the UK.
It has an impressive track-record of championing marine life causes, having petitioned the EU over turtle conservation, shark-finning and overfishing.
"This latest campaign is different in that there is no compelling scientific case to suggest that whale populations will be endangered by this hunt," said Rob.
"My colleagues and I feel no less strongly about it, though, as we all care passionately about whales and share a total abhorrence of this slaughter."
http://www.sealifeeurope.com/press.php?id=36&page=1 
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