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01/02/2007
Government launches save the whale initiative
The government has launched an initiative to enlist more countries around the world to the anti-whaling cause.
A Defra document, 'Protecting Whales - A Global Responsibility', is being sent to governments of countries who are not yet members of the International Whaling Commission, urging them to join the IWC and back British and European efforts to protect whales, dolphins and porpoises around the globe.
The number of whales killed each year is continuing to grow, in spite of a 20-year internationally agreed moratorium on commercial whaling.
Last year, Japan, Iceland and Norway announced an increase in the number of whales they intended to kill. Iceland resumed commercial whaling, taking in 'endangered' fin whales, as well as minke whales. The action was strongly condemned internationally, with 25 countries plus the European Commission issuing a formal protest.
The Defra document is endorsed in a foreword by Prime Minister Tony Blair and the naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough.
Mr Blair's message says: "The UK government strongly supports the International Whaling Commission's moratorium on commercial whaling. We urge your government to join the UK and the other anti-whaling nations to ensure that our generation meets its global responsibility to protect whales."
Fisheries Minister Ben Bradshaw said: "Whales are a common heritage and as such the responsibility for their conservation and protection rests with all countries, whether or not they have coastal waters.
"Whaling is inherently cruel and economically unnecessary and we would urge all countries to join the IWC, protect the IWC's moratorium and take up the global responsibility to protect whales for future generations."
(KMcA/EF)
A Defra document, 'Protecting Whales - A Global Responsibility', is being sent to governments of countries who are not yet members of the International Whaling Commission, urging them to join the IWC and back British and European efforts to protect whales, dolphins and porpoises around the globe.
The number of whales killed each year is continuing to grow, in spite of a 20-year internationally agreed moratorium on commercial whaling.
Last year, Japan, Iceland and Norway announced an increase in the number of whales they intended to kill. Iceland resumed commercial whaling, taking in 'endangered' fin whales, as well as minke whales. The action was strongly condemned internationally, with 25 countries plus the European Commission issuing a formal protest.
The Defra document is endorsed in a foreword by Prime Minister Tony Blair and the naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough.
Mr Blair's message says: "The UK government strongly supports the International Whaling Commission's moratorium on commercial whaling. We urge your government to join the UK and the other anti-whaling nations to ensure that our generation meets its global responsibility to protect whales."
Fisheries Minister Ben Bradshaw said: "Whales are a common heritage and as such the responsibility for their conservation and protection rests with all countries, whether or not they have coastal waters.
"Whaling is inherently cruel and economically unnecessary and we would urge all countries to join the IWC, protect the IWC's moratorium and take up the global responsibility to protect whales for future generations."
(KMcA/EF)
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20 January 2006
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A rescue attempt has been launched after a rare whale was spotted in the Thames on Friday. The whale, which has been identified as a northern bottle-nosed whale, was spotted around 08:30am on Friday morning. It is the first time that this type of animal has been spotted in the Thames since 1913, when records began.
18 August 2003
Iceland's whale ships return with empty holds
Three Icelandic ships which were sent on a whaling mission following the country's controversial decision to begin the practice after a 14-year hiatus have returned to port today with empty holds. The ships' crews complained that their hunt went awry due to the flotilla of protesters and onlookers which following them throughout.
Iceland's whale ships return with empty holds
Three Icelandic ships which were sent on a whaling mission following the country's controversial decision to begin the practice after a 14-year hiatus have returned to port today with empty holds. The ships' crews complained that their hunt went awry due to the flotilla of protesters and onlookers which following them throughout.
01 September 2006
Rescued whale found dead in Skegness
A whale rescued by experts from the Lincolnshire coast has been found dead on a beach near Skegness. The whale, believed to be a northern bottlenose whale, was one of two whales found stranded on Thursday. The other whale died on Thursday afternoon, in spite of attempts to refloat them.
Rescued whale found dead in Skegness
A whale rescued by experts from the Lincolnshire coast has been found dead on a beach near Skegness. The whale, believed to be a northern bottlenose whale, was one of two whales found stranded on Thursday. The other whale died on Thursday afternoon, in spite of attempts to refloat them.
10 February 2006
WDCS claims whales being made into 'dog food'
A conservation group has claimed that whale meat produced in Japan’s scientific whaling programme is being turned into dog food. The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society says that Japan’s stockpile of whale meat has doubled in the past decade as a result of more and more animals being killed each year.
WDCS claims whales being made into 'dog food'
A conservation group has claimed that whale meat produced in Japan’s scientific whaling programme is being turned into dog food. The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society says that Japan’s stockpile of whale meat has doubled in the past decade as a result of more and more animals being killed each year.
05 February 2004
Improving reproductive health could save millions of lives: UN
Millions of lives could be saved with more cost-effective investments in sexual and reproductive health care, according to a new United Nations report.
Improving reproductive health could save millions of lives: UN
Millions of lives could be saved with more cost-effective investments in sexual and reproductive health care, according to a new United Nations report.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
