ID :
48256
Sat, 02/28/2009 - 20:42
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https://oananews.org//node/48256
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Japan approves resumption of whale meat imports from Norway
LONDON, Feb. 28 Kyodo -
The Japanese government has approved importing whale meat from Norway for the
first time since 1988, officials of both countries said Saturday, revealing a
decision expected to madden anti-whaling nations.
Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry gave the green light on Feb. 6
to import 5.6 tons of mike whale meat from Norway, about five months after
resuming whale meat imports from Iceland after a 17-year hiatus.
Iceland and Norway are the only countries currently engaged in commercial
whaling. Japan stopped commercial whaling after the International Whaling
Commission moratorium on it took effect in 1986 and the country's whaling
activities have since been limited to what it says are research purposes.
The Norwegian meat arrived at the Nagoya port last June, but the Fisheries
Agency filed for import permission only in late January. The portion of the
meat allotted for eating raw has failed to pass tests but the other parts are
expected to clear customs soon.
''There is some sensitivity because it's whale meat,'' a Japanese Fisheries
Agency official said when asked why it took eight months to obtain permission
after the meat arrived in Japan.
The official also said it took time to complete the paperwork as it was the
first time in a long while to deal with whale meat from Norway.
Some observers believe the delay showed a cautious approach by the Japanese
government, which is concerned that its latest decision could stoke criticism
from anti-whaling nations. The IWC is scheduled to hold a meeting in Rome on
March 9-11.
A Norwegian fisheries official termed Japan's decision satisfactory.
''We are very grateful and satisfied with the fact that it is now possible to
trade whale products,'' said Astrid Holtan, deputy director general of the
trade department at the Norwegian Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs.
''Because it is a special product, there has been of course a lot of
international debate, a lot of discussions, so it is not easy...it is not
trading fish,'' Holtan said, noting Norway has been working closely with Japan
on the matter over a few years.
Norway halted commercial whaling in 1988 but resumed it in 1993.
==Kyodo
The Japanese government has approved importing whale meat from Norway for the
first time since 1988, officials of both countries said Saturday, revealing a
decision expected to madden anti-whaling nations.
Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry gave the green light on Feb. 6
to import 5.6 tons of mike whale meat from Norway, about five months after
resuming whale meat imports from Iceland after a 17-year hiatus.
Iceland and Norway are the only countries currently engaged in commercial
whaling. Japan stopped commercial whaling after the International Whaling
Commission moratorium on it took effect in 1986 and the country's whaling
activities have since been limited to what it says are research purposes.
The Norwegian meat arrived at the Nagoya port last June, but the Fisheries
Agency filed for import permission only in late January. The portion of the
meat allotted for eating raw has failed to pass tests but the other parts are
expected to clear customs soon.
''There is some sensitivity because it's whale meat,'' a Japanese Fisheries
Agency official said when asked why it took eight months to obtain permission
after the meat arrived in Japan.
The official also said it took time to complete the paperwork as it was the
first time in a long while to deal with whale meat from Norway.
Some observers believe the delay showed a cautious approach by the Japanese
government, which is concerned that its latest decision could stoke criticism
from anti-whaling nations. The IWC is scheduled to hold a meeting in Rome on
March 9-11.
A Norwegian fisheries official termed Japan's decision satisfactory.
''We are very grateful and satisfied with the fact that it is now possible to
trade whale products,'' said Astrid Holtan, deputy director general of the
trade department at the Norwegian Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs.
''Because it is a special product, there has been of course a lot of
international debate, a lot of discussions, so it is not easy...it is not
trading fish,'' Holtan said, noting Norway has been working closely with Japan
on the matter over a few years.
Norway halted commercial whaling in 1988 but resumed it in 1993.
==Kyodo
