Whaling to continue within months, Japan says
1:55 AM March 1
Japan says it will continue its Southern Ocean whaling programs in the future, possibly as soon as the end of next month.
The comments come despite having to call off this year's hunt because of a fire on board the fleet's main ship.
The six-vessel whaling fleet had already caught more than 500 minke whales when a fire broke out two weeks ago on board the main processing ship, the Nisshin Maru.
A 27-year-old crewman died in the blaze.
Japan's fisheries agency says while the ship is now moving again, it has decided to abandon this year's hunt.
It says there has been extensive damage to equipment on board, including the main winch, scales and whale meat processing area.
The agency says the fleet will return to Japan for repairs and investigations.
The ships are expected to be back by the end of next month. Source: ABC
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