Japan has begun its controversial whaling operations by killing its first protected fin whale in over a decade. The male fin whale, measuring 19.6 meters (64 feet) and weighing 55 tonnes, was recently caught off the coast of Iwate Prefecture by the whaling company Kyodo Senpaku, according to OceanCare.
This catch follows a contentious decision made in May 2024, when fin whales were added to the list of species permitted to be hunted in Japan’s exclusive economic zone. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries announced a quota allowing the hunting of 59 fin whales, in addition to its existing quotas for minke, Bryde’s, and sei whales.
Coinciding with this announcement, Kyodo Senpaku revealed its new whaling factory ship, the Kangei Maru, a 112.6-meter (369-foot) vessel equipped with an onboard butchering facility.
Image credit: NOAA Fisheries/Paula Olson
As the second-largest animal on Earth after the blue whale, fin whales are considered vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Japan contends that the North Pacific fin whale population has recovered sufficiently to justify whaling. However, this stance has been met with significant criticism from conservationists and experts.
Catherine Bell, Director of International Policy at the International Fund for Animal Welfare, expressed strong opposition, stating, “The fin whale is the second largest animal on earth. Putting it in the gunsights in 2024 is a big mistake for Japan, for whales, and for the international community working to protect them. We call on Japan immediately to withdraw this indefensible decision.”
Bell further highlighted concerns about the welfare implications of this hunt, noting that “there is no humane way to kill a whale at sea.” She pointed out that Japanese whalers have not targeted fin whales since 2011, and the current harpoon operators may lack experience with a species significantly larger than those they typically hunt. Harpoons are often ineffective, leading to slow and painful deaths for the whales.
Japan’s resumption of commercial whaling in June 2019, following its withdrawal from the International Whaling Commission (IWC), has been a source of international contention. The global community, with notable exceptions, widely condemns the practice.
Australia, in particular, has been vocal in its opposition, expressing deep disappointment with Japan’s recent actions. The Australian government has reiterated its stance against all commercial whaling, urging an end to this controversial practice.
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