Japanese whalers prepare for hunt

Japan has killed more than 5,000 whales in 12 years

Plans by Japan to catch about 400 Minke whales in the Antarctic - ostensibly for research purposes - have come under fire from environmentalists.

A fleet of Japanese ships is set to leave the western port of Shimonoseki on a six-month hunting expedition for the whales.

Japan's assertions that this whaling is necessary for scientific research purposes are unfounded

New Zealand Conservation Minister Sandra Lee

Japan gave up commercial whaling following an international moratorium declared by the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in 1986.

But it has been catching hundreds of minke whales for scientific research since 1987, saying the hunts provide information on whale feeding habits and migration patterns.

Environmental groups, however, have charged that some of the whale meat finds its way to Japan's restaurants, where it is served as a delicacy.

'Despicable'

New Zealand has joined in the condemnation, calling Japan's policy "despicable".

"Japan's assertions that this whaling is necessary for scientific research purposes are unfounded," said New Zealand conservation minister Sandra Lee.

Norway also wants commercial whaling

"I deeply regret this decision and once again call on Japan to stop this despicable move," Ms Lee said.

She added that the IWC had repeatedly called on Japan to stop its lethal project, which has killed more than 5,000 minke whales in 12 years.

New Zealand is among several states trying to create a sanctuary for whales in the Southern Hemisphere.

Takanori Nagamoto of Japan's Fisheries Agency said on Monday that Japan conducted research hunts twice a year.

Stocks dispute

Last May and June, Japan carried out a research excursion in the northwest Pacific.

Whale meat is a delicacy in Japan

This expedition will be in Antarctica, where there are believed to be about 760,000 minke whales.

The IWC is scheduled to meet next May in Shimonoseki.

There, Japan, Norway and other pro-whaling nations are expected to argue that whale stocks are strong enough in many regions to allow a resumption of limited industrial hunts.

Ms Lee rejected this and said: "There are strong indications that [minke whale] numbers may be in decline."