Animal 0 Posté(e) le 2 décembre 2006 Fri Dec 1, 11:18 AM ET OSLO (AFP) - Norway has authorised its whalers to harpoon 1,052 whales in the 2007 season, the same number as the previous year, despite whalers fulfilling only half the 2006 limit. "The quota is the same as in 2006. There is a crucial difference: in 2007 it will be permitted to catch 900 animals along the (Norwegian) coast ..., an increase of 300 animals in theses areas compared to this year," interim Fisheries and Coastal Affairs Minister Dag Terje Andersen said in a statement. The government hopes the increase in the number of kills permitted in coastal waters will make it easier for whalers to fulfill their hunt quotas. Just over 500 minke whales were killed this year, even though the government had set an upper limit of 1,052 animals. This year's quota was the largest since Norway resumed commercial whaling in 1993, despite an International Whaling Commission moratorium on the practice in place since 1986. Whalers have said poor weather and high oil prices -- that have squeezed whaler's margins as they sometimes sail long distances in the search for whales -- have resulted in the low catch. Supporters of whaling argue that certain species, such as the minke, exist in sufficient numbers to allow a limited hunt. Japan allows whaling, officially for scientific research. Until recently Norway was alone in allowing commercial whaling. But in October was joined by Iceland which authorised a catch of 30 minke whales and nine fin whales through August 2007 for export. http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20061201/sc_afp/norwayenvironment_061201161845 Partager ce message Lien à poster Partager sur d’autres sites
