Jo calls for greater protection for whales
June 15, 2010 10:22 AM
Jo has shown her support for whales by taking part in an online photo petition run by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).
The international ban on whaling is under threat, as the International Whaling Commission (IWC) considers a deal which would legitimise commercial whaling.
Jo is taking part in IFAW's 'Tails for Whales' online photo petition, which is encouraging people from all walks of life to be photographed making the whale tail hands symbol to raise awareness and call for greater protection for whales.
Commenting, Robbie Marsland, UK Director of IFAW, said:
"We are very grateful to Jo Swinson for showing her support for whales at such a critical time. IFAW opposes commercial or so-called 'scientific' whaling because it is cruel and unnecessary and we believe these magnificent and intelligent creatures should be protected for future generations to enjoy. Support for this project demonstrates that many people feel the same."
Commenting, Jo said:
"It looks like the International Whaling Commission may be about to bow to pressure from the pro-whaling countries and lift the moratorium on whaling that has stood for more than 20 years. This campaign is a great, positive way for people to show that they care about the future of these beautiful animals, at a very important time. I encourage anyone who is concerned about whaling to take part by submitting their photos for inclusion at www.tailsforwhales.org."
Whale tail images can be uploaded to the website www.tailsforwhales.org (JPEG format, minimum 1024x768pix).
The aim is to collect as many of these positive images as possible on the website, particularly in the run-up to the next meeting of the IWC, to urge all member countries to use their votes to protect, not weaken, the worldwide ban on commercial whaling.
Despite a worldwide ban on commercial whaling coming into effect in 1986, more than 30,000 whales have been killed for commercial reasons since that time. Japan hunts whales under a loophole for so-called "scientific" whaling, which IFAW believes is really commercial whaling by another name. Iceland has killed whales both commercially and under the "scientific" clause and Norway has continued to hunt commercially under an objection to the ban.
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