Humans destroying whale habitat

AUSTRALIA is vowing to continue its push to stamp out scientific whaling, as a report shows humans are an increasing threat to whales, dolphins and porpoises.The Global Cetacean Summary Report, published yesterday, shows the animals are increasingly threatened by human activities, including hunting, habitat degradation and climate change. "What this report shows is that while some species and populations have started to recover, many continue to be threatened, with the risk some could be driven to extinction in the near future," Environment Minister Mr Garrett said. The report highlighted the need for more scientific information on cetacean species, he said. "The release of this report further strengthens Australia's drive to end so-called scientific whaling. "Future research should use non-lethal methods and be based on rigorous science." Earlier this week, the federal government flagged plans to put forward a proposal at the IWC for all scientific research to be brought under the authority of the commission. The proposal will reinforce the view that whale research activities need to be underpinned by a genuine scientific requirement. If its diplomatic efforts to end whaling fail, Australia says, it still has the option of taking legal action against Japan to stop it killing the mammals. Foreign Minister Stephen Smith indicated Australia had not ruled out legal action against Japan on whaling through the International Court of Justice or the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. "If we get to the stage where we think our diplomatic efforts are being exhausted ... then we continue to leave open the possibility and the prospect of international legal action," Mr Smith told Sky News. New Zealand has a vessel in the Southern Ocean that will conduct research on whales over six weeks to show scientific studies do not have to be lethal. Mr Garrett said Australia would be advocating non-lethal whaling research. "We've got good support, incidentally, from other countries," Mr Garrett told ABC Radio. "If we're going to have a proper discussion about so-called scientific whaling, then we believe that the science needs to be robust." AAP