“The Japan Whale Research Institute, in cooperation with a large Japanese fishing company, undertook a sperm whale study in fall 1965 to establish a scientific basis for supporting Japan’s proposal to relax the size restriction (imposed by the International Whaling Commission) on harvestable sizes (over 35 feet) of sperm whales. It is reported that four whale catchers (belonging to the fishery firm), operating under contract to the Whale Institute, assembled off eastern Hokkaido and on September 29 located a herd of 25 sperm whales eight miles off Akkeshi. The catchers simultaneously closed in on the herd and killed 21 whales, one of which was not recoverable. The 20 whales were hauled to Akkeshi where they were examined as to length, sex, and sexual maturity. The 20 whales consisted of 16 females, 3 males, and 2 calves (one of which was lost at sea). The whaling expedition to collect scientific data is reported to be the first of its kind undertaken by any nation. Another expedition is expected to be launched in or after 1966. On November 10, 1965, the Japan Whale Research Institute and the fishing company presented a report on their findings to a group of 20 government and industry officials. The study revealed that (1) sperm whales are still abundant, (2) whale herds differ in size and sexual composition (although the species is polygamous in nature), (3) females below the present minimum harvestable size limit (35 feet in case of base-type whaling operations) are sexually capable of reproduction, and (4) natural mortality appears high. It was reported that the findings lend support to Japan’s claim in seeking a relaxation of international whaling regulations. However, it was decided at the meeting that conclusions should not be hastily drawn on the basis of the one study conducted to date and that further studies should be undertaken (Suisan Keizai Shimbun, October 8 and November 10, 1965.).”
Source
Commercial Fisheries Review dated January 1966 No. 1, p. 82-83.
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