Last Tuesday, EcoWorldly Staff Writer Bryan Nelson wrote an article on the suspension of dolphin slaughter in Taiji, Japan. The suspension came off of Japanese local media swarming on Taiji, after the award winning documentary film “The Cove” put the spotlight on the small Japanese village that slaughters thousands of dolphins every year.
Ric O’Barry, the dolphin trainer and activist who brought the location to the attention of filmmakers, returned to the site of the slaughter this week, just as the annual “hunt” would normally begin. However, this time with all of the media attention, no dolphins were killed in the first 2 days of the season.
“It has been an exciting morning and the people here are very hostile, but as long as this goes on and we keep the pressure on, they cannot hunt the dolphins.” -Ric O’Barry
Sadly, O’Barry admits solemnly, this is only temporary. O’Barry keeping a watchful eye on the dolphin fishermen, has managed to disrupt the first two days of the annual dolphin hunt in the Japanese town of Taiji, but accepts that as soon as he leaves the fishermen will resume the killing.
“It’s very expensive for me be here and I can’t stay for the whole six months of the season”-Ric O’Barry
According to the Japan Fisheries Agency, around 20,000 dolphins will be killed all around Japan this season. The documentary revealed that dolphin meat is often sold illegally to the Japanese school system, and that school children often have no idea that what they are eating is dolphin meat. Dolphin meat has been shown to have high levels of mercury, which can be a huge problem for developing children.
On the coast of Japan, fishermen set out in dozens of boats and chase down a pod of dolphins. They then surround the pod with their boats, and create loud noises with metal poles, to frighten the dolphins into a net at the mouth of the bay. They leave for the day as the dolphins struggle within the nets frantically. The fishermen come back the next day to find “worthy” specimens. Fishermen tie a rope around the dolphins tail fin, and literally drag the dolphins to the coast for slaughter. The crystal blue ocean water turns crimson with the blood of the dolphins, as their necks are slit one by one and thrown onto an awaiting boat.
Dolphin fishermen will not just give up easily because of a little media attention, as each dolphin sold for meat will net them around $500 apiece. Each dolphin that they believed can be trained for aquariums can net them $150,000.
O’Barry is only staying in town for a week, and has already encountered angry locals at what they perceive to be interference in their industry. On Tuesday morning, as he tried to enter a grocery store, the head of the fishing union blocked the door and refused to allow him to buy any food. As soon as O’Barry leaves Taiji, media attention will wane, and the dolphin slaughter will continue.
The film “The Cove” has gone a long way in raising awareness. You can check to see if their are any screenings of the film in your area here. Spread the word. If enough people around the world know about what is happening in Taiji, O’Barry will no longer be the lone voice of protest that stands between the dolphins and those that wish to slaughter them.
Source: Telegraph.co.uk, The Cove
Image Credit: Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
Is it not possible to get schools and public involved if their children are being poisoned? I’m very sorry Ric has to leave.
So the fishermen insist on killing the dolphins and they end up damaging the children of their fellow countrymen… karmic, senseless and tragic.
Just as I posted on the previous article, the dolphin hunts in Taiji are ongoing as planned.
Now I have a question. Did Mr.O’Barry go to schools or hospitals in Taiji to find out how many children are damaged by the mercury in dolphin meat? I think he didn’t and he won’t, just because there are very few patients suffering from mercury poisoning in Taiji.
This is really crazy, man….
It’s a “SEA OF RED” !!!
Senseless & TRAGIC !!!
Yes Pig is right. On September 9th the Dolphin hunt resumed.
Yes, it’s a sea of red. Just the same color as a “BLOODY ROOM” of slaughterhouse.
I would like to ask those who are against this dolphin hunt to make sure the reasons.
Is that because of…
Mercury poisoning? > It’s unlikely to happen now. If you doubt, please tell the staff of “The Cove” to go search into hospitals or schools or a health center in Taiji.
Animal welfare? > It’s just as gruesome as slaughtering other animals. The only difference is whether they do it indoors, or outdoors.
Conservation of wildlife? > The dolphins are not endangered, and hunted within a quota.
High intelligence of dolphin? > I think it’s a distorted idea to protect a certain species because of its intelligence or cuteness. The reason for protection should only be a decrease in population.
Now I understand different people have different ideas. And hope you to understand it as well. People in Taiji have different ideas from you. That’s all.
Thank you for reading all my broken English comment.
Pig, I agree with you that we cannot judge the Japanese based on the standards we have. In anthropology this is called cultural relativism. For them, dolphin hunting is something that they grew up with and is accepted in their culture.
However, I also don’t believe just because something that is accepted in a certain culture cannot be criticized and protested against by the world at large.
I do see that their is a problem with killing such intelligent animals. This is the same argument that has allowed positive changed in primate lab research.
The mercury is also a problem, although there is some debate at what levels are needed to cause problems. Obviously some people have a diet consisting of mainly fish and don’t have problems with mercury, but at the same time it is clear that mercury poisoning does exsist. It is definitely something that needs to be researched further.
Thank you Mr.Hohler, I think even a traditional culture can’t avoid being accused in some cases, too. But I believe it would always require at least one persuasive reason to stop it entirely.
Insisting that we shouldn’t kill smart animals often backfires in Japan. Because it means, indirectly or not, we would have no problem with killing any animals that are not intelligent so much. In other words, you’re killing cows, pigs, chickens, and many other livestock and wild animals, just because they are not so smart, or rather dull should I say. That is an unacceptable mindset for most of the Japanese, as they basically believe each animals’ life is equal. This is based on Buddhism and Shinto, I think. I’m really sorry to say, but, the more you emphasize that certain species are intelligent so don’t kill them, the more you would sound incomprehensible to the Japanese. They know dolphins are intelligent, but that cannot be a reason to stop killing them. And it would bring us another problem as well. How should we draw a line between intelligent animals and dull ones? This may sound like a quibble to you, but it’s a serious matter to the Japanese. Pigs are as intelligent as dogs. Mice and crows are really clever enough to use tools, but they are just regarded as pests. Primate lab research might have been changed positively, but how about mice. Many primates, such as Chimpanzee and Japanese macaque, are endangered species. Then, wasn’t that compelling enough to improve the circumstances for them? Elephants are so intelligent as well, they can even paint a picture. But I believe they should be protected only because their population has been declining, not because of their intelligence.
As for mercury poisoning, I agree with you that it needs to be researched further. If there are any data that clearly indicate Taiji(and other regions where people eat dolphin meat, maybe) has higher numbers of patients, some proper actions should be taken by the government immediately. Actually the government has already announced for years that a pregnant woman had better not eat dolphin meat more than once in 2 months, and each amount should be less than 80g.If that is not enough, they should make a new rule. But that can’t be a reason to stop the dolphin hunts, either. Because even if dolphin meat is so dangerous, people should only stop ‘eating’ it. Dolphins are disturbing the fishermen in Taiji, chasing a cloud of fish, and breaking into the fishnets. This is another reason why they hunt dolphins. And I also think this is an internal affair.
Please let me tell you one more thing that many Japanese care about, concerning this issue. Some Japanese people think this is a kind of racism or even business only for money, and there is certain reason for it. Why those who loathe what’s happening in a local small town in Japan are neglecting what’s happening in their own countries?
I mean, they might have enjoyed making and watching such films as “Whale Wars” or “The Cove”, but if they had such enough money, why did they not use it to protect animals in their own countries? If the staff of “Whale Wars” or “The Cove” made the same effort in America or Australia, they could have stopped the use of dolphins for military purpose in the USA or the illegal dugong poaching now happening in Australia. Who would listen to a man saying that smoking is bad for your health, if he had a cigarette in his own hand? I hope you could understand what I’m trying to say. We all should do the best in each of our country first, then give some advice each other.
People who enjoy watching Japan’s issues wouldn’t even try to look at their own cultural problems. Franch people are eating foie gras, Spanish are bullfighting, British and Kiwi hunting wild animals, Canadians are hunting seals, and Australians are hunting endangered dugongs and turtles. These are all being done under the name of ‘tradition’. Moreover, Americans are shooting wild pigs from a helicopter, Australians are killing kangaroos, calling them ‘pests’. I know some people are trying to stop these practices, but could any of these issues ever become successful and worldwide documents and would make as much money as “Whale Wars” or “The Cove”? I have never heard of such news. What’s the difference? That’s why it smells like business, using somewhat potential racism.
At the same time that this news was reported over the world, we had another news that male chicks were being ground alive in the USA. While the hatchery covered everything up, Taiji stopped the hunt for a week and did not kill any dolphins before Mr.O’Barry’s eyes. Now I think this might be a great courtesy of Taiji, though Mr.O’Barry seems not to understand it at all. Humbleness is virtue in Japan, but he shouldn’t rely on it too much.
It’s important that people keep spreading the word about this film. It’s making an impact, and it’s too important to ignore. Tell all your friends and family to go see The Cove!
Pig… I agree that there are problems in other countries as well. They should be pointed out just as much as the dolphin slaughter. Many of them have been, The Cove is causing a buzz right now so the spotlight is on Japan. Unfortunately, in time the spotlight will fade and people will move on to something else… however while the spotlight is on dolphin slaughter it is the time to make all the changes we possibly can in the positive direction before that spotlight does fade away.
Luke I agree… The Cove isn’t opening anywhere near me until the beginning of October… I will be taking a group of students to see it. I hope others do the same in spreading the word about this movie.
This isn’t cultural relativism: as the documentary argued, dolphin killing and eating dolphin meat was never a Japanese tradition before it became economically valuable to the economy of a few towns, within living memory. It’s not racism to criticize this: it’s just common sense.
Also, hasn’t any one of you, Pig folks, seen the movie? Statistics about mercury poisoning in young Japanese people are given, and hospitals are cited. Mercury poisoning is a problem world-wide, increasing in severity.
Of course, someone has to make sure that the towns involved don’t suffer unnecessary financial hardship, since they’re making a S**TLOAD of money off the dolphin hunt. But that’s something that can be figured out by the policymakers in Taiwan and the UN.
Mr.Hohler, it may be fortunate to you that the spotlight is not going to fade such easily. Taiji has already been harassed for years, and The Cove is just a newest result of it. News media can keep making articles every time the town begins its annual hunts. It means every 1st September they have big opportunity to advertise it, just like an annual event such as the Rio Carnival. What kind of problem in other countries would provide them such great chance to make a buzz every year? Only some SEASONAL JOBS such as Taiji and Canadian seal hunt can attract the eyes and money of ordinary people, whilst ignoring what’s happening EVERYDAY. It seems journalism doesn’t work properly in any countries.
Please allow me to ask you just one more thing, this is the last question from me. What would you reply, if billions of Hindu people began to urge your city or country not to kill cows because it’s a sacred animal? I know most of Hindu will not intervene in the internal affairs of another nation, as they are not so aggressive or probably they don’t have enough power, time, and money to do so. Please use your imagination for now and give me a fine answer. Now this is just to understand your ideas, and not to criticize anyone. Thank you.
they are so crazy,this is business benfit
Wow. The manner in which they go about trapping and killing the dolphins seems outrageously inhumane. The dolphins have to be terrified! And swimming in a sea of blood? Who could do that?
http://www.newsy.com/videos/hunting_the_dolphin_hunters
I agree with Pigkiller. I’m an American, but I think the rabid reaction of westerners to Japanese whaling and dolphin “fishing” is nothing more than socially legitimized racism and cultural bigotry.
Do Hindus demonize the rest of the world for eating beef? Do Muslims demonize the rest of the world for eating pork? What right does anyone have to demonize a culture for it’s choice of animal to eat?
American overuse of natural resources has led to the extinction of a great number of species of wildlife, Aussies overlook dugong poaching, inuits are allowed to sell permits for polar bear hunting…the list goes on and on…
The only way these arguments carry any weight is if they were made by vegetarians. Living things all have some level of intelligence and feelings. The film “The Cove” is sad, as are Youtube videos of screaming cows and pigs in a slaughterhouse. Almost all of the arguments against whaling and dolphin fishing can be leveled at the slaughter of any kind of animal for food. Killing and death is not a happy thing.
All the handwringing and hairpulling may make you think that you are being humane and environmentally aware, but it is actually nothing more than racism, bigotry and hatred.
I’m very shocked to learn a number of dolphins slaughtered in Japan by fishermen. I grew up in Japan 20 years ago, but had never heard dolphin hunt nor seen the meat sold in the fish market. According to the article, the meat is sold to the school systems, and children don’t know they eat dolphin meat.
I am afraid I might have eaten the meat without knowing it. I feel so terrible because I love dolphins. They should find substitue food for dolphin.
I hope we can stop dolphin hunt immediately for good.
Midori yikes that is frightening… The cove opens in my area next week. Maybe I’ll write a review to keep this discussion going.
To pigkiller,
humans are more tasty, trust me, they get all sorts of nutrients from other animals, i bet you can earn a ton. If dolphins are pest to the local fish population in Japan, pfft, there are more humans than dolphins in Japan eating fish. Get your facts right.
And you talking about other countries, there are many groups changing things in their own country.
~Life is short, make the best out of it~
(obviously not by slaughtering or planning, trust me, you don’t want to see those images on your death-bed and regret)
To pigkiller,
you mentioned about being humble, a japanese virtue, well all i can say is that you are a disgrace to the Japanese people.
(assuming that you are a Japanese from Japan that is)
I’m Asian and non-religious but I’m a Vegetarian, tell me about being humble again?
However pigkiller,
points you made about species getting extinct in other countries are valid.
If you want to shame them online, don’t follow in their footsteps in reality. (dolphins/cow, w/e)
~the emotion you felt right after your first slaughter, remember that moment?, its when you know the difference between right and wrong~
no matter how young/old you were, how adapted you were to the environment you were brought up in, guilt is always there to help you change, make a change for not anyone else but yourself.
peaceout, good luck in finding your true self, pigkiller, may your soul rest in peace.
Hello, again.
Jonathan, likes and dislikes depend on each person, however, because humans are omnivorous doesn’t mean they taste good. Or rather, basically most of the tasty livestock are herbivores(cows, pigs, chickens, goat, sheep, deer, and so on and on.) As you’re a vegetarian, you may taste better than I though. I suppose you might be just joking, so I don’t take it so seriously anyway.
The humbleness here is not to obey someone without a word, but to be self-confident without forcing one’s opinions on another. We tend to keep silent until we get really angry and become unable to stand it any more. That would sometimes make foreign people misunderstand as if we’re hiding something. So I’m making my voice heard as much as possible. This is a kind of self-examination, and I don’t think it disgrace.
We do not force Hindus to eat beef. That is a humbleness. We do not force Muslims to eat pork. That is a humbleness as well. And vice versa, as PeeCee mentioned (Thanks PeeCee,) they don’t demonize us for what we eat. This is one of the civilized rules to organize the world better. So you keep on being a vegetarian, but do not force someone to become one. I mean, if you hope to understand the humbleness. Some vegetarians are known as the severe activists who shout something like “Go Vegan!” to others. They are the very disgrace to all other mild and harmless vegetarians, I think.
It is ironic that you said “make a change for not anyone else but yourself.” Because the phrase should be kept in our minds respectively. It should not be used toward other people, or it makes no sense. But I dare say, the money and techs for “The Cove” should be used to make a change in their own country first, not in a small town of Taiji. Thank you.
Thank you for your comment pigkiller,
I wasn’t a vegetarian when i was a child, i went to McDonalds, etc..(in Asia)
You made another good point about vegans being activist, chanting ‘go vegan’ and stuffs..i can’t speak for them.
However, being vegetarian isn’t a bad thing like most people assume in Asia. After being vegetarian for more than 20 years or so, I can truely feel the benefits of being one.
(blood circulation is at it’s peak)
Haha, enough of my personal story, but one thing is for sure, no matter where i go (slaughterhouse/ the local fishery/ wet market/ even resturants)
Do you know how awful the smell of death and rotting meat is when i go to these places?
I know that you have kill animals your whole life (as you mentioned earlier), i’m not going to talk about that, but i have a challenge for you. It’s a game. i’m not asking you to go vegan don’t worry haha. Just try eating ‘full’ veg for a week or you may go fully on ‘white’ meat (fish only diet, no salmon or strong tasting meat). After you complete the challenge, walk into a fishery/ slaughterhouse/ or even restaurants.
(note: you may not need to reply to my comment here, but at least try it and feel the difference for yourself)
~somethings in life, somethings you’ve never dreamt of, somethings you do might actually surprise yourself, change for yourself and find the best way of living life, why?, life is short, live it~
~the worse discrimination throughout my life is being vegetarian, if anyone reading this thread needs a mental/phyiscal challenge in life, try a week of being vegetarian, yes, only a week in your entire life~
peaceout, good luck again
My name “pigkiller” just means that I like pork better than beef or chicken. I’ve never killed a pig with my own hands, but there are the people who do that instead of me. Thanks to those people, I can eat any foods in my daily life.
I doesn’t make a difference whether we decide to eat or not to eat meat. The point is we shouldn’t eat anything more than enough. And we must not forget the thanksgivings to the people who bring the food to our tables, such as farmers, fishers, slaughter workers, factory workers, transporters, cooks, and also all the life of animals and plants. That’s why the Japanese people traditionally say “Itadakimasu” before having a meal, then “Gochisousama” after finishing that.
By the way, I was staying in England for almost a year when I was a student. Now because of that, I can not donate my blood to anyone in Japan, forever. It’s Mad Cow Disease, you know. I may have some potential risk of BSE, so the government refuse my blood. Mercury will go out of your body naturally if it is not that too much, but Prions do not. Well, what can England do to me? Will they stop bleeding cattle, please? I mean, it’s just a joke though.
Hi again,
I have always been very impressed with Japanese spirituality and agree that it is a good practise to thank god or those people who get food on your table, it is most important.
However, by giving thanks in a detailed way, anyone could point out the problem immediately. Let me give an example.
“Thank god for the food, thank the farmers for their hard work on the fields, thank the fisherman for their bravery in the rough seas, thanks to the workers who pack and transport the food, thank the cook for the the wonderful meal”
Does the above thanksgiving sound good? well, let’s be more detailed to spot the problem.
“Thank god for the food, thank the farmers for growing and harvesting the crops, thank the farmers for breeding the animals, thank the fisherman and slaughter house for slaughtering the animals on my behalf, thank god for all life on earth”
Does the above sound better? It’s the truth.
People of this world, get real. Educate our young properly without hiding facts and ugly truths.
~The earth nourishes itself and all living things on earth, however, humans nourish themselves at expense of the earth~
~I shouldn’t be here too long or my computer will need to recharge, which means power stations burn more fossil fuels and give out more carbon ?~
peaceout people
same thing in Denmark too. hope these things will be stopped immediately.
Pig,
the reason we care so much about the dolphins is because we still have so much more to learn about them and we cant if they end up being endangerd because of all the deaths. and i think that it is pure ignorence to think it doesnt matter to kill somthing with a high intellegency. The dolphin may even be smarter than humans in a different way, but smarter. it was wrong to kill all the jewish not just because they were people but because they were consious of what goes on around them, cows and pig are not.
Wish we could stop the killing