Dolphin Slaugher: Will The Town Of Futo Become Another Taiji?

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by Michael dEstries September 17, 2010
Categories: Animals, Causes.

We’re nearing the end of September — the first month of the annual dolphin hunt in Japan — and so far, no dolphins in the deadly killing cove of Taiji, Japan have been slaughtered. Of course, it’s not all good news — with many dolphins having been captured for the sole purpose of being sold to aquariums around the world. Some would argue such a fate is worse than death.

We can thank the Sea Shepherd for their commitment to sticking it out in Taiji and providing daily updates on what’s happening in and around the cove. This month, however, may be only a reprieve for what’s to come.

“We understand that dolphin aquariums around the world are feeling the political and economic heat of being associated with the dolphin slaughter in Taiji, so a deal has been struck with the ‘fishermen’ of Taiji,” Scott West of Sea Shepherd said Tuesday in a website report. “They have agreed to not kill dolphins in September and the live traders will select many dolphins during the month.”

West also reported on the town of Futo, Japan that has decided to once more start up its participation in the dolphin hunt after taking a five year break. From the Sea Shepherd:

For the past five years, Futo has been a place where visitors could enjoy the underwater splendor and watch dolphins swimming freely in the wild. This respite appears to be over now.  It was reported in the August 27 edition of the Izu Shimbun newspaper that the town of Futo in Ito City is to resume its dolphin hunt.  A quota of 419 dolphins was set by a self-appointed group of petty bureaucrats because, as they say, “…we want to carry out the hunt in order to pass our skills on to the next generation.”

Curious in visiting Taiji during the hunting season and lending your presence to the cause? Click here to visit the Sea Shepherd site and learn more about getting in contact with West — or check out SaveDolphinsJapan for more information.



Categories: Animals, Causes.

About Michael dEstries

Michael has been blogging since 2005 on issues such as sustainability, renewable energy, philanthropy, and healthy living. He regularly contributes to a slew of publications, as well as consulting with companies looking to make an impact using the web and social media. He lives in Ithaca, NY with his family on an apple farm.

View all posts by Michael dEstries →
  • imforthewhales

    Will the town of Futo become another Taji?

    I would say probably.

    For some reason the Japanese get a great deal of satisfaction out of killing dolphins and whales. For some reason the Japanese fishermen and whalers do not care that they are offending people by carrying out this cruel practice. They do not care that the animals die in pain and great distress. They do not care that they are poisoning their children with this toxic meat. They do not care for world opinion…they see themselves as somehow separate and superior to all other nations and races of people. They feel it is their right to do what they want.

    So the answer is yes….probably.

    Of course, there is always the chance that someone who controls this madness will wake up and realize what they are doing…and put a stop to all of this bloodshed. Lets hope so.

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