Japanese Whale Chaser Visiting Melbourne Now

by Lisa Mylchreest on 25 Nov 2007 The Robert Hunter, owned by environmental activist body Sea Shepherd, originally a spin-off from Greenpeace, is again on its way to the Antarctic to draw attention to the Japanese whaling ships which have indicated their intention to take 50 humpback whales 50 fin whales and hundreds of minke whales this season.

Japan insists that their purpose is scientific, in spite of widespread skepticism.

With a fresh coat of paint and repairs and maintenance completed, the Robert Hunter will take on final provisions and crew in Melbourne before it heads to the Southern Oceans to attempt to obstruct the Japanese .

Many Australians fear that the world's only known white humpback whale could be slaughtered as Japan's whaling fleet prepares to embark on its annual hunt in the Southern Ocean. Each year Migaloo - along with thousands of other humpbacks - migrates from the icy seas of Antarctica to the warm shallows of the South Pacific and the Great Barrier Reef. A few months later the whales, the females leading their newly-born calves, return to Antarctica.

The arrival of 45ft-long Migaloo - believed to be the only completely white humpback in the world - is keenly anticipated by whale watchers along Australia's east coast.

Melbournians will have a last chance to visit the Robert Hunter prior to her departure scheduled for the first week of December.

The ship arrived on Friday 23 November at the Docklands Wharf 4 at the end of Bourke Street. Tours commence daily until departure from 10:00- 4:00. All are invited to come visit the ship and send the crew off with your support!

For more details contact Sea Shepherd Melbourne Office:

Tel: + 61 3 9445 0323
australia@seashepherd.org