Prime MinisterJohn Howard
Parliament HouseCanberra,
ACT, 2600
and
Minister for the Environment
Parliament Hous
eCanberra
ACT 2600 
Senator Ian Campbell

 I am writing to express my concern over Japanese scientific whaling in the Southern Ocean (JARPA II) and to urge the Australian Government to take legal action against Japan immediately, to pursue an injunction to halt whaling within 14 days. I have recently learned that the Government of Japan has expanded its so-called;scientific; whaling program in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary and that it plans to kill more than 935 whales in the name of science. It will also introduce the hunting of humpback whales - one of the main species that support a whale watching industry worth almost $300 million a year in Australia.

 I am also aware that several legal experts have concluded that Japan is breaching international law and that the Australian Government can immediately seek;Provisional Measures; in ITLOS that could halt JARPA II within 14 days. Despite strong criticism year after year in international political arenas like the International Whaling Commission, including representations made by the Australian Government, Japanese scientific whaling has continued regardless.  With the Japanese whaling fleet currently in the Southern Ocean hunting whales, I urge you to follow this course of action immediately. The whaling that will take place this year is on a scale not seen since the global ban on commercial whaling came into effect in 1986. It is effectively commercial whaling in a poor disguise.

 With hundreds of whales facing the harpoons as I write, I ask that you also consider taking other action to stop Japan scientific whaling program through international conventions and treaties, as well as international tribunals and courts, including:

* Starting proceedings against Japan in the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).
* Calling the Government of Japan to submit JARPA II to an Environmental Impact Assessment under the Antarctic Treaty System.
* Ban access to Australian ports by any vessels refuelling or resupplying the Japanese whaling fleet. The Australian Government has been a strong opponent of commercial whaling.

During this vital time for the whales of the Southern Ocean, I ask that you continue to show leadership and courage in challenging the Government of Japan and put an end to the sham that is scientific whaling.  The Australian Government has a real opportunity to stop this hunt and I look forward to hearing what action you will take. I look forward to your urgent response.