[Photo] Japan officially resumes commercial whale hunting after 31 years

Japan has resumed the commercial hunting of whales after a 31-year ban. On June 30, Japan officially left the International Whaling Commission so its fishers can resume the commercial hunting of whales. The decision came 31 years after Japan decided to ban whale hunting in 1988 after being blasted by animal rights groups and the international community. During that time however, whale hunts have occurred under the guise of “scientific research.” Whale hunts are expected to officially recommence in Japan’s territorial waters and in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) on July 1. The photo shows a minke whale killed by Japanese hunters calling themselves “scientific researchers” near Kushiro Port, Hokkaido, Japan, in September 2017.