I know it all comes down to bureaucratic bull&%$*, but i'm baffled as to why the Rudd government doesn’t put pressure on the Japanese to end all whaling like they promised in their election campaign.

So in the mean time the Sea Shepherd crew are heading down to Antarctica to put real pressure on the Japanese whaling fleet where it's needed... on the front-line.

It's worth a mention too that Australia Zoo's Wildlife Warriors are putting in $1.3 million over the next couple of years to do the same kind of research as the aus govnmt... I think it's separate to the governments efforts. I'm sure all Sunny Coasters are aware that all of the funds raised from Steve Irwin Day this weekend just past goes towards this research.

The Japanese are still sending a number of harpoon vessels down to Antarctica. The ship you might be thinking of was a fleet supply ship called the Oriental Bluebird. It has been de-flagged and fined after being found guilty of 1. Using the ship for purposes it was not licensed for (i.e. carrying whale meat rather than oil). 2. Violating the MARPOL convention after illegally re-fuelling whaling vessels in protected Antarctic waters.

Unfortunately they'll probably still illegally use it... also, the Japanese government is sending a gunboat down to 'defend' their illegal whaling activities. Another blow also is Greenpeace has said they are not sending a ship this year, so the Sea Shepherds 'Steve Irwin' is the only anti-whaling ship this year.

They have a monumental task ahead of them and they need all the help they can get. Lets hope they can continue to make whaling unprofitable for the Japanese a 4th year running. I think that's the only kind of pressure that will stop the senseless killing.