Dolphin Hunt returns to Okinawa
An interesting link to this story is that Nago fishermen have, for the first time in quite a while, managed to trap 100 dolphins and slaughter them recently. This, from Japan Update:
Nago used to the center of dolphin hunting in Okinawa where tens of fishermen gathered to hunt dolphins that were herded into the shallow Nago Bay and then slaughtered. Eventually the bloody practice was stopped mainly because of opposition by conservationist groups, and accompanying bad publicity to the city.
However, the tradition is still alive, and a few fishermen in the city still possess licenses to hunt dolphins. Dolphin meat is also available at some smaller shops and at some festivals in the city.
Recently, a school of more than 100 dolphins appeared off Nago Bay and the local fishermen?fs association called its members to join the hunt. Five boats joined the hunt and chased the group of the animals. They managed to herd seven dolphins into the fishing port where they were slaughtered.
This was the first time the dolphin hunt has been allowed since the practice was stopped 18 years ago. That ban was lifted last May. Association officials stress that the dolphin hut is not against International Whaling Commission limitations. But as people around the world are strongly opposing whaling, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries recommended to halt the practice.
Currently there are six boats that have a license to hunt for dolphins. For people in and around Nago City dolphins used to be an important part of their diet, but recently dolphin meat has become more of a curiosity that is eaten on special occasions.
Even local fishermen agree that a large scale dophin hunt is a thing of the past. “We can’t continue taking dolphins like before. People are strongly against the practice, and besides the cost of fuel has increased so much that hunting dolphins is no more profitable”
One thing that is rarely mentioned here, but usually in base arguments is the dugong. The only reason the dugong so rare in Okinawa is because they were fished almost to extinction. It’s not a coincidence they are only found near Camp Schwab waters in Okinawa (i.e. where Okinawan fishermen are not allowed). Seems rather strange that they are complaining then that the Henoko base will result in the death of the dugong population.
or Discuss this Article
Are these fish unique to Okinawa alone?
The dugong, or seacow, is related to the manatee. In Japan they are limited to Okinawa, but are in other areas of South East Asia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dugong
I have dove with manatees in FL, its a pretty neat experience. They are so slow and gentle… and hugely fat too. Its a neat experience, I didn’t know Okinawa actually had any that resided here. I know that they could, temperature wise, but I didn’t know there were any.
Never dove with a Dugong but to get back on track here, the dolphin slaughter is not good.
Interesting to see that the fisherman don’t do it out of conviction but because it may give a bad image.
Anything helps, I guess, like the plastic bag discussion.