Key plan to end Southern Ocean whaling

JoAnne McArthur/Sea Shepherd

ADY GIL: The crew of a hi-tech anti-whaling trimaran rammed by a Japanese ship, describe it as attempted murder.

Relevant offers

Prime Minister John Key has hinted at a diplomatic solution he is hopeful could end Japanese whaling in the Southern Ocean.

He told reporters at a media conference in Auckland this afternoon that he would discuss the "potential solution" with US secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Friday night.

Mr Key said he was taking his plan to the upcoming International Whaling Commission meeting, due to be held in Hawaii later this month.

He condemned last week's clash between the Sea Shepherd conservation organisation and a Japanese whaling ship which saw a New Zealand registered boat sink.

"I don't think name calling or collisions on the high seas is going to help resolve these issues."

Mr Key remained tight-lipped on the details of the plan and he would not speculate on the likely Japanese response.

- © Fairfax NZ News