Scientists set sail on mission to aid whales

An Antarctic voyage will put Kiwi and Australian scientists on the international stage in a bid to prove whales do not need to be killed to be studied.

The whale research expedition – the largest of its kind – will leave Wellington on Monday. It will intensify the whaling debate as researchers expect to disprove Japan's claim that minke whale numbers are increasing and can therefore be hunted lawfully.

The expedition was launched yesterday by Research, Science and Technology Minister Wayne Mapp and Australian Environment Minister Peter Garrett as part of the Southern Ocean Research Partnership. Environment Minister Nick Smith also attended.

A team of 18 scientists will spend six weeks on National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research ship Tangaroa, working around the ice edge in the Ross Sea and the Southern Ocean.

The Kiwi, Australian and French researchers will use non-lethal techniques including biopsy sampling, satellite tracking, acoustic and hydrographic surveys and collecting whale faeces. They will study the feeding habits, population structure, trends and ecological role of whales.

Dr Mapp said the expedition would demonstrate that "rigorous scientific research does not require the killing of whales". Mr Garrett said the "facade" of whaling in the name of science was absolutely opposed.

Non-lethal whale research could provide all the information needed to study and conserve whales. "We don't need to kill whales to understand and learn about them," the former frontman of rock band Midnight Oil added.

Steve Nichol, an Antarctic expert, said the voyage was novel and high-risk and the spotlight would be on its research.

All eyes will be on the expedition when the preliminary results are presented at the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in Morocco in June.

Commercial whaling was banned in 1986 but Japan argues it can hunt in the Antarctic for research. However, many believe that whale meat is the driver of the hunting.

The Southern Ocean Research Partnership was formed last year by anti-whaling countries. This research will be its most significant yet.

The Tangaroa was built in 1991, weighs 2300 tonnes, and spends more than 300 days a year at sea.

- © Fairfax NZ News