Japan, Australia clash at whaling meet
Updated
Japan and Australia have had their first heated exchange on the floor of the international whaling commission.
Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom told the IWC meeting there's no need for Japan's lethal scientific hunt which this year killed 551 minke whales.
The Australian Environment Minister, Peter Garrett, says the program is based on irrelevant science.
"In the 21st Century there's no need to kill whales for scientific purposes and the programs, and the programs are not needed by the Commission and it must stop," he said.
The Caribbean countries described that as insulting, and Japan rejects the accusation, labelling its scientific program as comprehensive and credible research.
