Humpback Whale Hunt Begins

A Japanese whaler left port this weekend, in search of humpback whales for the first time in 40 years, according to the Mirror.

Though hunting humpbacks is illegal, Japan claims legality for the hunt under the guise of scientific research, a claim it and other whaling nations make despite widespread skepticism. Most believe these trips are for the sole purpose of hunting whales for food, a lucrative delicacy in Japan, Norway and a handful of other nations.

The ship will also target fin and minke whales.

The environmental group Greenpeace plans to stage a protest in the waters off Antarctica.

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