As the conclusion of the International Whaling Commission Intersession in Rome, Italy, this week, Greenpeace International has described Japan's whaling programme as a "scientific sham and economic disaster."
"The only viable future is one that protects whale populations…and invests in real conservation of marine life," said Greenpeace International Whales Campaigner Sara Holden.
According to Greenpeace, Japan spends US$12 million in annual taxpayer subsidies for its whaling programme.
Ms Holden added that despite the largest economic crisis facing Japan in a generation, the government has sent its delegation to defend its multi million dollar whaling program that is "reviled by the international community and unwanted by tax payers".
Raphael Mweninguwe