There has been an international ban on whaling since 1982, but several countries continue to kill the animals under a "research" loophole and then sell the meat for consumption. Japan alone kills over 1,000 whales a year.

On February 19, 2010, the Telegraph reported that secret talks will be held in Florida next month that could result in lifting the ban on commercial whaling. On Earth Day, President Obama met with delegates from Japan about the proposal to lift the ban. The International Whaling Commission will meet in June to make a decision on whether to allow commercial whale hunts.

Whaling is so profitable that there's never been much of an incentive for countries to enforce anti-whaling laws. If they aren't willing or able to crack down on a ban, how will they police sanctioned whaling?

There's no justification for killing whales. Let the International Whaling Commission and President Obama know that you oppose lifting the ban and encourage them to close the research loopholes instead.

Photo credit: guano