“The Cove” is an Oscar-winning documentary about the ruthless slaughter of dolphins by Japanese fishermen. Last month Ric O’Barry, 70, a dolphin activist who starred in the film, flew to Japan but was arrested at the Tokyo airport and deported a few days later. Apparently Japan didn’t like the negative publicity. Japanese commercial whaling in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary in contravention of international law has also been a subject of activist campaigns, including efforts by the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (known as “whale warriors”) to interfere with the Japanese whaling fleet. Japan, historically a maritime and fishing nation, vigorously defends these activities. But if they see nothing wrong with it, then why do they try to hide it, and silence their critics?
Photos: Ric O’Barry (above); Japanese dolphin slaughter in the cove (right)