Australian Whale Sanctuary

[brandon]

THE LIE:

"This is the Australian Antarctic Territory where these whales are going to be killed. This is under the sovereignty of Australia.
- Paul Watson speaking at Inverse Gallery November 28, 2007. (can be viewed here on Youtube)"


THE TRUTH:

The so-called "Australian Antarctic Territory" or "Australian Whale Sanctuary" is in no way a legitimate maritime claim. In fact, only 4 out of 194 countries even recognize this claim. Japan is NOT one of those four.

This statement is misleading, inaccurate, and false.

"Australian Antarctic Territory" or "Australian Whale Sanctuary"

By saying one or the other your suggesting that they are interchangeable. The Australian Whale sanctuary refers to Australian law that makes hunting whales in its controlled waters illegal. It is illegal by Australian law to Hunt whales within 200 miles of its country, controlled Providences, and territories.

www.environment.gov.au/coasts/species/cetaceans/conservation/sanctuary.html

The 4 out of 194 countries that recognize the Australian Antarctic Territory are countries that also have claims in antarctic. Seven countries in total have claims.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antarctic_territories

Australia has 3 permanent bases in the Antarctic.

worldagainstwhaling.org/whale-sanctuaries/57-australian-whale-sanctuary.html

194 countries that dont is a misleading number and irrelevant. Who cares if a 3rd world country who never has or will have any interest in pioneering the Antarctic hasn't publicly recognized it? Japan doesn't recognize it? Real shocker there... Only 1 country (Japan) is defying Australian law by whaling in that territory. NOT 194...

The Australian Antarctic Territory is recognized by the Australian government. The law is effective in that territory (Above gov.au link) and the Australian federal court ruled against the Japanese whaling company in 08 barring them from whaling in the antarctic Whale Sanctuary.

www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/sinodisp/au/cases/cth/federal_ct/2008/3.html?query=whaling

Paul Watson didn't lie. The country of Australia would confirm it is "under the sovereignty of Australia" whether 194 countries recognize it or not.

Hypothetical: Australian school teacher is teaching her kids about the Australian Antarctic Territory's. Do you call her a lier because 194 countries don't recognize it???

I will add that I have no problem with killing whales for food or research and i dont support the sea shepherds campaign. I watched the series on netflix for its entertainment value only. Whether the Australian Antarctic Territory should or should not be recognized is questionable. In my opinion its their claimed territory let them have it.