VegNews Daily

Sales of Whale Meat Facing Steep Decline in Japan

Due in part to anti-whaling groups’ efforts, consumer demand for cetacean meat has plunged in Japan.

According to a new report from the Dolphin and Whale Action Network, Japan’s whale-meat industry is struggling to stay afloat as demand for the product wanes. Though commercial whaling has been prohibited since 1986, the country allows the mammals to be hunted for scientific purposes, after which byproducts collected during the research process can be auctioned off for consumption. This year’s auction failed to attract consumer interest, with three-quarters of whale meat products remaining unsold—a fact the Institute of Cetacean Research partially blames on intensified criticism from anti-whaling groups such as Sea Shepherd. Earlier this year, conservationist groups declared a victory after Sea Shepherd interrupted a Japanese research expedition in Antarctica, forcing the vessel to return home with just 30 percent of its intended catch.

 Comments

Austin, TX Named Most Veg-Friendly City in US

In addition to being known as the nation’s live music capital, Austin has garnered a reputation as a mecca of plant-based foods.
Read More »

Tropical Smoothie Café Will Offer Beyond Meat

Customers can now enjoy a sandwich or salad filled with plant-based meat at one of the national smoothie chain’s 300 locations.
Read More »

Arrest Made in Major European Horse Meat Scandal

Dutch authorities have made an arrest related to the recent scandal of mislabeled horse meat throughout Europe.
Read More »

Vegan Egg Company Receives $1 Million in Funding

Founders Fund chose to back Hampton Creek Foods as its first culinary startup investment.
Read More »

PETA Uses CGI to Show the Suffering of Film Apes

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals personifies the plight of apes used in Hollywood productions in its new advertisement.
Read More »

This Week on VegNews TV: Go behind the scenes of Mercy for Animals' Justice for All event with Heidi Rayden who interviews compassionate stars.

More Videos »