2010-01-05

New Zealand And Australia Join Forces To Carry Out Research On Whales Using Non-lethal Methods

New Zealand and Australia are joining forces to carry out research on whales using non-lethal methods for whales.

In a challenge to the Japanese claims that whales need to be killed to be studied the BBC reports that 'eighteen scientists will set sail for Antarctica next month to study minke, humpback and blue whale populations.

They will also be assessing the impact of climate change on the whales.

The scientists hope their research will help to disprove Japan's claims that whales have to be killed if they are to be properly studied.

The six-week voyage will start in Wellington in early February.

Researchers will employ a range of non-lethal techniques to try to unlock some of the secrets of these giant marine mammals'

More from the BBC