The International Whaling Commission dealt a fresh blow to Japan's whaling plans Wednesday, rejecting requests to expand the hunt for minke whales in coastal waters and establish a new hunting ground for Bryde's whales in the northwestern Pacific.
The Japanese coastal whaling resolution, which required a 75 percent majority to be adopted, was turned down after receiving 19 votes in favor, 26 against and one abstention.
Japan's coastal whaling communities have been allowed to catch 50 minke whales a year in coastal waters until last year. Japan wants to triple the annual quota.
"Whaling is a way to protect our community, and it is regrettable that our proposal was rejected," said Miyagi Gov. Shiro Asano. Miyagi is one of four prefectures with local whaling communities.