Peace corps of the sea. Photo: Clare Plueckhahn.
Despite the negative media attention, fishermen in Japan continue to insist that the slaughtering of dolphins is a “tradition” that they are willing to fight for. For six months out of the year, a cove near the village of Taiji (nicknamed the floating graveyard) has become infamous for its dolphin hunting. It goes without saying where most surfers stand on the issue. Dave Rastovich’s commitment to the cause dates back to the making of “Minds in the Water” and “The Cove.” Both films were made to bring attention to the issue and demonstrate the inhumane practices of the so-called sport.
Rastovich explained in a press release, “Cetaceans are the ultimate and original surfers. They are our ocean kin and it is our role to do what we can to protect their well being.”
The Taiji Fishermen Union feels differently. They have been fighting the issue, claiming that films only portray one side of the story. The annual hunting season starts in September and runs through March. The issue has turned global, as environmental activists everywhere are live streaming and tweeting new developments. The Taiji Fishermen’s Union has expressed that the slaughtering of dolphins is no different then the slaughtering of other animals for food and that activists are allowing their emotions to get the best of them. Whether or not this is true, activists are claiming that dolphins are extremely intelligent. Unlike other animals, they are socially complex beings that form close bonds with the dolphins around them.
The flesh of the slaughtered dolphins will be sold for consumption. Dolphin meat is sold regularly in Japan and it is considered a part of their culture. As time goes on, most of the world is recognizing the need to protect marine mammals. Taiji’s annual dolphin slaughter was virtually unknown until pictures and videos started circulating in 2003. Since then, surfers and activists everywhere have joined in the fight, including some high profile actors.
Dave Rastovich founded Surfers for Cetaceans, which is also backed by Chris Del Moro, Lauren Hill and Hilton Dawe. In 2007, Surfers for Cetaceans held two peaceful ceremonies in the “Killing Cove” in Taiji. The first one was somewhat calm, while the second one took place in blood stained waters as the fishermen slaughtered a pod of twenty-four pilot whales. The group of surfers present managed to slow down the kills and show the world what was really going on in the area.
Despite recent successes, Japan has held strong to their beliefs. They claim to be merely exercising their fishing rights. With Japan at the center of controversy, the battle is far from over and activists have a long road ahead of them. The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society explained, “The world in not looking the other way, but will Japan listen? These dolphins do not belong to Japan. They belong to all of us – to the oceans and the planet and they matter in their own right. The eyes of the world are now laser-focused on Taiji’s cove.
