Japanese whale fleet returns with increased catch

Japan’s whaling fleet has returned from an expedition in the northwest Pacific with a quarry of 158 whales, 70 more than last year’s hunt and with Bryde’s and sperm whales added to the usual catch of minke.

The decision last year to include Bryde’s and sperm whales in the hunt for the first time since an international ban on commercial whaling took effect in 1987 triggered criticism worldwide and brought threats of economic sanctions from Washington.