Japanese whalers will kill fewer whales and include non-lethal research in its new whaling programme in the Antarctic, according to media reports.
A Bryde's whale on the deck of a Japanese research ship in the western North Pacific (2013) Photo: AFP / Institute of Cetacean Research
Japanese media have published a summary of the new research whaling programme that Japan will submit to the International Whaling Commission (IWC) later this month, the ABC reported.
The summary said Japan would, for the first time, take tissue samples from live whales.
It also said Japan would increase visual observations of whale populations and behaviour.
The re-fashioned scientific programme, which is slated for 2015 to 2026, would still kill minke whales but at a reduced quota.
The Japanese government said it still expected opposition from Australia and New Zealand to its new plan.