Japan had courted Belize in the hope of getting our vote to lift a ban on commercial whaling. Well the courtship failed. Today Belize along with 31 other countries voted against a move by Japan to remove the issue of hunting of dolphins and porpoises from the agenda of the International Whaling Commission's annual meeting. It's not a vote on lifting the ban but the 32-30 voting against the proposal by Japan demonstrates that pro-whaling countries have not been able to secure control of the commission.
Long speculated upon, Belize's vote comes as an indication that this country will maintain its record of conservationism. But more than saving face, Belize has in interest in these massive sea mammals. Every year, whale-sharks, which are the largest creatures in the sea, cruise the waters of Southern Belize when Cubera Snappers congregate for spawning. Last year we visited the Gladden Spit Marine Reserve and we found out why Belize's stake in the whale's future is great.You can find that story in our archive at Swimming with Sharks at Gladden Split. Whale shark sightings in those waters are optimum between May, June and July of every year. The come out at the full moon when spawning activity peaks.
