Feature story - April 14, 2014
A ship carrying 2,000 tons of endangered fin whale meat from Iceland, has decided not to enter the South African port of Durban.
The ship is en route to Japan to deliver its condemnable cargo in Tokyo and wanted to resupply halfway. It would have met public outrage. In three days over 23,000 South Africans joined Greenpeace in its request to the port authorities to deny entrance and service to the Alma.
Greenpeace is calling on the South African government to add pressure to other African prts to continue denying services to the Alma ship when it reaches their shores.
Michael O’brien Onyeka, Greenpeace Africa Executive Director said, "Every country and company involved in shipments should be aware that making money on the trade of endangered species is being met with international moral rejection".
South Africa has made great strides in closing the loops to trade illegal species inside and outside the country but they can do more to deny ships like the Icelandic whale meat transporter ALMA from entering Africa’s waters.
After actions of Greenpeace last year, the ports of Rotterdam and Hamburg declared that transshipments of whale meat are not welcome anymore.
When the ALMA tries to port in Mauritius or other ports, South Africa must urge their counterparts to take measures, not to offer services to the ship or return the ship back to sender.
O’Brien-Onyeka: "Whale meat – just like rhino horn - is illegal in South Africa. The shipping company underestimated South African citizens commitment to abolish the trade of illegal and endangered species and wildlife. Now, the vessel has left South African waters without the possibility to refuel."
It is up to other port states on the route of this vessel to continue to deny access to whale carrying vessel, to prove their genuine commitment to intention of the CITES treaty that over 178 countries have signed up to. Over 50 African nations are party to the treaty.