Japanese whaling ships will not be monitored by Australia this summer, because the government says enough damning evidence has already been collected.
The Rudd Government has decided against sending the Oceanic Viking to the Southern Ocean, claiming the Japanese will mainly operate in waters off New Zealand.
Environment Minister Peter Garrett says the Australian presence is not required.
“The Oceanic Viking has successfully completed its mission on monitoring the Japanese whaling activity,” Mr Garrett said.
“It has gathered quality video and photographic evidence for potential or possible use in international legal action.
“So it won’t be used to monitor the fleet again over this summer.”