THE future of Japan's lethal whale research is in doubt, with internal criticism of its controversial Antarctic hunt fuelled by doubts that the whalers can evade pursuit from conservationists. A senior member of a government review panel set up to advise options after last summer's disastrous season has openly calling for a halt.

According to Japanese media reports, the majority of the committee wish the hunt to continue, but are worried about the threat posed by Sea Shepherd. Last summer, the whaling fleet was forced out of the Southern Ocean after its hunt was restricted due to Sea Shepherd interference. The Institute of Cetacean Research said its crews were exhausted by the pursuit, leaving them with a catch of 172 whales out of a potential 985.

Respected Japanese consumer advocate Hisa Anan rejected any scientific need to kill whales. “Research whaling has been conducted for more than 20 years now,” declared Ms Anan. “I think they've gathered enough scientific data and even if they want more, they can conduct non-lethal research.”

An unnamed Fisheries Agency official stated that prospects of returning were ''extremely
gloomy,'' although the government has stressed its official policy remains unchanged. Additional pressure is mounting from financial losses, as scientific whaling costs in excess of 3 billion yen ($A35 million) per season.

Despite the increasing deficit, long-term observers of Japanese whaling remain unconvinced that the powerful agency would be overruled. ''I'm going to give them every chance to reconsider,'' stated Mick McIntyre of the group Whales Alive. ''But I'm under no illusions that it's decided.'' Sea Shepherd's Paul Watson stated all three of the group's ships would be positioned in Sydney and Fremantle in October.''We are also looking for a fourth ship," he stated. "If they return we will be ready to engage them again.''

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