The New Zealand government reiterated Wednesday its deep concerns about whaling operations currently underway by the Japanese in the Southern Ocean.

Conservation Minister Chris Carter said the government "totally rejects" claims that the whaling is needed for scientific research.

"The New Zealand government is deeply concerned about the whales being killed under Japan's new scientific research program in Antarctica (JARPA II)," said Carter.

He said a critique he released in December by internationally respected whale experts showed Japanese whaling "lacks any scientific credibility."

Carter said New Zealanders regard whales as iconic creatures and do not understand the need to kill them for scientific or any other purposes.

Protest actions have been taken recently by non-governmental organizations like Greenpeace against the Japanese whaling.

Carter said the protest reflects the strong feelings many New Zealanders share.

Japan has taken over 6,500 Antarctic minke whales in the Southern Ocean for the purposes of scientific research. This year it reportedly plans to take a further 935 minke whales and 10 endangered fin whales. There are also plans to ultimately kill the endangered humpback whale.

Carter said New Zealand takes a strong anti-whaling position and will continue to do so.

"We intend to continue working through diplomatic and other channels... to express our deep concerns to the Japanese government about the continuing slaughter of whales in the Southern Ocean," said Carter.

Source: Xinhua