Regarding the Jan. 13 letter, "Valuable data from whale research," from Dan Goodman of the Institute of Cetacean Research: I was pleasantly surprised to read Goodman's helpful explanation that study design and methods are reviewed by the International Whaling Commission Scientific Committee, and that results are published in many scientific journals, including The Journal of Cetacean Research and Management.
I browsed through the journal's Web site and came across the following editorial reference to Japan's scientific research project: "All proposed scientific permits have to be submitted for review by the Scientific Committee following guidelines issued by the Commission. However, in accordance with the Convention the ultimate responsibility for issuing them lies with the member nation. . . . As in previous years, there was severe disagreement within the Committee regarding advice that should be provided on a number of issues, including: the relevance of the proposed research to management, appropriate sample sizes and applicability of alternate (nonlethal) research methods."
If a research permit can be issued in spite of "severe disagreement" in the review body, it is certainly understandable that questions linger. Again, since readers continue to show interest in the issue and recycling hardened opinions on whaling shed little light, I would like to see The Japan Times offer an in-depth analysis without fear or favor.
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