Japan will encourage IWC members to continue its Antarctic research program . Move ahead of IWC meetings on reaching agreement on whale conservation rules . Japan will lobby a dozen members of the International Whaling Commission at a meeting Monday to support its much-criticized Antarctic whaling program -- just three days before all members of the commission meet in London to discuss reaching an agreement on whale conservation rules . Japan claims it is conducting the hunt as part of scientific research . Many in international community believe such hunts amount to needless waste .
Japan will encourage IWC members to continue its Antarctic research program . Move ahead of IWC meetings on reaching agreement on whale conservation rules . Japan claims it is conducting the hunt as part of scientific research . Many in international community believe such hunts amount to needless waste .