The future of Humpback whales lies in the balance this month when a group of nations will attempt to overturn the ban on commercial whale hunting.

Japan, Iceland and Norway are leading the move to reverse the 1982 moratorium at the International Whaling Commission's annual conference in Alaska.

A reversal of the ban was narrowly defeated last year when Japan gained a majority of the votes but not the 75 percent needed.

The country has been accused of 'bribing' smaller Caribbean and Pacific nations to join its voting block, through $750 million in aid to fishing industries. To the south of Bermuda, Antigua and Barbuda; Dominica; Grenada; St Kitts and Nevis; St Lucia; St Vincent and the Grenadines, have allied themselves with Japan.

Although Bermuda comes under the UK vote in the IWC, a staunch anti-whaling nation, the Island has an added interest in protecting the Humpbacks.

In the Spring, these magnificent creatures migrate past the Island on their way to the rich food resources of the north Atlantic.

Environmental campaigner Annie Sousa, of Paget, is urging people to back the anti-whaling nations in the crucial vote.

She said: "I think people should be aware of what's happening. We've got animals migrating past our Island that could end up not being there any longer. If the moratorium is defeated then every whale in our seas will be under threat.

"The Humpback was one of the large whale species that was almost hunted to extinction and although they are making a comeback, they are a long way off.

"If you add the 'modern day' dangers they have to deal with, of pollution, global warming, and shipping, they already have huge forces against them and will be fighting for survival for a long time to come."

Ms Sousa, an insurance broker, said people can pledge their support through letters or donations to the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

"People can also contact the governments of the six Caribbean nations who are supporting whale hunting," she said.

"These islands depend hugely on tourism and if people stopped visiting these islands, then they may consider their stance. Please write to the governments and express your thoughts."

She also advises against purchasing 'Polar Seas', a US brand of sushi produced by True World Foods, Inc. — a partner of Japanese canned whalemeat provider Kyokuyo Co. Ltd.

The IFAW has commissioned a group of legal experts to urge anti-whaling nations to take legal action against Japan at the International Tribunal for the Law or International Court of Justice.

Despite the commercial ban, it has continued to hunt whales for 'scientific research' and this year plans to pursue 935 minke and, for the first time, 50 Humpbacks.

Humpbacks were almost hunted to extinction prior to being protected by the IWC in 1966. The population is just starting to replenish itself, with an estimated 30,000-40,000 worldwide — one-third of their pre-whaling levels.

Jeff Ward, Director of Bermuda's Conservation Services Department, said: "While I do not believe there's any likelihood of a large scale whaling industry in the Caribbean, we always have to be cautious of these things, and personally I believe whales should be left alone."

Contact www.ifaw.org for more information.