How 'The Cove' Campaign Is Working (Infographic)

In 2009, the world learned about the Taiji cove, a remote coastal inlet in South Central Japan that harbored a dark secret. Every year, fishermen killed thousands of dolphins and sold their mercury-tainted meat throughout Japan. But a dedicated group of activists launched a global campaign to end the slaughter. And it’s been working.

What will you be doing to stop the 2012-2013 Taiji dolphin slaughter?

• 'Cove' Star Ric O'Barry's 2012 Resolution: End Taiji Slaughter

• 2012 Taiji Dolphin Slaughter: A Hunting Season in Review

• Hong Kong Airlines Brags About Shipping Kidnapped Cove Dolphins

See More Actions

The Cove exposes the slaughter of more than 20,000 dolphins and porpoises off the coast of Japan every year. Yet, the majority of the world is not aware this is happening. Be a part of the solution by signing and sharing this petition.

To:

President Obama, Vice President Biden and Japanese Ambassador to the United States Ichiro Fujisaki

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Full Petition Text

Dear [Decision Maker],

I recently heard about the documentary film The Cove and was alarmed to find out that more than 20,000 dolphins and porpoises are brutally killed each year off the coast of Japan. In addition, Japanese consumers are being sold dolphin meat, containing dangerously high levels of mercury, often labeled as whale meat.

I ask that you urge the Japanese government to revoke permits that allow Japan's Fisheries Agency to continue this heinous, dangerous and illegal practice.

I also urge American leadership to ensure that the International Whaling Commission includes the proper management of dolphins and porpoises and a comprehensive plan to stop the slaughter of dolphins in Japan.

Your immediate action is needed.

Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]

About The Petition

In The Cove, a team of activists and filmmakers infiltrate a heavily-guarded cove in Taiji, Japan. In this remote village they witness and document activities deliberately being hidden from the public: More than 20,000 dolphins and porpoises are being slaughtered each year and their meat, containing toxic levels of mercury, is being sold as food in Japan, often times labeled as whale meat.

The majority of the world is not aware this is happening. The Taiji cove is blocked off from the public. Cameras are not allowed inside and the media does not cover the story. It's critical that we get the word out in Japan. Once the Japanese people know we believe they will demand change.

Send a letter to President Obama, Vice President Biden and Japanese Ambassador to the United States Ichiro Fujisaki urging them to address this issue.

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Max Follmer is the Elections editor at TakePart.com. He has previously covered elections and politics for the Biloxi Sun-Herald, The Huffington Post, and the Los Angeles Daily Journal.