Whale's Tale: Apology Not Enough for Sushi Protestors

By Danny Jensen
March 17, 2010
2 comments

Is "sorry" enough when it comes to serving endangered species for dinner? The Hump, a trendy Los Angeles sushi restaurant, has officially apologized and admitted guilt to charges of illegally serving endangered Sei whale, but critics demand that the offenders should go further to correct their wrongs.

While I'm glad that the restaurant has confessed to the offense and promised that it won't serve Sei whale again, the owners should do more to atone for their transgressions. At the very least the restaurant could make a public statement against the ongoing illegal whale slaughters, reach out to other restaurants to discourage serving endangered or threatened animals, or contribute in some way to ending the illegal whale hunts. So far, all the restaurant has offered is the following:

“ We write to address the misdemeanor charge recently filed by the U.S. Attorney. The charge against the restaurant is true: The Hump served whale meat to customers looking to eat what in Japan is widely served as a delicacy. In serving this meat, The Hump ignored its responsibilities to help save endangered whales from extinction and failed to support the world community in its uphill fight to protect all endangered species. While The Hump cannot undo the damage it caused, it will put into place procedures to ensure that it strictly complies with the laws and becomes a good corporate citizen. We sincerely apologize. We pledge to work hard to re-earn the trust of the public and respect of our customers. ”

The statement is vague, and portions of the apology seem rather condescending, as though those who condemn the killing of endangered species are somehow unable to appreciate whale as a "delicacy." Exactly what "procedures" will the restaurant put in place to ensure that it complies with the laws? 

Use this online contact form or the address below to get in touch with the owners of The Hump and strongly encourage them to take further action:

3221 Donald Douglas Loop South 3rd floor
Santa Monica, Ca 90405
310.313.0977 • Fax: 310.390.8032

Editor's note: A previous version of this story contained an email link and address information for a business that does not own The Hump. TakePart regrets the error. 

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Learn more: Whale, Dolphin and Porpoise Hunting

Photo: redjoe's Flickr photostream/Creative Commons

Comments

2
maxlinsky
posted on Mar 18, 2010
Thanks for the catch, alaska49er. We did have the wrong information in the post. Here's a link to the correct contact form on The Hump's website: http://www.thehump.biz/?page_id=24 And here is the correct address: 3221 Donald Douglas Loop South 3rd floor Santa Monica, Ca 90405 310.313.0977 • Fax: 310.390.8032
alaska49er
posted on Mar 18, 2010
the following is a response from an email I sent to the address suggested above: info@typhoonrestaurants.com. It looks like TakePart posted the wrong email address. Typhoon! Suffers In Case of Mistaken Identity   Ever Since the national media reported that a sushi restaurant in Santa Monica was cited for illegally serving endangered whale meat, the owners and managers of Typhoon! Thai restaurants in Oregon and Washington have been scrambling to correct a case of dangerously mistaken identity.   “People are incredibly – and understandably – upset,” said co-owner Steve Kline, the company’s managing director.  “But anyone who knows us knows we serve Thai food, and we never serve whale meat – or any other endangered species.”   The outrage erupted after news media reported on a sting involving The Hump Japanese restaurant at Santa Monica airport (www.thehump.biz).  The Hump is owned by a pan-Asian restaurant, Typhoon (www.typhoon.biz, no relation), also at Santa Monica Airport.   Since the story appeared, managers have fielded phone calls and e-mails from people threatening to boycott.   “Shame shame shame,” read one: “You’d better run back to Japan.  You’re done in the USA.”   Another observed: “I find it offensive and disgusting that your restaurant chain sells protected whales to customers.  I do not believe that being prepared to pay a “fine” compensates the global community for your criminal acts.”    To Help Correct the Case of Mistaken Identity, Typhoon! posted signs at all locations explaining: “IT WASN’T US.”   “The outrage is understandable, but misdirected,” said Bo Kline, the company’s president and executive chef.  “It would be more effective if they took the time to contact the people responsible.  This is not a practice that would be acceptable in Thai culture.   “We work hard to serve the best and healthiest food we can put on a plate,” Bo added.  “and we don’t serve endangered anything.”   The Hump has posted an apology on its website, noting: “The charge against the restaurant is true: The Hump served whale meat to customers looking to eat what in Japan is widely served as a delicacy. In serving this meat, The Hump ignored its responsibilities to help save endangered whales from extinction and failed to support the world community in its uphill fight to protect all endangered species. While The Hump cannot undo the damage it caused, it will put into place procedures to ensure that it strictly complies with the laws and becomes a good corporate citizen. We sincerely apologize. We pledge to work hard to re-earn the trust of the public and respect of our customers.”