"Sea Shepherd is claiming victory after Japan temporarily suspended its annual whale hunt in the Southern Ocean."

"On Wednesday the anti-whaling group claimed two of its boats, the Steve Irwin and the Bob Barker, were rammed by a Japanese ship in Australian Antarctic waters. ...

Japan's Institute of Cetacean Research has announced it has stopped work for the time being because it is too difficult to refuel. ...

Sea Shepherd founder and Steve Irwin captain Paul Watson believes the clashes are a sign of desperation. ... Mr Watson says it is unlikely the whalers will resume their hunt this season. 'Not this season, the season is over in 18 days,' he said. 'I don't think they have killed more than a dozen whales in total.... '"

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation had the story February 20, 2013. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Japan Vows To Continue Whale Hunt After Clash With Sea Shepherd Activists" (AFP) [3]