Whale hunting draws tourists

Whale hunting draws tourists

KUPANG, Southeast Sulawesi: More than 50 foreigners flock to
Lamalera, a tiny islet at the tip of Lomblen Island, every year
to witness whale hunting and slaughtering, Antara reported
yesterday.

The news agency quoted Rafael Tapaona, a local fisherman, as
saying that 130 whales have been caught and slaughtered in the
last three years.

Rafael said fishermen trade their catch for tubers, corn, and
other necessities.

Antara did not say the type of whales hunted or whether they
were protected species.

To reach the island, visitors must take a boat from Lomblen,
which operates only on Fridays, Rafael said. (10)