Australian scientists: whale research need not be lethal

CANBERRA, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Australian scientists revealed on Thursday they would take part in a sea voyage next year to demonstrate whale research does not have to be lethal.

Researchers will look into population structure, abundance, trends and distribution of whales.

They will do this by using biopsy sampling, satellite tracking as well as acoustic and hydrographic surveys.

The six-week trip to Antarctic waters has been organized jointly with New Zealand.

Meanwhile, Japan has insisted it hunts whales in Antarctic waters for scientific research.