A group representing the Japanese whaling fleet says countries opposed to whaling are supporting the violent protests of the Sea Shepherd group.
A joint statement was issued on Wednesday by four governments that condemned whaling and called for responsible behaviour in the Southern Ocean this season.
Australia, New Zealand the Netherlands and the United States said the masters of all vessels in the whaling and protest fleets must ensure the safety of human life at sea.
The Japanese Institute of Cetacean Research says that if the four countries are serious about preventing violence, they would block Sea Shepherd vessels from using their ports and flying their flags.
