Japanese whalers return to port

TOKYO (AFP) — Japan's whalers began arriving home Tuesday as authorities prepared to investigate high-seas clashes with activists that prevented the fleet from killing almost half its intended catch.

Japanese officials said they were considering legal action against militant protesters that disrupted the five-month Antarctic voyage.

But they declared the mission a success despite the lower-than-expected haul, vowing to continue the annual hunt despite diplomatic pressure by anti-whaling countries led by Australia. full story