European Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas, in a joint statement, said: 'The graphic images on our television screens bring home the reality of whale hunting. This shows more than ever the EU needs to be united in opposing whaling.' -- PHOTO: AFP

'Whales are protected by the International Whaling Commission and European Union law,' said EU Fisheries Commissioner Joe Borg on Friday . 'Scientific research must not be used as a cover for continued whaling.'

European Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas, in a joint statement, said: 'The graphic images on our television screens bring home the reality of whale hunting. This shows more than ever the EU needs to be united in opposing whaling.'

Japan said on Friday it would complain to Australia after the release of graphic pictures of whaling operations, accusing Canberra of stirring up emotions.

Australian media on Thursday prominently aired the pictures taken by an Australian customs vessel showing whales being dragged onto a Japanese ship after being harpooned.

Japan has said the pictures were misleading and did not show a lactating mother and her calf as asserted in Australia.

Last November the EU's executive arm expressed concern over Japanese plans to kill up to 1,000 minke, fin and humpback whales in the South Pacific.

'It is now clear to the world the Japan continues to undermine the international efforts to conserve and protect whales despite the International Whaling Commission repeatedly urging Japan to refrain from hunting whales,' the Commission statement said.

'The European Commission urges Japan - once again - to reconsider its decision and stop the hunt,' it continued.

Australia has taken a leading role in opposing Japan's use of a loophole in an international moratorium on whaling to kill the giants of the oceans in the name of research. The meat is then sold in supermarkets and restaurants.

Japan says its whaling is legal and part of its culture and accuses Western countries, led by Australia, of insensitivity. -- AFP