New Zealand and Australia are joining forces to carry out research on whales using non-lethal methods, in an attempt to challenge Japan's hunting programme. Eighteen scientists will set sail for Antarctica next month to study minke, humpback and blue whale populations. They will also be assessing the impact of climate change on the whales. The scientists hope their research will help to disprove Japan's claims that whales have to be killed if they are to be properly studied. The six-week voyage will start in Wellington in early February.