Laura Dekkar

Sixteen year old solo-sailor Laura Dekker, currently on a quest to become the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe, has appealed to the Japanese Government to stop whaling in the Southern Ocean.

The Dutch sailor, who was born in New Zealand, recently spent three weeks in Australia on a stopover. She has flown the flag of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society from her yacht "Guppy" since she left Gibraltar in August 2010 and wanted to offer the organisation her continued support.

Sea Shepherd is known for their aggressive anti-whaling campaigns against the Japanese whaling fleets.

Dekker's Manager Lyall Mercer said the young sailor felt compelled to make a personal appeal on behalf of "her generation" following Japan's recent announcement that they would launch a new whale hunt this year.

The full statement issued by Laura Dekker through her management is as follows:

"The slaughter of whales in the Southern Ocean is now generally recognised as barbaric and unnecessary. Any argument that whaling is based on scientific research has been discredited to such an extent it is laughable."

"On behalf of my generation I call on the Japanese Government to stop all whaling now. My peers will soon be responsible for the care of our earth and we recognise how important our oceans are."

"The Japanese Government has an opportunity not only to make a decision that will show global leadership but to send a message to the youth of Japan and the world that they understand our desire for a sustainable future."

"I support the work of Sea Shepherd because unlike many governments, they are prepared to act rather than just talk. Whether you agree with their methods or not, Sea Shepherd represents the views of most young people like me, who believe that the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary must be protected and valued."