第二期北西太平洋鯨類捕獲調査（JARPNII)その起源，調査目的及び最初の6年間（2002-2007年）の調査の進捗状況と今後の調査に対する科学的検討

摘要

The Japanese Whale Research Program under Special Permit in the North Pacific-Phase II (JARPNII) started with two feasibility surveys in 2000 and 2001. The full research started in 2002 and the first period of six years was completed in 2007. The present paper was prepared to facilitate the understanding of this large research program in a comprehensive way, which could not be possible to understand by reading only the individual research papers produced in this first period. This paper includes an overview section focused to explain the origin, research objectives and characteristics of JARPNII and a section summarizing the progress made in research during the first period (2002-2007), under the established objectives and other contributions to important research needs. The final section includes some scientific considerations for the next research period of JARPNII.