Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett says the government has no immediate plans to send a vessel to monitor escalating tensions between whaling and anti-whaling ships in the Southern Ocean.
Mr Garrett called for crews on both sides to show restraint following a collision between a Sea Shepherd Conservation Society vessel, the Ady Gil, and the Japanese ship, the Shonan Maru No 2, about about 2408 km south of Hobart.
He said the collision occurred before 3.30pm (AEST), holing the Ady Gil, but all crew members had been accounted for and no injuries were reported.
"It's critical to remember that we have consistently urged restraint on all parties in relation to the activities being undertaken in the Southern Ocean," he told reporters in Perth on Wednesday.
"It's critical for safety at sea to be the highest priority and the for the absolute and utmost restraint to be exercised by all parties in this very remote and inhospitable region."
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Mr Garrett said the Australian Maritime Safety Authority had not been asked to respond to the collision and the government was not immediately considering sending a vessel to monitor the situation.
