Whalers and Conservationists Skirmish Near Antarctica

SYDNEY (AP) - There's been an altercation in Antarctica between
Japanese whalers and conservationists.
An anti-whaling group says some of its members have been
attacked by water cannons and pelted with metal and golf balls in a
clash that happened this morning.
Two members of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society were
lightly injured.
The group routinely harasses the Japanese whaling fleet during
its annual hunt in the Antarctic Ocean. The group's leader also
says the Japanese aimed a "military grade" noise weapon that can
cause deafness and vomiting at the crew. Some felt its vibrations
but were too far away to be affected.
Whales can be killed for research, but not commercial purposes.
Protesters say Japan's research expeditions are just a cover for
commercial whaling.