Santa Monica Sushi Restaurant Closes Amid Allegations that it was Selling Whale Meat
On its web site, The Hump issued a statement apologizing to its customers, the community of Santa Monica, and the public at large for its actions. The Hump further stated its intention to make a substantial contribution to one or more responsible organizations which are dedicated to the preservation of whales and other endangered species.
According to a report on CNN, The Hump, which is located at the Santa Monica Airport, is closing its doors effective today, Saturday March 20, 2010, after being open for business for 12 years. Federal prosecutors have charged the parent company of The Hump, Typhoon Restaurant Inc. and one of its chefs, Kiyoshiro Yamamoto in federal court with unlawfully and knowingly selling marine mammal products, namely Sei Whale to customers. The 14 page federal charging document can be viewed in its entirety HERE.
According to federal authorities, the charge is a misdemeanor and carries a federal prison sentence of up to one year and fines of up to $200,000.
In October of 2009, two members of the team making the documentary, The Cove, which won the Academy Award for Best Feature Documentary, visited The Hump armed with hidden cameras. According to the federal criminal complaint, the two women from the documentary filmed a waitress at The Hump serving them whale meat as well as horse meat and identifying them as such. The women hid pieces of the meat in napkins, removed it from the restaurant and sent them to Oregon State University for analysis, where it was later identified as Sei whale meat.
The Endangered Species Act as well as the Marine Mammal Protection Act make it illegal, with the exception of very limited circumstances, to hunt, kill, or capture whales and the trade of any part of them is strictly prohibited.
Published by Kathrine Lloyd
Born and raised on the east coast of the United States and transplanted to Seattle in the Pacific Northwest, Kathrine caught nature fever and can be found out and about in Seattle s wild spaces photographing... View profile
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- Members of the team making The Cove helped to expose the illegal actions of The Hump.
- Federal authorities stated the charge is a misdemeanor and carries a federal prison sentence of 1 yr
- Federal prosecutors have charged the parent company of The Hump, Typhoon Restaurant Inc.
3 Comments
Post a CommentBad move on their part!
It sounds like they were popular, so it's definitely a shame.
It seems as though this put the final touches on the restaurant's ability to stay financially afloat. It is too bad they tried to sell whale meat.