125. As to JARPA II’s operation, Japan explains that JARPA II vessels follow “scientifically determined tracklines”, including in areas “where the density of the target species is low”, to obtain a proper distribution of samples and observations. Whales from the targeted species are taken if they are encountered within 3 nautical miles of the predetermined trackline being followed by a JARPA II vessel. If a lone whale is encountered, it will be taken; if a school of whales is encountered, two whales will be taken at random.