129. Japan states that it does not use lethal methods more than it considers necessary to meet research objectives and that lethal methods are “indispensable” in JARPAII because the programme’s first two objectives require data that can only realistically be obtained from internal organs and stomach contents. Japan accepts that non-lethal biopsies and satellite tagging have been used for certain larger species of whales but states that these methods are not practical for minke whales. Japan also points out that, while certain relevant data may be obtainable by non-lethal means, such data would be of lesser quality or reliability, and, in some cases, would involve “unrealistic” amounts of time and expense