The Feds are charging The Hump’s parent company, Typhoon Inc., as well as its chef, Kiyoshiro Yamamoto, with “illegally selling an endangered species product” after producers of The Cove caught them selling illegal whale meat. The L.A. Times reports that this “misdemeanor” could result in a fine of $200,000 and up to one year in the slammer. The chef admitted to his wrongdoings when confronted by authorities and though the restaurant is staying mum, its lawyer says Typhoon Inc. is ready to “pay a fine.” But will that be good enough for the scores of concerned activists and conscious eaters who are angry with The Hump?
As reported yesterday, Mark Gold of Heal the Bay wants to see The Hump’s lease or business license revoked and the city attorney is launching an investigation. Now we learn that a protest is planned outside of the restaurant tomorrow from 11:30 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. by another camera-friendly crew of whale protectors. Sea Shepherd Society, whose exploits are shown on the Animal Planet show Whale Wars, is throwing a protest concert tomorrow outside of The Hump, reports Fast Company. In addition to some pissed off PETA members and sustainable living soldiers, the bands Reel Big Fish, Circa Survive, All Time Low, and Pennywise–whose singer is a coordinator for Sea Shepherds Society–will play sets to support the demonstration. Despite much anger, this protest is planned as a peaceful one, making us wonder if Jack Johnson might have been a safer choice than the singers of “Come Out Fighting.”
The protest is being held tomorrow at The Hump, 3221 Donald Douglas Loop S, Santa Monica.
Sea Shepherd Society, Subject of Hit Animal Planet Comedy “Whale Wars,” Throw Sushi Protest Party [Fast Company]
Feds charge sushi chef, Calif. restaurant with serving illegal whale to activists in sting op [L.A. Times]
Earlier: The Cove Filmmakers Bust Restaurant for Serving Whale [Grub Street]
