<P> Since 1978, whales within New Zealand's 200 - nautical - mile (370 km) Exclusive Economic Zone have been protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978 . Killing a whale or other cetacean is punishable by up to six months imprisonment, or a fine of up to NZ $250,000 . Efforts are now often made to save whales that have stranded or have become entangled in marine debris . </P> <P> There is a vocal antiwhaling sentiment in New Zealand . The Government regularly attends the International Whaling Commission meetings and supports the moratorium on whaling, as well as advocating for the creation of whale sanctuaries . </P> <P> In 2010, Peter Bethune, an antiwhaling activist, was detained by Japanese whalers when he boarded a whaling ship in the southern oceans . He was convicted in Japan and deported back to New Zealand . </P>

Where did the whalers and sealers come from