A spokesperson for the Japanese boat attacked by an anti-whaling group on Friday night says it has every right to carry out research in Australian waters.
The Steve Irwin, operated by the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, has been trying to force the Japanese boat from Australian Antarctic Territory and last night hurled rotten butter onboard before the two ships collided.
The boat's captain, Paul Watson, said an Australian court ruling has banned the Japanese ship from entering Australian waters.
However, a spokesperson for the Institute of Cetacean Research in Tokyo, said the International Whaling Commission recognised Japan's legal right to conduct research in Australian waters.
Glen Inwood said the only people bound by the ban are Australians.
