WELLINGTON, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Japan's decision to continue its Southern Ocean whaling program goes against scientific advice and the growing support for greater protection of the ocean's ecosystems, New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters said on Tuesday.

Japan's fisheries agency announced on Monday that the Japanese whaling fleet had departed Japan for the Southern Ocean.

"New Zealand is deeply disappointed that whaling continues in the Southern Ocean despite the significant scientific advice against this outdated and unnecessary practice," Peters said in a statement.

"Now is the time to increase protection of pristine Antarctic ecosystems. We must stop the killing of whales in the name of science," Peters said.