Australia and other anti-whaling nations are set for a showdown with Japan amid reports it will formally seek to lift a ban on commercial whaling so it can slaughter the animals for profit.

Japanese officials have reportedly confirmed the country will propose the resumption of commercial whaling at an International Whaling Commission meeting in Brazil in September, on the condition only whales with healthy population numbers are killed.

A minke whale is unloaded at the Japanese port of Kushiro. Australia would block any attempt by Japan to resume commercial whaling. Credit:AP

Japan’s current so-called “research” program kills whales in Antarctic waters – including in Australian whale sanctuaries - as well as off Japan’s own coast in the North Pacific.

In a statement to Fairfax Media, the Department of the Environment and Energy said it was aware of the reports and Australia would seek to block any such bid by Japan.