Aquariums in Japan that continue to use dolphins caught by the controversial "drive hunt" method in Taiji, Wakayama Prefecture, will be expelled from the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums (JAZA).

JAZA said Friday it had informed the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) of its decision.

In May, JAZA voted to stop using dolphins caught by the drive hunt in order to remain part of the global body that had suspended the Japan's chapter over the issue.

"JAZA will prohibit its members from acquiring wild dolphins caught by drive fishing in Taiji and to take part in their export and sale," JAZA chairman Kazutoshi Arai said in a letter to WAZA following the vote, which saw an overwhelming majority (99) of the 152 members opt to remain part of the global body.

JAZA said it will expel aquariums that continue to use dolphins caught in drive hunts and will start promoting the breeding of dolphins.

© Japan Today/AFP