Tokyo - Japanese whaling ships returned Monday after a so-called scientific research mission in the Antarctic Ocean with only 70 to 80 per cent of its targeted catch due to obstruction from an anti-whaling group, the Fisheries Agency said.

   Three vessels brought back 679 minke whales and one fin whale to the western Japanese port of Shimonoseki, compared to the planned catch of 815 to 985 animals, the agency said.

   During the latest hunt, which started in November, one vessel, the Yushin Maru No 3, encountered violent protests from the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and suffered damage in a collision.

   The Fisheries Agency said the catch was smaller this season than expected because the anti-whaling group tried to disrupt Japan's whale hunt in the Antarctic Ocean in February.

   Japan's hunts have prompted international protests because it is regarded as a cover for commercial whaling.

   But the Japanese argue the hunt is necessary to gain information on population figures and data on their migration routes.