The Icelandic government has announced the resumption of commercial whaling after a hiatus lasting over two months. Minister Svandís Svavarsdóttir had initially postponed the annual whale hunt until August 31 due to animal welfare concerns. The government now asserts that whaling can recommence, but with increased monitoring and stricter regulations on hunting methods.
The decision has drawn sharp rebuke, with Nicolas Entrup of the NGO OceanCare calling it “deplorable” and emphasizing that the practice is both cruel and outdated. Hvalur hf, the sole company holding a whaling license in Iceland, is reportedly readying vessels to hunt fin whales, though storm conditions may affect the scheduled departure.
The suspension in June followed an independent report revealing non-compliance with animal welfare laws in Icelandic whale hunts. The report disclosed that 41% of harpooned whales did not die immediately, leading to prolonged suffering. The future of whaling in Iceland remains uncertain, with Hvalur hf’s license set to expire in 2023.
Despite criticism, Kristján Loftsson, managing director of Hvalur hf, contends that whale hunting supports Iceland’s climate goals. Loftsson argues that whales contribute to carbon sequestration, a claim dismissed as “ludicrous” by Clare Perry, senior ocean adviser at the Environmental Investigation Agency. Perry emphasizes the vital role whales play in capturing carbon and maintaining ocean ecosystems.