Reykjavik, Iceland – Iceland has reinstated whaling, a move met with disappointment by animal rights activists, after a suspension lasting over two months for animal welfare considerations. This decision places Iceland among the last three countries, along with Norway and Japan, that permit commercial whaling, while the traditional practice of pilot whale and dolphin hunting persists in the Faroe Islands.
The Icelandic government had temporarily halted whaling in June, citing concerns about its compliance with animal welfare laws. However, the resumption of whaling has sparked renewed controversy.
Under the annual quotas, Iceland authorizes the hunting of 209 fin whales, the second-largest marine mammals globally after blue whales, and 217 minke whales. Nonetheless, catches have seen a significant decline in recent years due to decreased demand for whale meat.
Public opinion in Iceland appears to be increasingly against whaling, with 51% of Icelanders opposing the practice, compared to 42% four years ago, according to a survey conducted by the Maskina Institute, the results of which were released in June.
Hvalur, the country’s last active whaling company, holds a fishing license set to expire in 2023. The company had already announced that the current season would be its final one due to dwindling profitability in the industry. While the company has not yet responded to the government’s decision, reports suggest its boats have been scouting at sea in anticipation.
The Icelandic Ministry of Fisheries has outlined stricter and more detailed regulations regarding equipment, hunting methods, and surveillance, which Hvalur will be required to adhere to.
