Icelandic Government: Whaling Will Continue

By Mark J. Palmer

Today, the Icelandic government set aside the country’s animal welfare laws in favor of a dying industry – whaling.

All to benefit just one company, Hvalur hf.

For several years, the government has debated whether or not to continue whaling. Only the one company is currently active in killing fin whales, the second largest whale in the world.

In May 2023, the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority estimated that 67% of the 58 whales caught by whalers died or lost consciousness quickly or immediately. But in 14 instances, whales were shot more than once, and two were shot four times before they died. The Authority stated the hunts violated Iceland’s animal welfare laws barring cruelty.

Last year, the government held up the hunts from happening until September, due to welfare concerns. But pressure in the Parliament from pro-whaling interests led to a short killing season, with the question of future permits left open.

Fin whales were heavily decimated by commercial whaling. The reported quota for the company is 128 fin whales for 2024. Most of the meat is frozen and sold to Japan. There is no market for whale meat in Iceland.

The government of Japan is also moving forward with plans to allow the killing of fin whales in Japanese waters.

For the moment, Iceland will continue to whale alongside Japan and Norway – the only three countries with active commercial whaling.

It is long past time that commercial whaling should be banned worldwide.

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