Iceland’s Government allows whale hunting – activists protest

To the dismay of environmentalists and animal rights organizations, Iceland has renewed its whale hunting quotas until 2029. This controversial decision will allow whalers to catch over 400 fin whales annually. The government defends itself against international criticism, assuring the public of the safety of marine mammal populations.

A five-year “sentence” for whales

On December 6, 2024, Iceland’s Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Fisheries issued a permit for the hunting of two whale species. Under the new regulations, from June to September each year until 2029, up to 209 fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) and 217 minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) may be harvested. Licenses for hunting were granted to the country’s last two operational companies, Hvalur hf. and Tjaldtangi ehf.

According to the government, the quotas align with recommendations from Iceland’s Marine Research Institute and evaluations by the North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission (NAMMCO). The populations of other whale species remain under protection. The new regulations also include detailed requirements for equipment and training of whalers.

A wave of criticism hits Iceland

Iceland’s decision to legalize whale hunting has sparked a global outcry. A day after the controversial ruling, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) released a statement condemning the new regulations. WWF representative Chris Johnson called on the Icelandic government to reconsider and focus on the economic benefits of commercial whale watching and the positive impact these large mammals have on marine ecosystems.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the fin whale is currently listed as vulnerable (VU), while the minke whale is classified as least concern (LC). However, WWF highlights that all whales face significant risks from accidental bycatch, ship collisions, climate change, and ocean pollution. In many areas, whale populations are declining rapidly.

The decision is seen as a step back in environmental protection efforts. Critics accuse the government of yielding to pressure from the whaling industry. Adding fuel to the fire is the fact that in 2023, hunting was suspended for two months after a government commission discovered that whale-killing methods failed to meet animal welfare standards. Explosive harpoons reportedly caused unnecessary agony to the whales.

The Icelandic Environmental Association has condemned the government’s decision, claiming it disregards democracy and undermines the climate, nature, and animal welfare. A recent public opinion poll revealed that 51% of Icelanders oppose whale hunting.

Whale hunting: still legal and profitable

Despite the International Whaling Commission’s (IWC) global ban on whale hunting in 1986, Iceland, Japan, and Norway have collectively killed nearly 40,000 large marine mammals since then. Norway rejected the moratorium immediately after it was published, while Iceland withdrew from the IWC before the ban took effect and later rejoined with an exemption. Both countries have set their own quotas and provided data to the commission.

In 2019, Japan also left the IWC, resuming commercial whale hunting, including of the endangered sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis). Most whale meat caught around Iceland is exported to Japan.

Whales are also hunted in Alaska and the Danish Faroe Islands, though not for commercial purposes. The meat is used exclusively for local consumption.