In 2023, whaling was suspended in Iceland for two months after a government-commissioned inquiry concluded the methods used did not comply with animal welfare laws. Monitoring by the government’s veterinary agency showed that explosive harpoons were causing whales prolonged agony.
“This decision is not just an insult to the whales who will suffer but to the majority of Icelanders who oppose whaling and have been betrayed by a government with no mandate to make such a divisive and damaging decision,” said Whale and Dolphin Conservation.
A poll taken in 2023 by Maskina found that 51% of Icelanders are opposed to whaling, marking a significant increase in numbers since 2019, when only 42% voted against it.
Conservation groups also argue that the “economic case for whaling is non-existent”. In fact, the whaling company, Hvalfur has operated at a loss “for years”, while whale meat exports to Japan – a dwindling market – have stagnated, with 2,000 tonnes of unsold Icelandic whale meat sitting in Japanese freezers.
Commercial whaling in Iceland only started as recently as 1948.
A notice from the Icelandic government said the total allowable catch permitted in this new issuance of whaling licences follows advice from the Norwegian Fisheries Agency, “which is based on sustainable use and a precautionary approach.”
But conservation groups have argued that the argument of sustainable utilisation is merely a “smokescreen”.
“These whales do not belong to Iceland, or anyone,” said WDC. “Whales are important to marine ecosystems and climate resilience, with their role as climate giants in supporting ocean health well documented. Yet, this decision reduces them to mere commodities for profit that, ironically, doesn’t even exist.”
The Icelandic Nature Conservation Association and Young Environmentalists group, Landvernd have added their name to a growing list of those that stand outraged at the decision of the outgoing government to issue the new licences.
“[We express our] surprise and disapproval of the issuance of whaling licences by the management,” read a translated statement issued by the group. “This shows no respect for democracy and the issuance of the licence goes against the interests of the climate, nature, and animal welfare.”