Iceland, one of the few remaining countries that still commercially hunts whales, is considering ending this controversial practice for humanitarian reasons. Reykjavik has announced the suspension of its annual whaling season, which typically runs from mid-June to mid-September and allows for the killing of fin whales and minke whales. This suspension will last until the end of August, effectively reducing the hunting season to just two weeks. With only one whaling company remaining and its license expiring this year, many believe that Iceland’s government is signaling the end of the industry. The country’s food ministry has found that whaling violates its Animal Welfare Act.
According to AFP, recent video footage revealed that it takes an excessive amount of time to hunt a fin whale, raising concerns about animal welfare. Svandis Svavarsdottir, Iceland’s minister of food, agriculture, and fisheries, stated that if welfare requirements cannot be guaranteed, these activities have no future. Whale advocates are applauding this move and urging the minister to make the ban permanent. The head of Sea Shepherd UK described it as a major blow to Japan and Norway, the two other countries involved in whaling.
The Irish government may have played a role in Iceland’s decision. Prime Minister Leo Varadkar expressed his opposition to whaling to Icelandic PM Katrin Jakobsdottir, pointing out that Ireland’s whale sanctuary has led to the growth of its whale-watching industry, which is three times more profitable than whale hunting. Meanwhile, the demand for whale meat has declined while whale tourism has increased. The Independent also suggests that Russia may have a hidden whaling industry, and Japan has faced criticism for its ongoing whaling practices.
Overall, Iceland’s potential departure from commercial whaling reflects a shift towards prioritizing animal welfare and the growing profitability of whale tourism.
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