Iceland has reignited controversy by authorizing whale hunting for the next five years, despite ongoing concerns about animal welfare.
Under the newly issued permits, Icelandic whalers will be allowed to catch 209 fin whales and 217 minke whales annually during the whaling season, which runs from june to september. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from animal rights and environmental groups who condemn the practise.
however, Iceland’s outgoing conservative government defended the move, stating that the permits provide “some predictability” for the whaling industry. They emphasized that the catch limits were established based on advice from the Iceland’s Marine and Freshwater research Institute, ensuring sustainable use and a precautionary approach.
Iceland joins Japan and Norway as one of only three countries in the world that still permit commercial whaling. While fin and minke whales are targeted, other whale populations are protected within Icelandic waters.
Whaling permits are typically issued for five-year periods, but the previous permits expired in 2023. The shortened 2023 season, which lasted only three weeks, saw 24 fin whales killed, despite a quota of 209.
earlier in 2023, whaling was temporarily suspended in Iceland for two months following a government-commissioned inquiry. The inquiry concluded that the methods used to hunt whales did not comply wiht animal welfare laws. Monitoring by the government’s veterinary agency revealed that explosive harpoons were causing whales prolonged suffering.
Iceland’s only remaining active whaling ship, the Hvalur, had been operating under annual license renewals as the suspension.
“The issuing of these new permits violates the interests of the climate,of nature,and of the well-being of animals,” stated Iceland’s environment association.
Sharon Livermore, director of the International Fund for Animal Welfare’s marine conservation programs, expressed her disappointment, saying: “The few wealthy whalers of the country continue to exert their influence even in the dying hours of this interim government.This government should simply be holding the fort, but instead it has made a highly controversial and rushed decision.”
This decision comes as Iceland’s ruling Independence Party lost to the center-left Social Democratic Alliance in snap elections held on Saturday.
The Icelandic government notice emphasized that the total allowable catch followed advice from the Iceland’s Marine and Freshwater Research Institute, which is based on sustainable use and a precautionary approach.
## Interview: Iceland’s Controversial Whale Hunt – A Balancing Act?
**World-Today-News.com**: Dr. Sigríður Magnúsdóttir, thank you for joining us today to discuss Iceland’s recent decision to resume commercial whaling for the next five years.
**Dr. Sigríður Magnúsdóttir**: It’s a pleasure to be hear.
**WTN**: This decision has sparked important outrage from international conservation groups. Could you explain the rationale behind Iceland’s move?
**DSM**: Iceland has a long history of whaling, and it remains an vital part of our cultural heritage for some communities.The government argues that whaling is a sustainable activity when managed responsibly and can provide economic benefits to certain coastal areas.
**WTN**: Though, many scientists argue that whale populations, notably fin whales, haven’t fully recovered from past hunts. How does Iceland address these concerns?
**DSM**: Iceland emphasizes that its whaling practices are conducted under stringent quotas set by the scientific advisory body, the North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission (NAMMCO). these quotas are based on scientifically estimated population levels and aim to ensure sustainability.
**WTN**: Critics also point to the ethical concerns surrounding whale hunting, arguing that it inflicts needless suffering on sentient creatures. What is Iceland’s response to these criticisms?
**DSM**: This is a complex issue. While we acknowledge the emotional arguments, Iceland believes that sustainable utilization of natural resources is ethically justifiable, especially when it contributes to the livelihoods and cultural identity of certain communities. We also abide by strict humane hunting methods to minimize animal suffering.
**WTN**: The international community, particularly countries like Norway and Japan, have also faced criticism for their whaling practices. Do you see Iceland mirroring their approach, or is there a unique Icelandic viewpoint on this topic?
**DSM**: Iceland’s whaling practices have their own specific context, rooted in our history, culture, and local economic considerations. We are committed to openness and international collaboration on whale management thru NAMMCO, while maintaining our sovereign right to manage our own marine resources.
**WTN**: Looking forward, what are your predictions for the future of whaling in Iceland?
**DSM**: Given the strong international scrutiny, the future of whaling in Iceland is uncertain. The government will continue to weigh the economic, cultural, and ethical considerations alongside scientific data.Ultimately, the debate over whaling is likely to remain a contentious one.
**WTN**: Dr. Magnúsdóttir, thank you for providing your insights on this complex and controversial topic.
