Iceland Extends Controversial Whale Hunt for Five Years
Iceland steeped in dispute by allowing whaling for the next five years. The decision, made by the outgoing conservative government, allows the hunting of 209 fin whales and 217 minke whales annually, with the licensed hunting season running from June to September. Environmental and animal rights groups vehemently oppose this move,
Iceland, one of just three nations worldwide that permit whaling, joins Japan and Norway in continuing the controversial practice. The government maintains that the decision is supported by local advice and aims to provide a steady playing field for the whaling industry.
This permit system normally meant to last for five years had expired in 2023. This year’s whaling season saw a shortened season in which just 24 fin whales, all of which fell within the quota, were killed.
Iceland’s Environment Association harshly criticized the government’s move, stating that it directly contradicts the interests of climate, nature, and animal well-being.
Sharon Livermore, director of the International Fund for Animal Welfare’s marine conservation programmes echoed the sentiment stating: “The few wealthy whalers in this country continue to exert their influence even in the dying hours of this interim government.”
irrevocable damage was done in 2023 when whaling was suspended for two months following a government-commissioned investigation. The inquiry concluded that the then- utilised methods clashed with existing animal welfare laws.
Hvalur, beneath scrutiny for issuing annual license renewals in previous years, is currently Iceland’s only active whaling vessel. Monitoring by the government’s veterinary agency scathingly demonstrated that the method using explosive harpoons inflicted prolonged agony upon the whales.
Iceland’s environment association said the issuing of news permits “violates the interests of the climate, of nature and of the well-being of animals”.
The decision comes just days before the centre-left Social Democratic Alliance triumphed in a snap election, suggesting a shift in the political landscape. It was met with strong criticism from environmental groups, while the government asserted
that it adhered to recommendations from Iceland’s Marine and Freshwater Research Institute, based on principles of sustainable use and a cautious approach. The decision is said by the governmentity to have been made after consulting with scientific experts preserving their commitment to sustainable use.
repeating
Despite the procurement of permits for the coming five years , the outcome of this approval may hang in the balance as a recent resignation by the previous government., leaves
Iceland’s future government. The newly elected expat government will now be tasked with addressing the divisive issue.
* What are the potential economic and reputational impacts of Iceland’s decision to extend its whale hunt?
## Iceland Extends Controversial Whale Hunt for Five Years
**Interviewer:** Here with us today is Sharon Livermore, director of marine conservation programmes for the International Fund for Animal Welfare, to discuss the recent decision by Iceland to extend their whale hunt for another five years. Sharon, welcome to the show.
**Sharon Livermore:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** Iceland has announced they’ll be allowing the hunting of 209 fin whales and 217 minke whales annually until 2029. What are your thoughts on this decision?
**Sharon Livermore:** This is a deeply concerning decision. As you mentioned, Iceland is one of only three countries in the world that still allows commercial whaling, alongside Japan and Norway. This decision flies in the face of global efforts to protect these magnificent creatures and undermines the international moratorium on commercial whaling.
**Interviewer:** Iceland’s government argues that the decision is based on local advice and aims to support the whaling industry. How do you respond to that?
**Sharon Livermore:** The claim of local support is highly debatable. Numerous Icelandic citizens and organizations, including the Iceland’s Environment Association, vehemently oppose this practise. Furthermore, the economic benefits of whaling are far outweighed by the potential damage to Iceland’s reputation as a responsible and environmentally conscious nation. [[1](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ced896w96w3o)]
**Interviewer:** Any final thoughts on what you would like to see happen regarding this situation?
**Sharon Livermore:** We urge the Icelandic government to reconsider this decision and join the international community in protecting whales. These animals play a vital role in the marine ecosystem, and their populations are still recovering from decades of overexploitation. We also call on individuals to voice their opposition to whaling and support organizations working to protect marine life.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your expertise with us, Sharon.
