Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WHALING IN ICELAND
In the late 19th century, whale hunting became a lucrative commercial prospect with the
arrival of steam-powered ships and explosive harpoons. Norwegian hunters built 13 large-
scale whaling stations in Iceland, and hunted until stocks practically disappeared in 1913.
Icelanders established their own whaling industry between 1935 and 1986, when whale
numbers again became dangerously low and commercial hunting was banned by the In-
ternational Whaling Commission (IWC). Iceland resumed commercial whaling in 2006, to
the consternation of environmentalists worldwide. When asked 'why is Iceland whaling
today?', the answer is not a simple one.
Iceland's authorities stress that the country's position has always been that whale
stocks should be utilised in a sustainable manner like any other living marine resource. Its
catch limits for common minke whales and fin whales follow the advice given by the Mar-
ine Research Institute of Iceland regarding sustainability - the advice for the 2014 and
2015 seasons is for an annual maximum catch of 229 minke whales and 154 fin whales,
respectively.
Those numbers stir passions, especially given that fin whales are classified as en-
dangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Mem-
bers of Iceland's tourism board are strong objectors, stating that Iceland's whaling in-
dustry has a detrimental effect on whale watching (although this is disputed by the Min-
istry of Industries and Innovation). It has to be said that while there may be plenty of anti-
whaling commentators on social media, Iceland's tourism numbers are hardly suffering.
The industry has attracted international condemnation - in September 2014, a formal
diplomatic protest (known as a démarche) against whaling was delivered to the Icelandic
government from 35 nations, including the US, Australia and members of the EU. But ar-
guments against whaling hold little sway in Iceland, and past protests seem to have fallen
on deaf ears. What may make authorities pay attention, however, is a new US-based cam-
paign: 'Don't Buy From Icelandic Whalers' encourages the public not to buy fish from
whalers, and puts pressure on fish suppliers and retailers to ensure they do not source
from Icelandic companies linked to whaling. This may start to hit Iceland's fishing in-
dustry where it hurts.
Still, it's interesting to note that a mid-2013 survey of Icelanders found close to 60%
were in favour of the hunting of fin whales, 9% were against and 24% were neutral (even
considering that 75% of Icelanders never buy whale meat, and much of the catch is ex-
ported to Japan). The fishing industry is of paramount importance to the country, and
