Iceland Grants Five-Year Whale Hunting Permits Amid Criticism from Animal Rights and Environmental Groups

Iceland has granted permission for whale hunting to continue for the next five years, allowing the annual capture of 209 fin whales and 217 minke whales. This decision, which was made by the outgoing conservative government, has faced sharp criticism from animal rights and environmental groups.

Critics argue that the hunt will harm whale populations and violate animal welfare standards, particularly given concerns over the suffering caused by whaling methods. The government, however, justifies the decision by stating that it provides predictability for the whaling industry, with strict quotas in place to regulate the number of whales killed each year.

The continuation of whaling places Iceland among the few countries, including Japan and Norway, where such practices are still legal. The permits issued this year only apply to two species of whales: fin whales and minke whales.

Other whale species are protected under international conservation agreements. The quotas set for these species are based on the advice of the Norwegian Fisheries Agency, which claims the hunt is sustainable and follows a precautionary approach to maintain whale populations.

The decision to issue new permits follows the expiration of previous ones in 2023. That year, the whaling season was shortened, and only 24 fin whales were killed, well below the 209-whale quota.

Whaling had also been suspended earlier in the year for two months after a government inquiry revealed that the methods used, particularly explosive harpoons, caused undue suffering to the animals. Despite these findings, the government has decided to move forward with issuing five-year permits for hunting, hoping to avoid annual renewals and provide certainty to the whaling industry.

Environmental and animal rights groups have strongly criticized the decision. The Icelandic Environment Association and the International Fund for Animal Welfare argue that this move is detrimental to animal welfare, conservation efforts, and climate goals.

Sharon Livermore, the director of marine conservation programs at the International Fund for Animal Welfare, accused the outgoing government of rushing a controversial decision influenced by the powerful whaling industry. Livermore noted that the government should have focused on transition efforts rather than making a contentious decision that aligns with the interests of a small group of wealthy whalers.

Iceland’s political dynamics also play a significant role in the decision. The Independence Party, which authorized the whale hunting permits, lost the recent snap elections to the center-left Social Democratic Alliance.

However, the outgoing government proceeded with the decision, which many view as a reflection of the continued influence of the whaling industry on Iceland’s political decisions. As the country prepares for a change in leadership, this decision is likely to fuel further debate about the future of whaling in Iceland and whether it should continue to be part of the nation’s practices.