Iceland’s Whaling Decline: Economic Woes Halt Fin Whale Hunt

Even though this is good news for pet groups, it is not a result of new federal government regulations. In late 2024, the Icelandic federal government accepted new hunting restrictions. These allow hunters to kill approximately 209 fin whales and 217 minke whales each year until 2028.

Hunting Restrictions Accepted

These enable hunters to eliminate up to 209 fin whales and 217 minke whales each year until 2028.

Iceland’s major whaling firm, Hvalur hf., has announced it will certainly not search fin whales in 2025. CEO Kristján Loftsson claimed the decision is mainly as a result of economic troubles. The business also did not quest whales in 2024.

Economic Troubles

After the International Whaling Compensation outlawed business whaling in 1986, Iceland continued a “clinical” whale quest until 1989. It started commercial whaling once again in 2003 by utilizing a legal exception.

Growing Protests

A growing number of Icelanders protest whale hunting, especially youngsters. Whale watching is currently a popular part of Iceland’s traveler industry. Several believe live whales bring even more money than dead ones. Pet legal rights teams are asking the federal government to ban whale hunting for life.

Running an independent newsroom expenses cash. That’s why we require your aid. Even an one-time donation of EUR1 or a tiny regular monthly present can make a big distinction to our work. Since we are a tiny news group, your support actually counts.

Japan Demand Decline

The primary reason is that Japan, the greatest buyer of Icelandic whale meat, is paying much less for the item. Transport and storage costs are likewise increasing, making it harder for Hvalur hf. to make a profit.

Iceland’s major whaling company, Hvalur hf., has announced it will certainly not hunt fin whales in 2025. The firm likewise did not search whales in 2024.