An environmental group is pressing the Icelandic government to suspend whaling operations indefinitely while the country’s legal position remains unresolved, as reported by mbl.is.
In a letter sent to the Minister of Industries, Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, Friends of the Whales raised serious objections to plans by Hvalur hf. to resume fin whale hunting this summer. The appeal arrives as legal questions over Iceland’s standing under international whaling rules continue to simmer.
What’s the Story?
The organization’s letter highlights key points:
- A call from Friends of the Whales to pause whaling activities before the planned fin whale hunt by Hvalur hf.
- Legal concerns raised regarding Iceland’s reservation to the International Whaling Commission’s zero quota decision.
- Suggestions for revoking hunting licenses, implementing a ban on commercial whaling, and reviewing Iceland’s international obligations.
Legal Concerns Raised
“We want to make it clear that the continued authorization of whaling violates Iceland’s legal obligations, damages Icelandic nature, and inflicts unacceptable suffering on the animals in a civilized society,” the letter states. “Moreover, whaling unnecessarily tarnishes Iceland’s reputation on the global stage. We demand immediate action.”
The group points to legal opinions that cast doubt on whether Iceland’s reservation to the International Whaling Commission’s ban actually holds up, suggesting the country could be bound by a full prohibition. They also reference international agreements requiring cooperation on whale conservation.
Economics come into it too. The letter notes that whaling has not turned a profit in recent years, while whale watching has grown into a significant earner for Iceland’s tourism sector.
Friends of the Whales is pushing for hunting licenses to be suspended in the short term, for legislation banning commercial whaling to be put in place, and for a proper review of what Iceland’s international commitments actually require.
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