Iceland's last whaling company unfazed by proposed hunting ban
Iceland's sole remaining commercial whaling company, Hvalur, says it expects to survive a proposed government ban, noting past attempts to outlaw the practice have repeatedly failed. Iceland is one of only three countries where commercial whaling is still permitted.
Iceland's government announced in early September that it plans to submit a bill in February seeking a complete ban on commercial whaling. If passed, the law would end an industry that currently survives in only three countries worldwide — Iceland, Norway and Japan.
Hvalur is the only Icelandic company still conducting commercial whale hunts. Its chief executive, Kristján Loftsson, told Reuters on September 14 that parliament has debated similar ban proposals repeatedly over recent decades without ever passing one. He added that whaling enjoys broad public support in Iceland.
Season results and public opinion
The whaling season runs from early June through the end of September. During that period the company operates two boats and employs about 150 people. This season the crew caught 85 whales, well under the quota allowing up to 150.
Surveys show Icelanders remain divided on the issue: 45% oppose whaling, a third support it, and 26% hold a neutral view.
The primary target is the fin whale, the second-largest animal on Earth. While internationally classified as endangered, the North Atlantic population is considered healthy enough to withstand continued hunting.
