The Icelandic government recently issued controversial five-year whaling licenses, allowing the hunting of 217 minke whales and 201 fin whales annually until 2029. This decision was finalized by Bjarni Benediktsson, the outgoing caretaker Prime Minister, shortly before the newly elected Social Democratic Alliance takes office. The move has faced widespread criticism from conservationists and the public, as polls show a majority of Icelanders oppose whaling. The decision contradicts a government-commissioned 2023 report that criticized the cruelty of whaling methods and temporarily halted the practice for two months. Despite declining economic viability, with unsold whale meat stockpiling in Japan and the industry running at a loss, the licenses were justified as a measure for “predictability” and based on Norwegian Fisheries Agency advice on sustainability. Conservation groups argue this rationale ignores the broader ecological and ethical consequences. Iceland is one of only three nations still engaging in commercial whaling, along with Japan and Norway. Critics, including international marine conservation organizations, view the move as a step backward for a country otherwise known for its progressive environmental policies.
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