“128 Fin Whales Granted Hunting License in Iceland: A Threat to Vulnerable Species”
Fin whales, the second-largest animal on Earth, are facing a dire threat as Iceland has granted a 2024 whaling license to its one remaining whaling company, Hvalur hf. The government’s decision to allow the company to kill 99 fin whales in West Iceland and Greenland, as well as 29 in East Iceland and the Faroe Islands, has drawn criticism from whale protection advocates.
Patrick Ramage, director of the International Fund for Animal Welfare, expressed his disbelief at the decision, stating, “It’s ridiculous that in 2024 we’re talking about target lists for the second-largest animal on Earth, for products that nobody needs.” The whaling season in Iceland typically runs from the middle of June to late September, with most of the whale meat being sold to Japan.
Fin whales are listed as a “vulnerable” species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Red List of Threatened Species. The only known natural predator of fin whales, other than humans, are killer whales, according to the International Whaling Commission.
The announcement of Iceland’s whaling license has been met with disappointment by animal rights groups, who are concerned about the impact on the already vulnerable fin whale population. The whaling industry has a dark history of exploitation, with almost 725,000 fin whales being killed in the Southern Hemisphere during the mid-1900s. While their numbers have improved since hunting bans were implemented in the 1970s, fin whales are still facing threats from vessel strikes, climate change, fishing gear entanglement, noise pollution, and overfishing.
A recent report by Iceland’s food and veterinary authority, Mast, found no significant improvement in the animal welfare status of whale hunts compared to the previous year. The report raised concerns about the cruelty inflicted on whales during hunts, with some whales taking up to two hours to die after being harpooned.
Despite calls from activists and scientific evidence against commercial whaling, Iceland’s government has chosen to grant the whaling license for the 2024 season. The decision has been met with outrage from conservationists, who fear the impact on the already vulnerable fin whale population.
The global community is urged to take action to protect fin whales and other vulnerable species from the threats they face in the oceans. With continued pressure on governments and industries to prioritize conservation and animal welfare, there is hope for a future where these majestic creatures can thrive in their natural habitats.