Iceland has resumed its controversial whale hunt after a two-year hiatus, with one of its two remaining whaling ships setting out from Reykjavik. The move has drawn criticism from animal welfare organizations, who cite inhumane practices and declining demand for whale meat.
The resumption of Iceland's whale hunt highlights ongoing international tensions over the practice, with animal welfare groups and conservationists calling for an end to what they deem inhumane and unnecessary slaughter, especially given declining demand for whale meat.
One of Iceland's two remaining whaling ships has set out to hunt whales, marking the resumption of the practice after a two-year hiatus. The departure from Reykjavik on Friday was met with protest, as an activist chained himself to the vessel before being escorted away by police. Animal welfare organizations have strongly condemned the move, citing the prolonged suffering whales endure during hunts and the lack of demand for whale meat within Iceland.
Iceland is one of only three nations, alongside Norway and Japan, that openly permit commercial whaling. Conservationists argue that fin whales, the species being hunted, are vulnerable and face a high risk of extinction. There are concerns that the meat is not being sold, and that the whaling activities might be used to inflame political debate or delay reforms to whaling laws, particularly in light of a scheduled referendum on resuming European Union membership negotiations.
The current Icelandic government has indicated plans to review its whaling laws in the autumn with the aim of eventually ending the practice, though any changes may not take effect until the current five-year license expires in 2029.