Iceland’s largest whaling company, Hvalur hf., has announced that they will not be hunting during the upcoming whaling season for the second year in a row. This decision comes as a result of the global economic situation, with CEO Kristján Loftsson stating that the current conditions make whaling economically unviable. Hvalur hf. holds a permit to hunt 200 fin whales each season, but will not be utilizing it this year. Loftsson has informed his staff of the situation and stated that they will reassess next year.
The economic situation in Japan, Hvalur hf.’s main market, is a major factor in the company’s decision to suspend whaling operations. Loftsson cited factors such as inflation and unfavorable product price developments that have made it difficult to justify the costs of hunting. The company sells almost all of its products in Japan, and with prices falling to unsustainable levels, they have chosen to stay docked for the season. Last year, whaling did not take place due to a late issuance of the permit by the then Left-Green Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries.
Whaling remains a contentious issue in Iceland, with public opinion split on whether or not they support the practice. Iceland, along with Norway and Japan, are the only countries that still permit whaling. The whaling season in Iceland typically runs from mid-June to September, but in recent years, whalers in the country have struggled to meet their quotas. The second largest whaling company, IP-Utgerd, ceased operations in 2020 due to declining profits and demand for whale meat exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision by Hvalur hf. to suspend whaling operations for the second consecutive year reflects the challenges faced by the industry in Iceland. With economic conditions making hunting financially untenable and public opinion divided, the future of whaling in the country remains uncertain. The reliance on the Japanese market for whale products and the difficulties in meeting quotas have further compounded the issues faced by the industry. The suspension of operations by Hvalur hf. highlights the need for a reassessment of the viability and ethics of whaling in Iceland.
As the only countries that permit whaling, Iceland, Norway, and Japan face increasing pressure from conservationists and animal rights activists to end the practice. The continued decline in demand for whale meat and the challenges posed by economic conditions raise questions about the sustainability of whaling in the long term. The decision by Hvalur hf. to halt operations for the season underscores the need for a reevaluation of the industry and its impact on whale populations and the environment. Ultimately, the future of whaling in Iceland will depend on a complex interplay of economic, political, and ethical factors that will shape the debate surrounding this controversial practice.
