Whaling in Iceland: Country to end controversial fishing practice from 2024
CNNDec 23, 2021
Iceland Issues Five-Year Whale Hunting Permits
Above: Employees prepare a whale for butchering at the whaling station in the village of Midsandur, Iceland, on Aug. 5, 2022. Image copyright: Sergei Gapon/Contributor/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
The Facts
Iceland issued new five-year whaling permits on Thursday, allowing annual catches of 209 fin whales and 217 minke whales during hunting seasons from June to September.
The permits were granted to two companies — Hvalur hf for fin whale hunting and Tjaldtangi ehf for minke whale hunting, with provisions to carry over up to 20% of unused quotas to the following year.
The Spin
Narrative A
This whaling permit issuance by an outgoing government shows disregard for democracy and animal welfare as the hunting methods cause prolonged suffering to whales and violate modern conservation principles. The decision ignores declining market demand and growing public opposition to whaling.
Narrative B
The permits follow existing laws and regulations and remain well within population sustainability bounds, ensuring predictability for the whaling industry while adhering to sustainable resource management principles. The decision represents legitimate administrative processing based on scientific advice and legal consultation and would allow Icelanders to utilize resources to create value, jobs, and export revenue.
Metaculus Prediction
Sign Up for Our Free NewslettersSign Up for Our Free Newsletters
Sign Up!
Sign Up Now!