# Icelandic proposal to ban commercial whaling

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/icelandic-proposal-to-ban-commercial-whaling
> Updated: 2026-09-12T14:45:00.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2.

The Icelandic government is reviewing options to update current whaling laws, with a specific focus on a total prohibition. A legislative proposal is expected to be presented in February.

If the ban is implemented, Norway and Japan would remain the only two countries in the world continuing commercial whaling. While Iceland and Norway operate under different frameworks, Japan withdrew from the International Whaling Commission in 2019 to resume hunting in its own waters.

During the current hunting season, which runs from June to late September, approximately 80 fin whales had been captured as of September 9. The annual quota allows for the killing of 150 fin whales, a species classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The industry continues to face years of protests from animal rights activists and international figures.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-12: Iceland considers permanent ban on commercial whaling

Iceland is considering a permanent ban on commercial whaling, with a legislative proposal expected in February. If passed, only Norway and Japan would continue the practice globally.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iceland-to-propose-legislation-that-could-ban-commercial-whaling

### 2026-09-10: Iceland to propose permanent ban on commercial whaling

Iceland plans to propose a permanent ban on commercial whaling in February 2027, which would leave only Norway and Japan continuing the practice globally.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iceland-announces-plans-to-permanently-ban-commercial-whaling

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Cite as: Icelandic proposal to ban commercial whaling. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/icelandic-proposal-to-ban-commercial-whaling