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Icelandic proposal to ban commercial whaling

Updated 1 time since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-09-12 16:20 UTC → 2026-09-13 09:23 UTC · added removed

The Icelandic government has announced plans is reviewing options to introduce legislation in February that could permanently ban commercial update current whaling within its territorial waters. laws, with a specific focus on a total prohibition. A legislative proposal is expected to be presented in February. If the bill ban is passed, Iceland would join implemented, Norway and Japan as would remain the only remaining nations to have previously permitted the practice, though two countries in the ban would leave only Norway world continuing commercial whaling. While Iceland and Norway operate under different frameworks, Japan as the world's remaining commercial whaling nations. The proposal follows sustained pressure withdrew from the public and animal rights organizations. Concerns regarding animal welfare were underscored by a 2023 government report which noted that some whales took up to two hours International Whaling Commission in 2019 to die after being struck by harpoons. Wendy Higgins, a spokesperson for Humane World for Animals, noted there is “considerable political and public support” for resume hunting in its own waters. During the ban due current hunting season, which runs from June to ethical, veterinary, legal, and conservation-based reasons. Currently, late September, approximately 80 fin whales had been captured as of September 9. The annual quota allows for the whaling season targets killing of 150 fin whales, a species classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. As of early September, approximately 80 fin whales had been caught out of a seasonal quota of 150. Nature (IUCN). The industry is currently operated by a single company, Hvalur, which holds a license valid until 2029. Industry Minister Hana Katrin Fridrikson has supported the move, stating that existing whaling laws are outdated. continues to face years of protests from animal rights activists and international figures.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-13 09:23 UTC Icelandic proposal to ban commercial whaling
  2. 2026-09-12 16:20 UTC Icelandic proposal to ban commercial whaling

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