Hvalur, Iceland’s last remaining commercial whaling company, has stated it believes it can weather the latest proposals to ban whaling, noting that previous attempts to implement a ban have failed, Reuters reports.
In early September, the Icelandic government announced plans to submit a bill in February that would impose a total ban on commercial whaling. This move could put an end to the industry in one of the only three countries worldwide where commercial whaling remains legal; the practice is currently also permitted in Norway and Japan.
Company head Kristján Loftsson told Reuters on the 14th of September that parliament has repeatedly debated bills to ban commercial whaling over the past few decades, but none have ever succeeded. He added that there is broad support for whaling in Iceland.
Hvalur is the only Icelandic whaling company still in operation.
During the whaling season—which runs from early June to late September—the company operates two vessels and employs approximately 150 people. This season, 85 whales were caught, although the quota allows for the hunting of 150 animals. Public opinion on whaling is divided. 45% of Icelanders oppose whaling, one-third support it, and another 26% hold a neutral stance.
The fin whale is the second-largest animal on Earth and the primary target of Iceland’s whaling industry. Internationally, the species is considered endangered; however, the North Atlantic population is deemed healthy enough to sustain itself even under hunting pressure.
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