Iceland Resumes Commercial Whaling Despite Environmental Concerns
Animal rights groups and environmentalists are expressing disappointment as Iceland resumes commercial whaling following a temporary ban. The Icelandic government claims that tougher regulations, such as improved equipment, training, and increased monitoring, will reduce suffering. However, campaigners argue that whales will still experience agonizing deaths.
The decision to resume the fin whale hunt comes despite the fact that fin whales are considered globally vulnerable to extinction. It follows advice from a working group, but the Icelandic government emphasizes that they are still evaluating whaling’s future and have not made any decisions about licenses for 2024.
Campaigners argue that training and better equipment are irrelevant because there is no humane way to kill whales at sea, and the animals will continue to suffer. Conservationists are concerned that this decision may jeopardize the long-term phasing out of whaling.
However, some view this move as a step forward. They believe that the new conditions imposed on whaling operations will not be met, potentially leading to the Icelandic government ending whaling when the current license expires.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare sees this decision as regrettable but necessary to eventually achieve a permanent end to whaling in Iceland. The suspension of whaling earlier this year was prompted by a government-commissioned report that concluded the hunt did not comply with Iceland’s animal welfare legislation and took too long, resulting in prolonged suffering for the whales.
Support for whaling in Iceland has declined significantly, with a majority of Icelanders opposing the hunt. Interestingly, the over-60s age group remains the most supportive demographic. Last year, 148 fin whales were killed in Iceland, and analysis showed that some whales were shot multiple times while one was chased for five hours.
The resumption of commercial whaling in Iceland raises concerns about the impact on whale populations and the environment. Animal rights groups and environmentalists continue to advocate for an end to this practice, emphasizing the need to protect these magnificent marine creatures.
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