The Icelandic Government announced yesterday its intention not to renew the temporary ban. whaling This summer’s decision calls for a resumption of the capture of the endangered fin whales. In addition, this activity, which is condemned by experts and conservation organizations, continues to be implemented in Japan and Norway.
The temporary ban on whaling in Iceland took effect at the start of the whaling season this year. The Icelandic government has ordered a temporary suspension until 31 August 2023, following an investigation into the hunt conducted by the country itself. showed that he was cruel and stated that it did not meet the standards specified in its own national legislation.
OceanCare is saddened by the Icelandic government’s decision to allow two whaling vessels currently remaining in the country to leave the port to begin operations.
In August 2022, the Icelandic Minister of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries launched regular inspections of whaling by the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST). The results of the inspections in 2022 showed that: Slightly more than 40% of 58 samples did not die instantly.
The average death time of these whales was 11.5 minutes. The two whales had to be shot four times; It took almost an hour to kill one and two hours the other.
Based on these tests, it was concluded that: Whaling was not in compliance with the Icelandic Animal Welfare Act and was suspendedThe ban will be in effect until 31 August 2023.
The government is taking a step back
However, in the decision announced yesterday; Icelandic minister announces implementation of stricter regulations Due to this situation, which requires certain changes in the activity, the reality is that Iceland has decided to start whaling again.
OceanCare expressed concern that the resumption of whaling will likely mean: race to kill as many whales as possible within the new deadline given in the coming weeks.
This decision could also have serious repercussions on the long-term debate about the future of whaling in Iceland, as at the end of this year Iceland must decide whether to set a set of quotas for the next few years.
Over 100 whales killed in a month
“It is regrettable that this cruel practice is allowed to continue. We are deeply disappointed by this decision, which is completely against the established facts presented to the Icelandic government and people. We can be almost certain that Icelandic whalers will not be able to meet the new imposed requirements. This cruel, unnecessary and outdated practice needs to end,” says Nicolas Entrup, Director of International Affairs at OceanCare.
No fin whales were killed in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Then, in 2022, fin whale fishing resumed. and 148 samples were killed. Whaling season usually runs from mid-June to mid-September in the Northern European summer, so two whaling ships may be in a rush to kill as many whales as possible during this month.
The fin whale is considered Sensitive On the Red List of Endangered Species It was taken from the IUCN because the remaining population is thought to be a very small fraction of what it was before modern whaling. “Hundreds of thousands of specimens died in the 20th century,” recalls Ocean Care.
In addition, fin whales are exposed to many other threats, including ship collisions, fishing tackle, plastics and ocean noise pollution.
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Contact address of the environment department: [email protected]