Iceland's whale hunting permits spark global controversy
Iceland has issued new whale hunting permits, which will be effective for the next few years. However, the regulations include specific restrictions on the number of hunts allowed and the species that can be hunted.
According to the BBC, Iceland is implementing new rules permitting whale hunting until 2029. Under the issued permits, during one hunting season, which runs from June to September, 209 fin whales and 217 minke whales can be caught.
Other whale species will remain protected to prevent their extinction. The Icelandic government explains that these regulations will help in "regulating the predictability" of hunting volumes, which will allow for better management of these animal populations.
They will kill whales. Activists criticize
The decision, however, has faced strong criticism from environmental protection organizations and animal rights activists. According to the BBC, the Icelandic Association for Animal Rights and Environmental Protection has stated that the government's issuing of such permits constitutes a serious violation of interests related to climate protection, biodiversity, and animal welfare.
Sharon Livermore, a representative of the International Fund for Animal Welfare, criticized Iceland's decision, claiming it was made under the influence of "a few wealthy whalers" who wield significant influence over the local authorities. Livermore called this decision "controversial" and "rash," suggesting it could further destroy whale populations in the region.
Whale hunting for commercial purposes is not limited to Iceland. These practices are also conducted in other parts of the world, such as Japan and Norway.
In fact, the new regulations in Iceland aim to align with principles prevalent in Norway, which has conducted whale hunts for years, particularly to obtain their meat, blubber, and oil. Although these practices are legal in some countries, they spark enormous controversy among ecologists, who emphasize the dangers they pose to marine ecosystems and the planet's health.
Activists fear that Iceland's decision may set a precedent that encourages other countries to disregard international whale protection standards and strengthen the commercial trade of their parts.
