A question of political will
For Icelandic environmental activist Anahita Babaei, the convergence of failed economics, welfare violations, and the minister’s own stated position makes the case for intervention unanswerable.
“Given the shaky export markets, the large stock of unsold whale meat already in storage, the documented financial losses, the serious animal welfare issues raised by Iceland’s own expert bodies, and the credible risks of the country being out of line with its international commitments, the question naturally arises: why should it be allowed? How can it be allowed at all?”
“Taking action now to stop this preventable suffering would not only be in line with the evidence that the Minister already has on her desk, but it would also add to the public trust and institutional support which are essential for the continued success of the ban in Parliament.
”Leadership at this moment can ensure that the transition away from whaling begins not later, but now.”
The pressure is also mounting internationally. The European Commission has reaffirmed the EU’s opposition to commercial whaling, and the situation has been formally raised with United Nations Special Rapporteurs in the context of environmental governance.
Legal experts have warned that continued authorisation of fin whale hunting raises serious questions under Iceland’s international obligations, not least given its 2025 ocean partnership framework with the European Union.
Whale and Dolphin Conservation is calling on Minister Friðriksson to go further than simply withholding a quota for this season.
“WDC is calling on the Minister to revoke Hvalur’s licence immediately and to begin the formal process of withdrawing Iceland’s reservation to the IWC moratorium,” said McMillan.
Hvalur hf. holds a five-year fin whale licence issued in late 2024, with a combined annual quota permitting up to 400 whales. Whether any are killed this summer now depends on one decision.