A Win for Whales, But Work Still to Be Done
There will be no fin whale hunting in Iceland this year - a welcome decision for whale lovers and ocean advocates alike! The announcement brings relief to those of us who have long campaigned for an end to whaling in Icelandic waters, including our team at Elding.
While the halt is undoubtedly good news, it's important to acknowledge the reasoning behind it: whaling is no longer economically viable.
It’s disheartening that the decision appears to be based purely on financial concerns, rather than a shift in attitude towards the ethical and environmental consequences of whaling. We believe that Iceland’s rich marine life holds far greater long term value when left in the ocean - alive and thriving - rather than exploited for short term profit.
We hope this break will encourage a broader public and political discussion about the future of whaling in Iceland, and ultimately lead to its permanent end. In the meantime, we remain committed to educating locals and visitors alike, promoting marine conservation, and giving people the chance to witness whales in the wild.
You can read more about our efforts and find out how to get involved on our anti-whaling page.