Whaling and its dangers

Oceans play a fundamental role in maintaining the health of Earth's atmosphere, as highlighted by climate research. Scientists estimate that up to 80% of Earth's oxygen is produced in marine environments. Whales constitute a crucial link within the cycling processes of oceanic ecosystems, essentially contributing to the overall ecological balance of the planet. Biodiversity is a prerequisite for a healthy ecosystem, and experts emphasize the need to protect whale populations due to their multifaceted environmental roles that help sustain this balance, thereby mitigating adverse climate changes.

Whales facilitate nutrient distribution across marine habitats, promoting phytoplankton growth, which effectively sequesters carbon. Another critical function of whales within marine ecosystems is their ability to capture carbon. Upon death, whales sink to the ocean floor, sequestering the carbon they have accumulated in their bodies into the sediments, where it can remain trapped for centuries. Disruption of this balance, often due to anthropogenic activities, threatens the integrity of both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Current evidence suggests that humanity is at a critical juncture, risking irreparable harm to the planet's ecosystems. Climate experts warn that we have roughly a decade to rectify our environmental practices to avoid permanent damage, which could result in an uninhabitable world for humans and other species.

As custodians of the North Atlantic, it is imperative for Icelanders to manage their surrounding marine environment with utmost caution during these pivotal epochs in human history. One of the international agreements reached to protect marine biodiversity has been the cessation of commercial whaling, grounded in the scientific rationale that aligns with the ecological functions whales serve and general respect for the lives of these complex creatures. Historically, whaling practices have led to significant population declines; in particular, the Icelandic flatback whale is a prime example of a species near extinction. 

Documented evidence of Icelandic whaling remains sparse, but available records indicate that, until the 20th century, such activities were relatively insignificant in scale. The onset of serious whaling began with the Basques in the early 17th century. Subsequently, American, Dutch, and Danish whalers ventured into Icelandic waters from 1863 to 1872. Norwegian whalers initiated organized hunting off Iceland from 1883 to 1915, frequently labeled as the Norwegian whaling era, which saw immense depletion of whale stocks, including blue whales. 

The history of whaling by Norwegians in Iceland serves as an alarming parallel to contemporary ecological degradation, reminiscent of current practices in Iceland involving Atlantic salmon farming, spurred on by various Icelandic political groups. The Icelandic Parliament enacted legislation in 1915 prohibiting whaling, although Norwegians continued to hunt in Icelandic waters from 1929 to 1934. After a two-decade moratorium, Icelander resumed whaling in 1935, continuing for four years until 1939. 

In 1948, the Hvalur hf. whaling station was established in Hvalfjörður, focusing primarily on blue whale stocks, with significant consequences for these populations. 1986, the International Whaling Commission (IWC) instituted a global moratorium on whaling. Despite being a member of the IWC, Iceland continued whaling under the guise of scientific research until 1989. In 1992, Iceland withdrew from the IWC. Subsequently, it established its regulatory authority, the North Atlantic Marine Mammal Council, in collaboration with whaling nations such as the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Norway, with representation from Russia and Japan.

Iceland rejoined the IWC in 2002 but resumed commercial whaling in 2006, citing reservations regarding the IWC's mandates. This action contravened the IWC's directives and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which Iceland joined in 2000. Such reservations resemble the illogical stance of CITES member nations that would permit the hunting and trade of endangered species like elephants and rhinoceroses under similar justifications.

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The international reputation of Icelanders has diminished due to their stance on whaling, prompting a decision not to renew the whaling quota for 2007-2008. However, the then Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, Einar Kristinn Guðfinnsson, renewed the whaling permits for five years, adversely affecting Iceland's image and diplomatic relations, particularly with the United States. In a 2014 address to Congress, President Obama urged Icelandic authorities to uphold the CITES agreement regarding international trade in endangered species and suggested that Iceland pivot to a whale-watching economy instead. Despite this, the whaling permits for Hvalur hf. were reauthorized for 2014-2018.

Notably, between 2006 and 2018, a total of 852 fin whales were killed in Icelandic waters. The permit for Hvalur hf. was again renewed for 2019-2023, granting the company a significantly larger quota than previously. It is noteworthy that the government of Katrín Jakobsdóttir supported this renewal, allowing for hunting up to 2,130 whales, raising questions about the environmental commitment of the Left-Green Movement.

Whaling in Iceland is conducted by a single-ownership company that invests more resources in finding markets for unsellable whale products than in hunting fin whales. The economic benefits of halting whaling far exceed those of continuing the practice, especially in light of the negative impacts on Iceland’s economy, particularly in tourism and exportation.

Between 2019 and 2021, no whaling occurred; however, it resumed in 2022 with the killing of 148 fin whales. A 2023 report from MAST highlighted concerning practices, noting that approximately 36 of the whales were shot multiple times, resulting in protracted suffering. Public outcry against the continuation of whaling led to a temporary suspension of whaling activities in June, as the then Minister of Food and Agriculture mandated a delay pending investigations into animal cruelty linked to Hvalur hf. Despite this, the company whaled in August, capturing 24 fin whales. Discussions continue among Icelandic officials regarding the financial viability of whaling in light of the license renewals expected in 2024, with Minister Bjarkey Olsen Gunnarsdóttir granting a permit to hunt 128 fin whales.

This decision is particularly perplexing, especially given the consensus among leading marine biologists, such as Sylvia Earle, advocating for the cessation of whaling. While governmental actions have harmed whale populations around Iceland, it is essential to recognize the efforts of individuals and organizations dedicated to whale conservation. Paul Watson, a prominent animal rights activist, and his organization, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, have long contributed to whale protection initiatives in Iceland. Additionally, Ole Anton Bieltvedt, founder and chairman of Earth Friends/Jarðarvinir, has pursued legal actions against Hvalur hf. for operational violations. Notably, in 2023, international activists Anahita Babaei and Elissa Biou linked themselves to two whaling ships in Reykjavik Harbor to prevent them from departing for hunts.

Icelanders face a critical decision regarding their relationship with whales: to cease whaling and adopt conservation practices. By protecting fin whales, the second-largest animals on the planet, Iceland could align itself with the global objective of preserving vulnerable species. Currently, Hvalur hf.'s whaling operations are expected to recommence in early June, providing an urgent timeframe for opposition against this significant ecological infringement. Will Icelanders choose to be a nation that embraces nature conservation or remain an isolated entity acting against international conservation standards?

May fin whales swim untroubled in Icelandic waters for generations to come.

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See: Dalrún Kaldakvísl, „Ríkishvalræði og langreyðar“, RÚV 

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