Iceland Fin Whaling

Iceland Fin Whaling The BBC has reported a recent decision announced by Icelandic whaling industry to sell the meat of fin whales, the second largest creature in the world, to Japan. The Icelandic whaler, Hvalur hf, harvested 125 whales this year from a quota of 150, a jump from only 7 over the three years prior. The remaining 25 will be carried over to the next year’s quota allowing a haul of 175 despite the fact that the fin whale (also called the finback) is listed among globally endangered species. For Hvalur this was fortunately timed as the Japanese market becomes more aware of the option. Create the demand then boost supply to satisfy a newly excited demographic. I worry that while the finback is more plentiful in the North Atlantic, its presence in all oceans of the world may lead to catches from other parts being sold off as Icelandic and thereby dangerously depleting global numbers even if not the stock from which Iceland sees. As it stands, we now have only a small percentage of estimated original populations – about 60,000 worldwide. To balance the environmental view against the economic, Iceland is facing a much more dire situation than the rest of the world in the current recession. Icelandic financials fell more precipitously than any other nation. In the space of months, unemployment rose to its highest since 1997, culture shifted to greater self-reliance and hesitancy as the laws require 3 month notification for redundancy. Consumers aren’t spending, internationals are retreating, protests demand the sacking of bankers and government. Iceland needs support, but in what form? The sacrifice of the fin whale may help a few, but at what cost to the world?

American Cetacean Society IceNews Brian Tague Greenpeace BBC Gestation of the fin is a full year with nursing continuing for 6-8 months. Males generally reach reproductive maturity between 6 and 10 years of age and calves are only born at 3 -4 year intervals.