Iceland has restarted commercial whaling after a two-year hiatus, with the company Hvalur hf. confirming operations for the 2026 season.
The government has set a quota of 150 fin whales, which are the second-largest animals on Earth and classified as vulnerable.
A separate quota of up to 168 minke whales has also been allocated, though minke hunting has largely ceased in recent years.
Hvalur hf., owned by Kristján Loftsson, is the only active whaling operator in Iceland.
Its vessels departed for the hunt in mid-June, marking the first commercial catches since 2023.
Fin whale meat is primarily exported to Japan, where demand for human consumption has collapsed; much of it is now processed into high-protein dog treats.
International conservation groups have reacted with strong condemnation on Iceland’s decision.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) described the resumption as “devastating” and “brutal”, highlighting animal welfare concerns over prolonged suffering during hunts.
Campaigners argue the practice is unnecessary, commercially marginal, and opposed by a growing share of Icelanders, with recent polls showing over 50 per cent dissatisfaction with the permits.
Critics note that less than one per cent of Icelanders regularly eat whale meat, and the industry relies on a single billionaire subsidising loss-making operations.
The current Minister of Industries has stated that commercial whaling is not in the public interest and intends to introduce a permanent ban later in 2026, but existing five-year licences prevent an immediate stop.
The EU strongly supports the International Whaling Commission’s 1986 moratorium on commercial whaling and maintains a ban on whale products within its territory.
European Parliament resolutions have repeatedly called on Iceland, Norway, and Japan to end the practice.
If Iceland were to join the EU, it would be required to align with European environmental law and cease commercial whaling.
Past accession discussions made clear that continued hunting would be incompatible with membership, as whales are protected in EU waters and the bloc leads international efforts against commercial catches.
Iceland’s fishing and whaling policies have long been cited as significant obstacles to closer EU integration.
Iceland’s parliament has approved a national referendum on August 29, 2026, asking voters whether the country should reopen accession negotiations with the European Union, more than a decade after freezing its membership bid. https://t.co/MgMpCa2GVh
— Brussels Signal (@brusselssignal) May 30, 2026
