Menu
06/08/2003
Iceland to restart whaling for 'scientific research'
Iceland has announced that it is to restart whaling – after a 14-year hiatus – so as to carry out "further scientific research" on the mammals, the country's Fisheries Ministry has announced.
The ministry said that Iceland has been "realising the necessity" research was in order to get a "better understanding of the interactions between the different whale stocks and other marine species and the role of whales in the marine ecosystem".
Under plans submitted to the International Whaling Commission's (IWC) Scientific Committee, Iceland would take 50 sei whales, 100 fin whales and 100 minke whales annually for two years.
However, at this stage only 38 minke whales will be taken. The IWC's Scientific Committee has estimated that 43,000 minke whales in Icelandic coastal waters.
Some whale populations are in need of protection, said the Icelandic government, but the limited taking of animals from abundant populations "cannot be opposed on environmental or ecological grounds".
The statement read: "Quite to the contrary, the need for a comprehensive understanding of the ecosystem of the sea makes it imperative for us to study as much as possible all the different elements of the ecosystem, including whales.
"To ensure sustainability and to conserve the marine environment we need reliable scientific knowledge. Leaving a part of the equation out will result in getting the wrong answers."
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has voiced its "outrage" at the announcement.
IFAW President Fred O'Regan said: "There is absolutely no scientific basis for these whales to be killed. Whales already face constant threat from pollution, entanglement in fishing nets, habitat loss and other dangers."
The IFAW also warned that the Icelandic economy would suffer as a result of today's announcement. Eco-tourism to Iceland has increased dramatically in recent years, and whale watching has taken off as one of the most popular tourist pastimes in the country. The industry, which began in the country in 1995, now brings in some £5 million per year to the Icelandic economy, according to the Icelandic Whale Watching Association – with 40 per cent of all overseas visitors to Iceland taking part.
(GMcG)
The ministry said that Iceland has been "realising the necessity" research was in order to get a "better understanding of the interactions between the different whale stocks and other marine species and the role of whales in the marine ecosystem".
Under plans submitted to the International Whaling Commission's (IWC) Scientific Committee, Iceland would take 50 sei whales, 100 fin whales and 100 minke whales annually for two years.
However, at this stage only 38 minke whales will be taken. The IWC's Scientific Committee has estimated that 43,000 minke whales in Icelandic coastal waters.
Some whale populations are in need of protection, said the Icelandic government, but the limited taking of animals from abundant populations "cannot be opposed on environmental or ecological grounds".
The statement read: "Quite to the contrary, the need for a comprehensive understanding of the ecosystem of the sea makes it imperative for us to study as much as possible all the different elements of the ecosystem, including whales.
"To ensure sustainability and to conserve the marine environment we need reliable scientific knowledge. Leaving a part of the equation out will result in getting the wrong answers."
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has voiced its "outrage" at the announcement.
IFAW President Fred O'Regan said: "There is absolutely no scientific basis for these whales to be killed. Whales already face constant threat from pollution, entanglement in fishing nets, habitat loss and other dangers."
The IFAW also warned that the Icelandic economy would suffer as a result of today's announcement. Eco-tourism to Iceland has increased dramatically in recent years, and whale watching has taken off as one of the most popular tourist pastimes in the country. The industry, which began in the country in 1995, now brings in some £5 million per year to the Icelandic economy, according to the Icelandic Whale Watching Association – with 40 per cent of all overseas visitors to Iceland taking part.
(GMcG)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 August 2003
RSPCA urge boycott of Icelandic fish after whale kill
The RSCPA has urged UK shoppers to "think twice" about buying Icelandic fish after the country's whaling expedition killed a number of Minke whales. The RSPCA has condemned Iceland's resumption of whaling which, they claim, is being carried out using exploding grenade harpoons "responsible for the agonizing deaths of whales around the world".
RSPCA urge boycott of Icelandic fish after whale kill
The RSCPA has urged UK shoppers to "think twice" about buying Icelandic fish after the country's whaling expedition killed a number of Minke whales. The RSPCA has condemned Iceland's resumption of whaling which, they claim, is being carried out using exploding grenade harpoons "responsible for the agonizing deaths of whales around the world".
01 February 2007
Government launches save the whale initiative
The government has launched an initiative to enlist more countries around the world to the anti-whaling cause.
Government launches save the whale initiative
The government has launched an initiative to enlist more countries around the world to the anti-whaling cause.
17 January 2006
UK in diplomatic protest over Japanese ‘scientific’ whaling
The UK, along with 16 other countries, has presented a formal diplomatic representation to the Japanese Government urging it to stop its Antarctic whaling programme.
UK in diplomatic protest over Japanese ‘scientific’ whaling
The UK, along with 16 other countries, has presented a formal diplomatic representation to the Japanese Government urging it to stop its Antarctic whaling programme.
11 November 2005
UK urges Japan to abandon 'scientific' whaling
As Japan's whaling fleet sets sail to make one of its largest catches in years, UK Fisheries Minister Ben Bradshaw has condemned Japan's decision to go ahead with its whaling programme in the Southern Ocean. Mr Bradshaw said: "Japan is flying in the face of world opinion.
UK urges Japan to abandon 'scientific' whaling
As Japan's whaling fleet sets sail to make one of its largest catches in years, UK Fisheries Minister Ben Bradshaw has condemned Japan's decision to go ahead with its whaling programme in the Southern Ocean. Mr Bradshaw said: "Japan is flying in the face of world opinion.
18 August 2003
Iceland's whale ships return with empty holds
Three Icelandic ships which were sent on a whaling mission following the country's controversial decision to begin the practice after a 14-year hiatus have returned to port today with empty holds. The ships' crews complained that their hunt went awry due to the flotilla of protesters and onlookers which following them throughout.
Iceland's whale ships return with empty holds
Three Icelandic ships which were sent on a whaling mission following the country's controversial decision to begin the practice after a 14-year hiatus have returned to port today with empty holds. The ships' crews complained that their hunt went awry due to the flotilla of protesters and onlookers which following them throughout.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry day with any low cloud and mist clearing during the morning leaving long spells of warm sunshine. Breezy at times around the coast. Maximum temperature 20 °C.Tonight:A fine end to the day with some sunshine, then clear spells overnight. Low cloud could form around some Irish Sea coasts later in the night. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
