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18/08/2003
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.
One captain complained that some protesters had manoeuvred their boats so as to put them between the whalers and their quarry.
Iceland said on August 6 that it would restart limited whaling so as to carry out "further scientific research" on the mammals.
Iceland's fisheries ministry said that it was "realising the necessity" of research 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 anticipates taking 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 up to September 30. The IWC's Scientific Committee has estimated that 43,000 minke whales are in Icelandic coastal waters.
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."
(gmcg)
The ships' crews complained that their hunt went awry due to the flotilla of protesters and onlookers which following them throughout.
One captain complained that some protesters had manoeuvred their boats so as to put them between the whalers and their quarry.
Iceland said on August 6 that it would restart limited whaling so as to carry out "further scientific research" on the mammals.
Iceland's fisheries ministry said that it was "realising the necessity" of research 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 anticipates taking 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 up to September 30. The IWC's Scientific Committee has estimated that 43,000 minke whales are in Icelandic coastal waters.
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."
(gmcg)
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06 August 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.
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.
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".
10 February 2006
WDCS claims whales being made into 'dog food'
A conservation group has claimed that whale meat produced in Japan’s scientific whaling programme is being turned into dog food. The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society says that Japan’s stockpile of whale meat has doubled in the past decade as a result of more and more animals being killed each year.
WDCS claims whales being made into 'dog food'
A conservation group has claimed that whale meat produced in Japan’s scientific whaling programme is being turned into dog food. The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society says that Japan’s stockpile of whale meat has doubled in the past decade as a result of more and more animals being killed each year.
20 January 2006
Rescue attempt launched for whale in the Thames
A rescue attempt has been launched after a rare whale was spotted in the Thames on Friday. The whale, which has been identified as a northern bottle-nosed whale, was spotted around 08:30am on Friday morning. It is the first time that this type of animal has been spotted in the Thames since 1913, when records began.
Rescue attempt launched for whale in the Thames
A rescue attempt has been launched after a rare whale was spotted in the Thames on Friday. The whale, which has been identified as a northern bottle-nosed whale, was spotted around 08:30am on Friday morning. It is the first time that this type of animal has been spotted in the Thames since 1913, when records began.
01 September 2006
Rescued whale found dead in Skegness
A whale rescued by experts from the Lincolnshire coast has been found dead on a beach near Skegness. The whale, believed to be a northern bottlenose whale, was one of two whales found stranded on Thursday. The other whale died on Thursday afternoon, in spite of attempts to refloat them.
Rescued whale found dead in Skegness
A whale rescued by experts from the Lincolnshire coast has been found dead on a beach near Skegness. The whale, believed to be a northern bottlenose whale, was one of two whales found stranded on Thursday. The other whale died on Thursday afternoon, in spite of attempts to refloat them.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A rather cloudy morning, with a little patchy light rain or drizzle to start. Skies clearing and becoming dry and increasingly sunny in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Dry with prolonged clear spells through the evening and overnight. This will allow for some fog patches to develop in places overnight. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
