REYKJAVIK — Iceland’s government plans to introduce legislation in February 2027 that would permanently prohibit commercial whaling, following years of public and international debate.
If approved by parliament, the measure would align Iceland with the international majority opposed to commercial whale hunting. Norway and Japan would then remain the principal countries continuing the practice commercially.
Iceland’s current season is due to end in late September. Reports indicate that 80 fin whales have been killed from an authorized quota of 150, despite the species being classified as vulnerable.
The country resumed commercial whaling in 2006 under an objection to the International Whaling Commission’s moratorium. A five-year licence granted in 2024 allowed Iceland’s last active whaling company to continue operating.
Opponents argue that the industry has a shrinking domestic market, creates avoidable animal suffering and conflicts with Iceland’s growing whale-watching economy. Supporters have defended it as a lawful use of marine resources and a matter of national control.
The proposed ban will now face parliamentary scrutiny. Its progress will be closely watched by conservation groups because it could further strengthen the global norm against commercial whaling.
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Featured photo: Rachel Penney/Unsplash.