After two years of suspension, the Icelandic company Hvalur hf. sent its ships back to sea in June 2026 to start the whaling season, which runs until September.
The decision sparked protests from animal rights organizations such as Hvalavinir (Friends of the Whales), who denounce the capture of species included in the IUCN Red List.
Endangered Species
Of the 13 large whale species, seven are listed on the IUCN Red List. Among them:
- The North Atlantic right whale, in “critical danger”.
- The blue whale and the fin whale, classified as “threatened” due to commercial hunting and the climate crisis.
According to the Paul Watson Foundation, by July 17, 22 specimens had already been captured, reigniting the debate on the sustainability of this practice.
Regulations and Quotas
The Marine Research Institute of Iceland recommended reducing hunting quotas by 20% for this summer, setting limits of:
- 150 fin whales.
- 168 minke whales.
The measure aims to mitigate the impact on populations that have not yet fully recovered from the industrial hunting of the 20th century.
Countries Maintaining Commercial Whaling
Iceland, Japan, and Norway are the only countries that authorize commercial whaling. According to WWF Spain, these countries insist on continuing the practice despite opposition from the International Whaling Commission (IWC).
- Only some indigenous communities in North America have exceptions for reasons of food sovereignty and cultural traditions.
- Scientists reject the argument of the need for whale meat, as it contains high levels of heavy metals due to the longevity of these animals.
Partial Recovery and Persistent Threats
Although some populations show signs of recovery, many species remain in critical condition. The Mediterranean is a key area for several migratory and resident species:
- The Strait of Gibraltar concentrates pilot whale populations under great pressure from maritime traffic.
- The Pelagos Sanctuary, between Monaco, France, and Italy, protects 87,500 km² of vital marine habitat for fin whales and sperm whales.
Current Threats
Beyond hunting, whales face increasing risks:
- Collisions with cargo ships and tourist ferries.
- Underwater noise that disorients pod leaders and affects their geolocation systems.
- Pollution and climate change, which alter marine ecosystems and reduce food availability.
The spokesperson for WWF Spain, José Luis García Varas, warned that maritime transport is one of the most serious threats, as the speed and noise of vessels affect the health and orientation of cetaceans.
Iceland’s return to whaling reflects the tension between economic interests and the conservation of endangered species. Although some populations show signs of recovery, the pressure from maritime traffic, pollution, and the climate crisis remain serious threats.
The scientific community insists that protection must be maintained and reinforced to prevent the advances achieved in recent decades from being lost.
