First Fin Whales Caught in Three Years Head to Iceland Amid License Review

Two fin whales, marking the first successful hunt in three years, are currently being transported to Iceland. The whales were caught overnight by the vessel Hvalur 9 and are anticipated to be brought ashore soon, according to reports.

This development follows a period of inactivity in the whaling industry. The catches were made under licenses granted by former Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson, which allowed for the hunting of 201 fin whales and 217 minke whales over five years. These licenses faced criticism at the time, particularly as they were issued shortly after an election, with expectations of a new government holding different views on whaling.

Currently, the Minister of Industry, Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, has expressed her view that whaling is an outdated practice. Her ministry has initiated a legal review to examine the possibility of revoking the existing whaling licenses.

Earlier, the whaling vessel Hvalur 9 gained attention when activists attempted to block its departure by occupying a mast. However, the protest was resolved when the individual involved was registered as a passenger and safely brought ashore before the ship set sail for its hunting grounds.