IFAW: Iceland’s resumption of whaling risks damage to economy and reputation

(May 19, 2008) – Iceland’s decision to resume commercial whaling risks damage to the country’s economy and its international reputation, The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has warned.

Despite announcing in 2007 that no further whaling permits would be issued while there was little market for whale meat, the Icelandic government is believed to have issued permits for the slaughter of 40 minke whales and whalers are expected to begin the hunt tomorrow (Tuesday).

Robbie Marsland, Director of IFAW UK, said: “We strongly urge the Icelandic government to rethink this decision. The resumption of commercial whaling could prove to be extremely damaging to the already fragile Icelandic economy, and its international reputation.

“When Iceland killed seven endangered fin whales for commercial use in 2006, the move was met with unprecedented public outcry and the meat went straight into frozen storage with no markets found for it.

“By contrast, whale watching offers a humane and profitable alternative, with more than 100,000 people going whale watching in Iceland last year. We encourage the Icelandic government to act now to protect this multi-million pound industry and its wider economic interests.”

Gallup polling carried out in Iceland in 2006 revealed that only 1.1% of Icelanders claim to eat whale meat once a week or more, while 82.4% of 16 to 24-year-olds never eat whale meat.

An international whale watching conference staged in Iceland in March by IFAW and Icewhale (Iceland’s whale watching association), attracted delegates from around the world, including Australia, the US, Brazil and Norway. During the conference delegates from 11 countries issued a joint statement declaring that commercial whaling poses a threat to the success of whale watching and eco-tourism.

IFAW opposes whaling on the grounds that it is cruel, unnecessary and unsustainable.

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For more information or to arrange interviews call Arni Finnsson in Iceland on 00354 8972437 or contact Clare Sterling in the IFAW Press Office on +44 (0)20 7587 6708, mobile +44 (0)7917 507717, or email csterling@ifaw.org Alternatively visit www.ifaw.org