Fin whales safe from harpoons for another year in Iceland

No endangered fin whales will be slaughtered in 2025. Icelandic whaling company Hvalur hf. cancelled the summer’s whaling season, citing complexities in trading with Japan as the primary reason behind the U-turn.  

‘Fin whales have been granted a lifeline, being spared from the deadly harpoons in Icelandic waters this summer,’ says Sharon Livermore, IFAW’s Director of Marine Conservation. This practice is harmful to struggling whale populations. But not only that - the industry is also unnecessary and incredibly cruel, causing prolonged, painful deaths in 40% of cases, according to a study by the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority.  

‘While this is a positive sign, there is no time to let our guard down as this could be a short-lived triumph,’ Sharon continues. ‘Unused killing quotas can be carried over to subsequent years, plus minke whaling is still on the table. 

‘We’ve been on tenterhooks since the interim government rushed through a surprise five-year whaling permit at the end of last year. Throughout, we’ve done everything in our power to prevent the hunt from progressing.’ 

These permits were a death sentence—giving whalers a licence to kill 209 fin whales and 217 minke whales per year—meaning a total of 2,130 whales could be slaughtered by 2030. 

‘We are optimistic that the end is in sight and that we could see the final curtain call for Icelandic whaling in the coming months,’ Sharon says. ‘But the only way to truly ensure that whales are protected is to have this bloody business abolished for good.’