Iceland Resumes Whaling After Two-Year Halt Amid Conservation Concerns

Icelandic whaling vessels have returned to sea in June 2026 after a two-year pause, restarting a controversial practice that targets species listed as threatened or critically endangered by the IUCN. The company Hvalur hf. launched two ships for the June–September season, despite protests from animal rights groups like Hvalavinir and international pressure. Source: La Vanguardia, Infobae

The halt and resumption

Whaling was suspended in 2024 when Iceland's then agriculture minister delayed authorization past the season start, and in 2025 the industry deemed the season unprofitable. Source: Infobae This year, however, the boats have sailed, and by July 17, 22 whales had already been caught, according to the Paul Watson Foundation. Source: La Vanguardia, Infobae

Key points

• Conservation status: Seven of the 13 great whale species are on the IUCN Red List, including the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale and the threatened blue and fin whales. Source: La Vanguardia, Infobae
• Quota recommendations: Iceland's Marine Research Institute has advised reducing catch quotas by a fifth, setting a limit of 150 fin whales and 168 minke whales. Source: La Vanguardia, Infobae
• Health concerns: WWF Spain's José Luis García Varas noted that scientists reject the need for whale meat due to heavy metal accumulation, calling it a health risk. Source: Infobae