Full Breakdown
Iceland Resumes Commercial Fin Whale Hunt After Two-Year Pause
6/23/2026, 6:58:34 AM
Event
On 22 June 2026, two fin whales were killed off Iceland’s coast, first commercial catches since 2023, after two vessels left Reykjavik on 19 June, ending a two-year suspension.
Background
Iceland paused whaling in 2024-2025 due to low demand. The IWC’s 1986 moratorium remains, but Iceland, Norway and Japan still whaling. MFRI recommends a 2026 quota of 150 fin whales (28 % below 2018-2025) and 168 minke whales (23 % lower). Media cite a target of 128 fin whales for this season; over two decades Iceland has taken more than 1,000 fin whales.
Key Actors
Hvalur, managed by Daniel Jonsson, confirmed the harvested whales would be brought ashore. The Icelandic government plans a ban-bill this autumn. Joanna Swabe leads Humane World for Animals. Protester Hólmsteinn Harðarson chained himself to a vessel’s mast and spent two hours in crow’s nest.
Official Statements
The government says a ban-bill will be presented soon. MFRI says the reduced quotas are “necessary for conservation.” RUV gave updates on vessel movements. Daniel Jonsson confirmed the whales would be brought ashore that evening.
Opposition
Humane World for Animals called the first fin-whale deaths “devastating” and said the practice is inhumane, noting fin whales are globally vulnerable. The group criticized the ban’s timing as “not come soon enough.” Harðarson expressed distress and urged an end to whaling.
Protest
Harðarson chained himself to Hval 9’s mast, then entered the crow’s nest for two hours. He broke down, cried, thanked the crew, and was escorted away by police after the ship returned to port.
Conflicts
One source lists a target of 128 fin-whale kills, while MFRI recommends a maximum of 150. No figure confirming the final quota has been released.
Quotes
- “The first fin whale deaths in Iceland’s hunt this year are devastating.” — Joanna Swabe, Humane World for Animals
- “It is so disheartening to see Iceland’s whaling boat leave port to begin another season of whale slaughter despite overwhelming evidence that there is no humane way to kill a whale.” — Joanna Swabe, Humane World for Animals
- “I believed that we would possibly just take a little detour and turn around, but that didn’t happen.” — Hólmsteinn Harðarson, protester
- “I’m very grateful to the crew for how they reacted when I broke down.” — Hólmsteinn Harðarson, protester
- “I hope whaling stops. I hope people stop consuming animals and animal products, that’s my hope.” — Hólmsteinn Harðarson, protester
Outlook
Parliament is slated to debate the anti-whaling bill later this year. If passed, it would end commercial whaling in Iceland, aligning the nation with the IWC moratorium. Until then, the 2026 season proceeds under MFRI’s reduced quotas, while NGOs continue monitoring and protest.
