Iceland to Submit Bill for Permanent Ban on Commercial Whaling

The Icelandic government announced it will introduce a bill in February 2027 to amend the Whaling Act, calling for a permanent ban on commercial whaling. The governing coalition holds a parliamentary majority, making passage likely.

Iceland: Government plans to permanently ban commercial whaling Iceland’s government confirms bill to consider whaling ban will be introduced in February 2027 Iceland to submit bill for permanent ban on commercial whaling – Cyprus Inform New York PostIceland to submit bill banning whaling Iceland to ban whaling

Commercial whaling resumed in Iceland in 2006 after the 1986 IWC moratorium. Iceland left the IWC in 1992, re-joined in 2002 with a reservation, and operates under a national Whaling Act from 1949. Norway and Japan remain the only nations permitting commercial whaling. Iceland’s industry is limited to Hvalur hf., owned by Kristján Loftsson.

Iceland to submit bill for permanent ban on commercial whaling – Cyprus Inform Iceland: Government plans to permanently ban commercial whaling Iceland to ban whaling New York PostThe GuardianIceland announces whaling ban: up to 70 fin whales still permitted

• 2026 hunting season (June-September) quota: 150 fin whales.

Iceland announces whaling ban: up to 70 fin whales still permitted

• As of September 9, 80 fin whales had been killed (Humane World for Animals).

Iceland announces whaling ban: up to 70 fin whales still permitted

• Fin whales are vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Iceland announces whaling ban: up to 70 fin whales still permitted

• A 2023 report noted harpooned whales can take up to two hours to die; a 2026 inspection recorded a fin whale dying after more than 31 minutes.

Iceland to submit bill banning whaling

• Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, Minister of Industries, called the current legislation “outdated” and supported ending the hunt.

Iceland to submit bill banning whaling

• Wendy Higgins, spokeswoman for Humane World for Animals, said:

Iceland announces whaling ban: up to 70 fin whales still permitted

“There is considerable political and public support for this bill to ban commercial whaling, and compelling ethical, veterinary, legal and conservation reasons to hope it succeeds.”

Iceland announces whaling ban: up to 70 fin whales still permitted

She added that existing permits, which run until 2029, may continue under the new law.

Iceland: Government plans to permanently ban commercial whaling

• The bill’s formal title on the parliamentary agenda is “Bill to amend the Whaling Act, No. 26/1949 (Revision).”

Iceland’s government confirms bill to consider whaling ban will be introduced in February 2027

Sources differ on the primary species targeted this season. Most reports cite fin whales, while BeninWebTV identifies common minke whales. Both species are listed as vulnerable by the IUCN, highlighting inconsistent reporting.

Iceland announces whaling ban: up to 70 fin whales still permitted

• “There is considerable political and public support for this bill to ban commercial whaling, and compelling ethical, veterinary, legal and conservation reasons to hope it succeeds,” — Wendy Higgins, Humane World for Animals.

New York Post

• “Of course, campaigners want an immediate end to the killing of whales, but we also recognise that even if a ban is introduced, it’s likely that the current whaling permits, which expire in 2029, will be allowed to run their course.” — Wendy Higgins, Humane World for Animals.

The Guardian

• “Bill to amend the Whaling Act, No. 26/1949 (Revision)” — Wendy Higgins, Humane World for Animals.

Iceland’s government confirms bill to consider whaling ban will be introduced in February 2027

If approved in the February 2027 parliamentary session, Iceland will enact a permanent prohibition on commercial whaling. The effective date and any transitional provisions for existing permits have not been disclosed. The outcome will determine whether Iceland joins Norway and Japan as the sole remaining commercial whaling nations.

Iceland: Government plans to permanently ban commercial whaling Iceland to submit bill for permanent ban on commercial whaling – Cyprus Inform New York PostIceland to ban whaling Iceland announces whaling ban: up to 70 fin whales still permitted The Guardian