Press release - 19 June, 2009
Two fin whales - listed as an endangered species globally by the International Union for Conservation of Nature - were killed, landed and cut up at the quayside at the old Hvalförður whaling station in Iceland this morning. They represent the first of a planned quota of 150 fin whales.
The hunt was initiated by the former government of Iceland, shortly before it collapsed earlier this year. However, the new Icelandic government has failed to prevent the controversial fin whale hunt from going ahead. Far from acting in Iceland's best interests, it has allowed one company, Hvalur efh, to dictate governmental policy.
"The government has dismally failed to show leadership despite its own outspoken opposition to the hunt. This morning, its reputation and that of Iceland as a whole was sliced and diced by a single company special interest lobby," said Sara Holden, Greenpeace International Whales Campaign Coordinator. "Today it is clear that the whaling policy in Iceland is really run by the whaler Kristjan Loftsson and his company Hvalur ehf. But what little profit he may make from this fin whale hunt will come at great cost to Iceland - economically and politically."
Greenpeace has called on Iceland to commit to ending the economically and environmentally bankrupt whaling trade and promote a growing eco-tourism industry, which brings significant income and jobs to the country.
More than 115,000 people have taken the Iceland Pledge, saying they would visit the country if the government announces an end to whaling. There is no domestic demand for fin whale meat in Iceland, and a Greenpeace investigation showed that, despite Loftsson's claims of an exports market, there is no demand in Japan either.
Other contacts: Sara Holden, Greenpeace International Whales Coordinator:
+31615007406
Martin Norman, Greenpeace Nordic:
+47 9580 4950
For photos and video:
Photos: John Novis, Greenpeace International:
+442078658230
Video: Lucy Campbell-Jackson, Greenpeace International:
+ 31634738790