Killing whales to save the economy? It sounds like a terrible idea. Last week, the Icelandic government resigned, following widespread protests over its handling of the financial crisis. On his way out the door, outgoing Fisheries Minister Einar...

OK, so let's get this right. Iceland announces the resumption of commercial whaling, kills seven endangered fin whales, but now can't sell the meat.

Twenty six nations (including New Zealand) deliver a formal diplomatic protest (called a "demarche") to the Icelandic government.

At around 4:30 this morning, our activists took action against commercial whaling and trade in whale meat by blocking a container ship with fin whale meat onboard bound for Japan from Iceland. (Live updates.)

For decades New Zealand has been one of the staunchest defenders of the whales. But right now by supporting a proposal which would allow Japan, Norway and Iceland to hunt whales openly NZ is set to turn its back on the whales.

In a setback to the whaling industry worldwide, Iceland's fisheries minister has just announced he will not issue further commercial whale-hunting quotas.