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Iceland resumes commercial whaling

Esperanza in Isafjordur, Iceland Enlarge Image

Esperanza in Iceland

One day, our ship is docked in Iceland's number one whaling station. The next, the country's number one whale-watching spot. The contrast is striking. Isafjordur, in the stunning west fjords on the northwestern coast, is a sleepy ring of houses, an aging port, and an airstrip clinging to a fjord. Husavik, on the far northern coast of Iceland just on the edge of the arctic circle, is a bustling whale-watching success story.

Two humpback whales breaching. Enlarge Image

Visit Iceland: Save Whales

Despite the international ban on whaling, its spectre is looming on the horizon following the Icelandic Government's announcement to start a so-called 'scientific' whaling programme. Join our Iceland Travel Pledge to help stop the program.

Iceland has announced it will recommence whaling in 2003. Enlarge Image

Changing minds in Iceland

According to a new Gallup poll, 48 percent of the Icelandic public thinks the existence of groups like Greenpeace is "rather important to very important" -- a marked shift from past antagonism against Greenpeace for its anti-whaling policies.

Crewmember Pete Bouquet paints the Rainbow Warrior, 1978 Enlarge Image

Iceland, Greenpeace, and whales Part III

Iceland has begun whaling again after 14 years. Surely such a retrograde decision must mean Iceland is a rogue state when it comes to the environment, a home of barbaric rapers of the Earth? Not so, says Rémi Parmentier in the concluding chapter of a three-part journey back in time. From his voyage with Greenpeace in 1978 through his experience in the 90s of working with Iceland in international fora, Parmentier brings his unique perspective to bear on Iceland, the environment, and whales.

Crew of 1978 Greenpeace voyage to Iceland. Enlarge Image

Iceland, Greenpeace, and whales Part II

Iceland enjoys a rugged, natural beauty that can only be appreciated fully by seeing it. It also hosts a people who are fiercely proud of their largely pristine and clean environment. So why, after 14 years, has the Icelandic government bowed to internal pressure and begun whaling again? Has nothing changed since long-haired Greenpeace hippies took to the high seas in the late 70s? Rémi Parmentier takes us on Part II of a three-part journey back in time.

Rémi Parmentier Enlarge Image

Iceland, Greenpeace, and whales

The recent Rainbow Warrior tour of Iceland was not the first time Greenpeace has tangled, or indeed occasionally tangoed, with Iceland on environmental issues. Rémi Parmentier was onboard the maiden voyage of the original Rainbow Warrior on our first visit to Iceland 25 years ago. In the first of a three part feature Rémi recounts what it was like to be on that first voyage and how it lead to the ban on commercial whaling.

Minke caught by the whaling ship from Isafjordur in NW Iceland. Whalers cut the whale on board and place it in containers before bringing their boat in to the harbour. Enlarge Image

Icelanding whaling support declines

Our presence in Iceland is starting to turn the tide of opinion on this North Atlantic Island. The Icelandic Government is now reviewing the so-called "scientific whaling" programme and the Prime Minister recently indicated that if no export markets can be secured in future, this will mean an end to Icelandic whaling.

Minke whale steaks barbecued in peaceful protest against Greenpeace in Iceland Enlarge Image

Greenpeace talks with Icelanders about whaling

Our flagship, The Rainbow Warrior, has begun to break the ice, so to speak, with the people of Iceland, in creating a dialogue about the government's plan to resume commercial whaling.

Iceland has announced it will recommence whaling in 2003. Enlarge Image

Rainbow Warrior arrives in Reykjavik to oppose whaling

Our flagship Rainbow Warrior has now arrived in Reykjavik, Iceland, on its mission to help overturn the Icelandic Government's plan to resume its 'scientific whaling' programme.

Minke whale, (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Enlarge Image

Stop Icelandic whaling

Iceland announced a few days ago the resumption of its "Scientific Whaling" programme. We have turned our flagship "Rainbow Warrior" around to do something about it.

Dead whale at whaling station, Iceland. Enlarge Image

Iceland not going to play by the rules

Whalers won a victory at a special meeting of the International Whaling Commission when Iceland was voted in as a full member despite their admission they will not follow all the rules of the commission and will begin whaling by 2006.

Discuss this article in  "Louder than Words," the Greenpeace Forum

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