MOSCOW, August 5 (RIA Novosti) - The government of Iceland concluded that the whaling in national waters is “sustainable,” taking into account that catch limits for 2014 and 2015 involve less than 1 percent of the existing whale population, the Undercurrent news reported.
“The catches are therefore clearly sustainable and consistent with the principle of sustainable development,” the Iceland’s Ministry of Industries and Innovation confirmed as quoted by the Undercurrent news.
According to the Iceland’s Ministry of Industries and Innovation, there are around 20,000 fin whales and at least 30,000 common minke whales in the East Greenland-Iceland Jan Mayen stock area.
In view of these figures, Iceland’s fishermen were allowed to catch only 229 common minke whales and 154 fin whales in 2014 and 2015.
Commercial whaling was prohibited by the International Whaling Commission back in 1986. However, Iceland, Norway and Russian Federation have objected to this provision.
In October 2006, Iceland resumed commercial whaling. Iceland’s main trading partner on whale products is Japan.
Greenpeace activists have been pressurizing Iceland, arguing that it should immediately prohibit whaling. Iceland’s authorities have repeatedly said that whale products are the same as any other seafood products consumed all over the world.
“Icelandic whale products are likely to be consumed both domestically and overseas. Iceland has been engaged in international trade in whale products. In recent years our main trading partner has been Japan,” Iceland’s Ministry of Industries and Innovation said.
Icelandic authorities assured that the most advanced hunting methods are used, so majority of the whales die without suffering, instantly upon being hit.
Iceland is home for a variety of whales, 23 different species have been seen in its national waters.
