More than 66% of Icelanders back government decision to end commercial whaling quotas
29 October 2007
(Reykjavik, October 29, 2007) – Almost two thirds of Icelanders support a recent ministerial decision to end commercial whaling, according to new polling by Gallup.
The research, commissioned by
INCA (Iceland Nature Conservation Association) and IFAW (International Fund for
Animal Welfare) reveals that 66.3% of Icelanders agree with Fisheries Minister
Einar Gudfinnsson’s August announcement that new whaling quotas should not be
issued until market circumstances improve.
Only 22.6% of Icelanders disagreed with the decision not to issue further licences for whaling, while 11.1% had no opinion.
Arni Finnsson, chairman of INCA, said: “This research shows that the vast majority of Icelanders acknowledge there is little market for whale meat. A continuation of commercial whaling would be pointless, and risks damage to Iceland’s international reputation, as well as our tourism industry and wider business interests.”
Robbie Marsland, UK Director of IFAW, added: “These polling figures back up previous independent economic research which shows that whale watching is far more profitable for Iceland than whaling. Two thirds of Icelanders now oppose this unnecessary practice, which is at odds with the broader interests of their country.”
Iceland’s scientific whaling programme, begun in 2003, finished this year after the hunting of 200 minke whales. Commercial quotas for nine endangered fin whales and 60 minke whales were issued in October 2006. The commercial season has now ended for this year, without the full quota being taken.
More than 100,000 people go whale watching in Iceland each year. Iceland’s whale watching industry is estimated to bring in more than US$25m in revenue per year. For media-related inquiries, contact:
IFAW Press Office
phone: 0207 587 6700
Only 22.6% of Icelanders disagreed with the decision not to issue further licences for whaling, while 11.1% had no opinion.
Arni Finnsson, chairman of INCA, said: “This research shows that the vast majority of Icelanders acknowledge there is little market for whale meat. A continuation of commercial whaling would be pointless, and risks damage to Iceland’s international reputation, as well as our tourism industry and wider business interests.”
Robbie Marsland, UK Director of IFAW, added: “These polling figures back up previous independent economic research which shows that whale watching is far more profitable for Iceland than whaling. Two thirds of Icelanders now oppose this unnecessary practice, which is at odds with the broader interests of their country.”
Iceland’s scientific whaling programme, begun in 2003, finished this year after the hunting of 200 minke whales. Commercial quotas for nine endangered fin whales and 60 minke whales were issued in October 2006. The commercial season has now ended for this year, without the full quota being taken.
More than 100,000 people go whale watching in Iceland each year. Iceland’s whale watching industry is estimated to bring in more than US$25m in revenue per year. For media-related inquiries, contact:
IFAW Press Office
phone: 0207 587 6700
