The first fin whale to be hunted in Iceland this season was killed by the crew of whaling vessel Hvalur 8 yesterday evening. The vessel, which set out yesterday along with Hvalur 9, is expected to unload the catch today.
Photo irrelevant to news story. Photo from the Icelandic Photo Agency.
All fin whale products, except meal and oil, are destined for the Japanese market, Fréttablaðið reports today.
The fin whale quota this season is 154 animals in addition to 20 percent of last year’s unused catch—180 animals in total.
Fin whaling is said to secure employment for up to 200 people at sea and on land. The catch is processed in Hvalfjörður, Hafnarfjörður and Akranes.
Minke whales are also hunted commercially in Iceland. The quota for this season is 229 animals.
The Dutch government recently responded to the plea of animal welfare activists to block Icelandic fin whale meat from being transferred through Dutch ports.
Related:
07.06.2013 | Iceland Whale Meat Blocked from Dutch Ports
05.06.2013 | Over One Million Sign Anti-whaling Campaign
ESA
