The crew of whale watching boat Elding 2 disturbed the crew of whale hunting boat Njördur KO7 while they were hunting for minkes yesterday morning. This is the second time that the whale watchers have prevented hunters from whaling.
According to ruv.is, the crew of Elding 2 follows whale hunting boats and position their boat in such a way that the whale hunters cannot possibly complete their work. The whale watchers have not caused any danger, though.
Captain of Njördur KO7 Karl Thór Baldvinsson said Elding 2 sails far too close to their boat, deliberately preventing them from hunting whales despite the fact that they are not harpooning any whales within designated whale watching areas.
Baldvinsson said his crew had shown whale watchers full consideration and he expects them to do the same.
In May, Minister of Fisheries Einar K. Gudfinnsson issued a quota of 40 minke whales. Whale watchers were disappointed since they claim whale hunting and scientific whaling is damaging their business.
A recent report from the Icelandic Marine Research Institute indicates that the number of minke whales in Icelandic waters is dwindling. Click here to read more about that story.
