ICELAND RESUMES WHALE HUNTING AFTER TWO YEARS. CONTROVERSIAL TRADITION MAY SOON END
- Roman Pech
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Reykjavík, June 21, 2026 – Iceland has resumed commercial whaling this year after a two-year pause. The decision by the company Hvalur hf. has sparked protests from environmental activists and international criticism. Paradoxically, this comes at a time when more and more Icelanders consider whaling a relic of the past, and the government suggests its future is uncertain.
The last whalers set sail again
Together with Norway and Japan, Iceland is one of the last countries in the world that still allows commercial whaling. Although whaling has been repeatedly suspended in recent years and its economic importance has declined, Hvalur hf. announced a return to sea this year.
The whaling season was limited in 2024, and in 2025 the company decided not to sail at all. The main reasons were economic difficulties and uncertainty on the Japanese market, where most exported whale meat is sold.
In 2026, however, the ships are returning to sea.
Historical overview of whaling in Iceland
Middle Ages–19th century: Whaling in Iceland was only occasional – when a whale stranded on the shore or appeared near the coast, locals processed it as a source of meat, oil, and bones.
Late 19th century: Industrial whaling began with modern ships (mainly foreign companies, later also Icelandic ones).
20th century: Iceland became part of commercial whaling in the North Atlantic, mainly targeting fin whales and sperm whales.
Second half of the 20th century–today: Whaling is heavily regulated and controversial; in modern times it is carried out only by a few operators (e.g. Hvalur hf.), with interruptions and under international pressure.
Why is whaling so controversial?
Critics mainly point to the methods used to kill the animals. Whales are hunted using specialized harpoons with explosive tips. Investigations by Icelandic authorities in recent years have shown that some animals did not die immediately after being struck, and their deaths could last several minutes.
Due to these findings, whaling was partially suspended during the 2023 season.
Environmental organizations also argue that whales play an important role in marine ecosystems and that their protection is more valuable than commercial exploitation.
Whale meat consumption is declining
Although whaling is often presented as a traditional part of Icelandic culture, the reality today is different.
Whale meat consumption among Icelanders has been steadily declining. A significant share of production was previously intended for export to Japan. This dependence on foreign markets is one of the reasons the industry is under increasing economic pressure.
Many younger Icelanders also do not see whaling as something that should be preserved at any cost.
Tourists bring more money than harpoons
While whaling is gradually losing importance, the whale-watching tourism industry is booming.
Every year, thousands of visitors depart from ports such as Reykjavík, Húsavík, or Akureyri to see fin whales, humpbacks, and orcas. Whale watching has become one of the most popular activities in Iceland and, according to several economic studies, generates significantly higher revenue than whaling itself.
This is why the question is increasingly being raised: does continuing whaling make economic sense?
It may be one of the last seasons
The future of Icelandic whaling is also politically uncertain.
The Minister of Industry, Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, has previously stated that commercial whaling is not an activity in the long-term public interest. After current licenses expire, a debate on a complete ban is therefore expected.
If that happens, the 2026 season could go down in history as one of the last chapters of Icelandic whaling.
A tradition at a crossroads
Whaling is one of the most debated issues in modern Iceland. For some, it represents national tradition and the right to use natural resources. For others, it is a relic that harms the image of a country known for its unique nature.
One thing is certain – the future of whaling in Iceland will likely be as turbulent as the North Atlantic waters where this dispute takes place.
Interesting fact
The central figure of Icelandic whaling is businessman Kristján Loftsson, often nicknamed “the last whaler of Iceland.” His company Hvalur hf. is today practically the only firm in Iceland that hunts fin whales.
Profile: Kristján Loftsson
Kristján Loftsson is an Icelandic businessman best known as the long-time CEO and co-owner of Hvalur hf., a company engaged in commercial whaling.
Basic information
Date of birth: March 17, 1943
Place of birth: Hafnarfjörður, Iceland
Nationality: Icelandic
Occupation: Businessman, manager in the fishing and whaling industry
Career
Kristján Loftsson comes from a family associated with whaling. His father founded Hvalur hf., and Kristján has been involved in the industry from a young age — according to sources, he participated in whaling expeditions as early as age 13.
1974: took over leadership of Hvalur hf. after the death of his father
since then he has been its CEO and a key figure in the company
Main business
Hvalur hf. is the last major Icelandic company focused on whaling (especially fin whales)
the company also processes and exports whale meat (historically mainly to Japan)
Kristján is considered one of the largest shareholders of the company
Controversies
Kristján Loftsson is one of the most controversial figures in Icelandic business:
he has long defended commercial whaling despite strong opposition from conservationists
he faces criticism from international environmental organizations
his activities are linked to debates on the ethics of whaling and nature conservation
in the media, he is sometimes referred to as the “last whaling magnate” or “Icelandic Ahab”
Interesting facts
he is considered one of the most influential people in the Icelandic fishing industry
his company is one of the last active players in commercial whaling in the world
he has repeatedly participated in international whaling negotiations as a representative of Iceland
About the Author
Iceland has fascinated me for many years. Over the course of numerous journeys across the island, I have driven tens of thousands of kilometers, experienced storms that changed travel plans within minutes, and witnessed days when choosing the right route meant discovering places that most visitors never see. I documented many of these experiences in my documentary film Island in the North.
Through this website, I share practical travel advice, up-to-date information, and firsthand experiences from the field to help others explore Iceland more safely and gain a deeper understanding of its unique landscapes and ever-changing nature.
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