Iceland kills endangered Fin Whale

[Annces]

Run time: 01:33 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4munwmIFqC4   Posted on YouTube: October 25, 2006 By YouTube Member: Views on YouTube: 0   Posted on DU: October 22, 2008 By DU Member: Annces Views on DU: 216

 



This whale was killed in 2006.


article
The World Conservation Union (IUCN) lists fin whales as an endangered species, but Iceland's Ministry of Fisheries says there are sufficient fin and minke whales in its coastal waters to support a sustainable harvest.

According to the fisheries ministry, there are an estimated 25,800 fin whales and 43,600 minke whales in the central North Atlantic.

The ministry announced on October 17 that Iceland's commercial whalers would take 9 fin whales and 30 minke whales by August 31, 2007.

The country had previously stopped whaling commercially in 1985; it ended scientific hunts four years later but resumed them in 2003.

Currently, Norway is the only other country that allows commercial whale hunts. Japan hunts whales as well under the heading of scientific research.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/10/061023-whale-hunt.html


I think Iceland wants to continue whaling because of a kind of culture shock, being separated from their tradition. However we have entered an era where whales are in danger of becoming extinct, so this kind of cultural pride must die out for good.