UK and EU countries condemn Iceland for whale hunting

The UK and 25 other countries have officially condemned Iceland's recent decision to kill endangered whales.
Louise Gray, The Telegraph 2 Oct 09;

Iceland recently killed around 125 fin whales, more than at any time since an international ban on commercial whaling was brought in more than 20 years ago.

In addition 79 minke whales were killed making it the largest commercial whale hunt in North Atlantic waters for decades.

The UK and 25 other countries including the US, Germany, France, Portugal and Spain issued a formal diplomatic position to the Icelandic ambassador in the UK against the decision to hunt the whales. The démarche as it is known will put pressure on Iceland just as the country is hoping to restore its damaged economy by joining the EU.

Huw Irranca-Davies, the UK wildlife minister, was deeply disappointed that Iceland has failed to overturn a quota of up to 200 fin and 200 minke whales for the 2009/2010 season.

He pointed out that the animals are endangered and that Iceland could make more money from whale watching.

"I am extremely disappointed to hear that nearly 200 whales have been taken so far this year," he said.

Animal welfare groups are incensed that most of the whales slaughtered will not even be consumed in Iceland but will be exported to Japan.