Archive · 10 Sep 2026
Iceland Plans Permanent Whaling Ban, Isolating Norway and Japan
Iceland plans to ask its parliament to permanently stop commercial whaling.
The bill is expected to be submitted in February.
Iceland’s government has a majority in parliament, but the bill still needs to be considered.
This year, Iceland allowed up to 150 fin whales to be hunted.
By September 9, 80 fin whales had reportedly been caught.
Fin whales are considered vulnerable, which means they face risks to their population.
Animal welfare groups support the proposed ban for ethical and conservation reasons.
Iceland, Norway, and Japan have been the only countries conducting commercial whaling in recent years.
If Iceland stops, Norway and Japan would be the only countries left continuing the practice.
Iceland’s government plans to submit a bill in February calling for a permanent ban on commercial whaling.
The government has a majority in parliament, and the proposal has received considerable political and public support.
Iceland’s 2025 hunting season quota permits 150 fin whales, with 80 reported caught by September 9.
Fin whales, the main target of Iceland’s whaling industry, are classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
If approved, the ban would leave Norway and Japan as the only countries continuing commercial whaling.
- Who
- Iceland’s government, supported by animal welfare campaigners, is proposing the ban; Norway and Japan are the other countries identified as continuing commercial whaling.
- What
- A bill proposing a permanent ban on commercial whaling in Iceland.
- When
- The bill is expected to be submitted in February; the current hunting season runs from June to around the end of September.
- Where
- Iceland, with the proposal affecting the global commercial-whaling landscape.
- Why
- The government cites political and public support, while animal welfare advocates point to ethical, veterinary, legal, and conservation reasons; fin whales are classified as vulnerable.
- Proposed measure
- A permanent ban on commercial whaling in Iceland.
- Expected submission
- February.
- Current annual quota
- 150 fin whales.
- Reported catch
- 80 fin whales caught by September 9 during the current season.
- Primary target
- Fin whales.
- Conservation status
- Fin whales are classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
- Remaining commercial whaling countries
- Norway and Japan, if Iceland’s ban is approved.
