To whale, or watch a whale? That was the question Greenpeace posed to guests at an Icelandic tourism event at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre on September 24.
The Mayor of Reykjavik, Thorolfur Arnason hosted the London event to promote tourism in Iceland. We were there to make sure the host and attendees realised that Icelandic tourism faces a crisis of confidence. Reykjavik, Husavik, is the centre of the island's whale watching industry - which is already noticing the repercussions of the Government's return to whaling.
Greenpeace and IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) activists greeted guests arriving at the Globe and handed out information leaflets that described the choices facing the Icelandic government. Download the leaflet (prepared as a PDF).
Tourism overall has grown to become Iceland's second largest form of foreign income after fish exports and the Icelandic Tourist Industry Association has raised concerns that whaling "would cause great damage to the Icelandic tourist industry."
Icelandic whale-watching has developed at a rapid pace over the last 10 years, in the absence of whaling. The Whale-watching Association of Iceland (WWAI) is strongly opposed to a return to whaling, as they know that whaling and whale-watching cannot co-exist.
"There is no evidence that whaling and whale-watching can co-exist," says Asbjorn Bjorgvinsson, Chair of WWAI. "The friendly minkes would be the first to be killed as they often approach the whale-watching boats and so would also approach the whaling boats. Whaling could therefore damage many years of friendly encounters with minkes around Iceland."
The Rainbow Warrior ended a two-week tour of Iceland at Reykjavik on Sunday, 21st September. During the tour 'open ship' days were held at six ports, including Reykjavik and the whaling port of Isafjordur. Read diary extracts by campaigner Willie Mackenzie.
During the tour Icelandic whale watching industry boats joined the Rainbow Warrior in a show of solidarity. Whale watching and tourism operators have been urging the government to review their decision.
Greenpeace is encouraging people from around the world to seriously consider taking a nature tour of Iceland if the Government of Iceland stops whaling. Please take the pledge and let the Icelandic government know that the future lies in sustainable nature tourism, not a return to whaling.
