Iceland's annual whale hunt has stopped for this year after killing almost 40 minke whales.
The so-called 'scientific' hunt has faced fierce criticism from Greenpeace, who have pointed towards the damage the hunt is causing to Iceland's international reputation and growing tourist industry. The whale hunt was worth an estimated US$4million at its peak, while whale-watching alone attracts over 80,000 tourists and is worth almost US$20million a year.
An online pledge organized by Greenpeace, which asked people to consider a holiday in Iceland if whaling was stopped, has drawn over 65,000 people, which potentially represents over US$76million in tourism revenue.
Iceland's storage freezers are full with up to 40 tonnes of unsold whale meat and blubber from the 2003 and 2004 hunts. Only a quarter of last years catch was sold, yet Iceland persisted in taking this year's 'scientific' quota of 39 minke whales.
Willie Mackenzie, Greenpeace oceans campaigner, said: "The Icelandic tourist association and whale watching operators have made it clear that whaling damages the reputation of the nation and has a negative impact on tourism. In recent years, tourism has become a major source of income in Iceland and whale watching alone is worth more than $18 million a year. 'Scientific' whaling brings Iceland no answers and no revenue".
"Over 300,000 whales, dolphins and porpoises die every year due to a multitude of threats, such as climate change, pollution and destructive fishing. Hunting is the one threat to whale populations we can, and should, eliminate immediately."
Further information:
Contact the Greenpeace press office on 020 7865 8255
