Scubaism

Iceland’s fisheries minister, Einar K. Guofinnsson, told Reuters this week it made no sense to issue new quotas when the present quota period expires on August 31 if the market for whale meat was not strong enough.Iceland announced last year it would allow up to 30 minke whales and 9 fin whales to be hunted, controversially ending a ban in place since 1986. But they have killed just seven minke whales and seven fin whales because of slack demand for whale meat and products.

Buyers of whale products demand thorough testing to ensure food safety. In addition, without an export agreement with Japan, a huge source of buyers is taken out of the equation. Stefan Asmundsson, an officer at the ministry of fisheries, said negotiations for market access to Japan were ongoing.

Whalers had celebrated the decision to allow them to resume a traditional custom despite protests from some two dozen anti-whaling countries, including the United States. They are now frustrated with the government’s stance and say they should be allowed to keep hunting to develop the market.