Iceland's Road Back to Whaling

Iceland's Road Back to Whaling One of history's most active whaling nations is preparing to resume its hunt. A new report analyses its past history and future plans. Since it left the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in protest at a worldwide ban on commercial whaling to protect threatened species, Iceland has built a campaign to resume a commercial hunt. It's actions have culminated in the submission of a proposal to re-start 'scientific whaling', that will be considered by the IWC at its 55th annual meeting from 16th to 19th June in Berlin. A new report by The Humane Society of the US (HSUS), PRO WILDLIFE and WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, "Iceland's Whaling Comeback", unmasks how Iceland's whaling plans not only conflict with international law, but are likely to shatter its fast-growing whale watching industry, which brings in millions of dollars of tourist revenue annually. The report illustrates the former illegal activities of Iceland's hunters and documents the more recent wilful deceits of its whaling lobbyists to prepare the ground for the resumption of a hunt on three protected species for trade to Japan. "Back in the 1980s Iceland avoided the international ban on commercial whaling by using a loophole in the IWC which allows member states to conduct whaling for scientific purposes." criticises Dr. Sandra Altherr of PRO WILDLIFE. "However, Iceland's 'scientific samples', like Japan's today, were sold for profit to the Japanese market. In 2003, we are about to see this fraud being repeated". Sue Fisher, of WDCS, emphasised "Since 1991 the numbers of tourists going whale watching in Iceland each year has increased from 100 to over 62,000 and revenues have soared from around US$50,000 to over US$14 million. Any decision to resume whaling and trade could result in a severe crisis for this important industry and the economy that it helps support." Kitty Block of HSUS adds: "Iceland's calculated transgressions against the IWC strike at its very foundation. Implicit in every international multi-lateral agreement is the obligation for contracting governments to act in good faith. Iceland's relationship to the IWC is one of ignoring resolutions, exploiting loopholes, and contravening international law." For further information, or to arrange interview please contact: Georgina Davies - WDCS +44 (0) 7787 516635. Dr Sandra Altherr, Pro Wildlife. Tel +49 (0)174217 5054. ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/06/16/20030616BIT00490/wkr0001.doc http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/06/16/20030616BIT00490/wkr0002.pdf