Iceland's government gives the green light for whaling this year.
The country's only remaining whaling company, Hvalur, is permitted to kill a total of 128 minke whales during this year's summer season, according to an announcement from the Icelandic government through the responsible minister, Bjarkey Olsen Gunnarsdóttir.
This is slightly fewer whales than were allowed during last year's whaling season. However, last year's season was temporarily halted when shortcomings were revealed in the industry's compliance with animal welfare laws. This raised hopes among animal rights organisations that whaling would be completely discontinued, but after certain regulatory tightening, the way was paved for a continuation.
Iceland, Norway, and Japan are the only countries that still actively engage in whaling. In recent years, public opinion in Iceland has shifted towards wanting to see a ban. Most of the country's whale meat is exported to Japan.
