The whale hunting season ended yesterday, with the quota not completely filled.
Two boats sailed into Hvalfjörður yesterday, each carrying two whales, bringing the total hunted this season to 125 fin whales. The quota allowed for up to 150 fin whales to be hunted.
Kristján Loftsson, the chairman of whaling company Hvalur hf., told reporters that he was satisfied with the season, which he believes ended around the same time as it had before the whale hunting ban went into effect.
By law, the whalers can transfer 20% of this year’s quota into next year’s, thus ensuring that at least 25 fin whales will be hunted next year, unless whaling is again banned. Each fin whale yields some 40 tonnes of meat – now we just need to find someone to buy it.