Whale culls so far have been surprisingly large, with 52 fin whales and 42 minke whales hunted and brought to shore for processing.
Gunnlaugur F. Gunnlaugsson, the plant manager in Hvalfjörður, told reporters that weather conditions have been favorable for whaling. Two boats came in just this morning, in fact, carrying two fin whales, which were culled about 150 nautical miles south of Iceland.
42 minke whales have been brought to Kópavogur harbor since the season began in mid-May. A quota of 216 minke whales has been assigned for this year.
According to Gunnar Bergmann Jónsson, the director of Hrefnuveiðimanna ehf., the meat will be distributed freely throughout the country. The demand for whale is high, he says, with numerous restaurants calling for more of the meat.
Whaling has gone so well, according to Gunnar, that he believes it likely they will fill their quota by the end of August, even though the quota itself doesn’t expire until mid-November. The domestic market, by his estimation, can bear 60 minke whales. Where the rest of the meat goes is a mystery. Hopefully at least through legal channels this time.