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In conflict - whale watching and whale huntingPosted by at 2:00 PM, September 18, 2003Here is some news about the whaling in whale watching areas issue. The Morgunbladid (a major Icelandic newspaper) reported that the Icelandic Marine Research Institute claims: "The expedition leaders from HAFRO (The Icelandic Marine Research Institute) have been given specific orders to keep out of the usual whale-watching areas and they should try to get information about the whereabouts of the whale-watching ships. These rules have been followed, but unfortunately the managers of the whale-watching ships Hafsulan KE and Gestur KE have not been willing to cooperate." That's from the Morgunbladid website (http://www.mbl.is). Meanwhile, in yesterday's paper... "There was never an official agreement of specific borderlines. It was discussed, but we did not find it in our jurisdiction to make such agreements at this time," says Gisli Vikingsson, head of whale research at HAFRO. Sounds to me that what is happening here is an inherent conflict between whale watching and whale hunting. The best places for spotting whales are probably also the best places for hunting whales. That makes sense. But are there specific areas set aside for whale watching only, or not? The first statement (from a press release) seems to indicate there are, the second statement (by a spokesperson) implies there are not. Also, if, this year, when they are only taking 38 whales and they still can't keep the two activities separate, what happens next year, when hundreds of whales are being caught? Remember, the whale watching industry already today brings in more money than whaling did even back before the moratorium. Plus, whale watching is a fast growing business. Iceland's reputation as a nature tourism destination will suffer if the whaling here continues. No doubt having tourists to face the prospect of seeing a whale cut up won't help. So why are these government officials taking the side of the whaling industry, instead of trying to protect the whale watching industry (which would make more economic sense)? -- Frode (Greenpeace oceans campaigner) Post a
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Unfortunately, due to the proliferation of spam, we have had to close the posting of comments to articles older than 1 month. Yes, I agree this is should not happen...some miscommunication or un-cooperation perhaps?
In light of this it shall be reveled that Gestur KE, that has for some time now followed the whale hunting boat Nirði KÓ with a camera crew of unknown origin well beyond the regular whale watching areas, came to the scene when the whale was being hauled to the side of the ship. It seems that this crew has the intension to get pictures of when a whale is killed. If this were correct, it must be a contradiction for a party with interest in this matter that thinks it will get harmed by propaganda against hunting whales, would allow such thing. The institute believes that the comments made by the whale watching groups in the media gives a false impression of the facts. It is clear that the minkei whale caught on board Nirði KÓ about 20 nautical miles from Gróttu, was beyond the regular whale watching area the Hafsúla uses. It shall also be stated that the crewmen and the director of this mission on behalf of the institute on board the Nirði GK believe it is no way that the Hafsúlan was in the neighborhood when the killing was done, precautions of ships in the neighborhood is a priority with the crew because of safety reasons. By confirmed reports of ships in the neighborhood of the Hafsúla when the whale was caught, the ship was beyond the hunting ground at the said time. As before the institute will try to conduct this research in such way that minimum disturbance will occur, on this it whishes to have a good cooperation with the involved parties. Wow.....can't beleive I did this.....I should get paid...:)...sorry if I'm not transelating correctly...done in a haste.. What do I read from this?....If they are stating the facts....The whale watching boats approaced the boat after the killing...if they are lying....we should have seen the pictures in the news all over the world by now... Regards Posted by: Marine life lover at September 19, 2003 1:20 AMThanks for the translation. I have not had a chance to speak to the crew of the whale watching boats, so don't know their side of it, but can make a couple observations. It makes sense to have cameras on a whale watching boat. And, it makes sense to me, that the whale watching industry would want to keep an eye on the whalers to make sure they stay away from whale watching areas. Apparently, in this case a second whale watching boat was approaching the area, which had tour operators from other countries on board. So it was a fortunate thing that the Gestur was able to warn them off - mitigating an embarrassing situation for the whale watching industry. Also, this specific conflict shouldn't be confused with the larger economic issue - that the Iceland's whale watching and nature tourism business will suffer if, internationally, people start thinking of it as a whaling nation. Posted by: Andrew at September 24, 2003 8:51 AM |
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Take the pledge to visit Iceland- if they stop whaling
The common minke whale is a threatened species on the IUCN Red List
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