Whaling permit

The Ministry of Industries issues permits for whaling for five years at a time, 2025-2029. Before a permit is granted, the Minister must seek the opinion of the Marine and Freshwater Research Institute.

Vessels that meet the conditions set out in regulation on whaling, as amended, and regulation on the hunting of fin whales may be granted a permit for whaling in Icelandic fishing waters.

Conditions for a permit to hunt minke whales

To obtain a permit to hunt minke whales, vessels and their crews must meet certain conditions in accordance with the provisions of regulation on whaling.

Requirements for crew and gunners:

• at least one member of the crew must have experience in minke whaling,

• gunners must have completed a recognised course in the handling of harpoon guns and explosive harpoons,

• gunners must have a valid firearms licence.

Hunting equipment must be designed in such a way that the animal is killed instantly or in the shortest possible time and with the least amount of suffering.

Requirements for hunting equipment:

• a rifle for a second shot if necessary,

• a power-driven winch to pull the animal to the vessel,

• harpoon lines that withstand the required load,

• appropriate tethering equipment,

• approved penthrite grenade harpoons of the type hvalgranat-99

It is prohibited to use a harpoon without an explosive charge or without a harpoon line being connected to the vessel.

Conditions for a permit to hunt fin whales

To obtain a permit to hunt fin whales, vessels and their crews must meet certain conditions in accordance with the provisions of regulation on hunting of fin whales.

Requirements for crew and gunners:

• A minimum of three crew members must have experience in whaling.

• Gunners must have completed recognised training in:

  • handling a whaling gun,

  • handling explosive harpoons,

  • killing methods in whaling,

  • the biology and behaviour of whales,

  • the regulatory framework for whaling.

Requirements for hunting equipment:

• Vessels engaged in hunting fin whales must be equipped with recognised hunting equipment, including:

  • a whaling gun,

  • harpoon lines that withstand the load during hunting,

  • a harpoon line basket,

  • a sight with an illuminated point.

Only penthrite grenade harpoons of the type hvalgranat-99 may be used. The equipment must be designed in such a way that it facilitates immediate or as rapid a death as possible.

Changes to hunting equipment must be reported to the Directorate of Fisheries.