Monitoring of whaling

The monitoring of whaling is twofold and is divided between the Directorate of Fisheries and the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST). The Directorate of Fisheries is responsible for the general monitoring of whaling and registration, while the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST) is responsible for monitoring animal welfare during whaling.

Monitoring of whaling and registration

The Directorate of Fisheries' monitoring of whaling is based on the Whaling Act of 1949. The Directorate of Fisheries monitors the whaling activities and ensures that the crew meets the statutory requirements for education, training and minimum experience in whaling.

The monitoring includes, among other things:

• whaling activities,

• whaling equipment,

• whaling methods,

• registration and data submission,

• crew experience,

• courses on the handling of harpoon cannons and explosive harpoons,

• courses on killing methods in whaling.

Monitoring of animal welfare

The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST) is responsible for the regular monitoring of compliance with the Animal Welfare Act during whaling.

The monitoring consists of ensuring that:

• whaling is carried out in such a way that it causes fin whales the least possible pain,

• the killing takes as little time as possible.

Follow-up on non-compliance

The Directorate of Fisheries follows up on non-compliance with the Whaling Act and can, where appropriate, initiate sanction proceedings.

However, monitoring data relating to non-compliance with the Animal Welfare Act is the responsibility of the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST). The Authority handles the follow-up and processing of cases concerning violations of that Act.

Sanctions

Violations of the rules are subject to sanctions in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act and the Whaling Act.