The International Whaling Commission is meeting in Madeira this week and one of its priorities among the 85 member countries is to find ways to break through the deadlock of polarised views with regards to hunting of whales. Reports commissioned by various interest groups now show that whale watching has doubled in the past decade and as a consequence is of considerable worth to local economies worldwide whilst hunting can be a cost burden on those governments still allowing whaling. Of particular note is Iceland where the outgoing government set a quota of 150 fin whales, none of which would end up in Iceland but would be sold to the East. However whale watching holidays in Iceland continue to be worth more to the economy and the season there is being extended. In Reykjavik the season will to run throughout the year for the first time this year. Clearly whale watching holidays offer a more responsible and sustainable role in a countries economy as well as helping protect whales and oceanic ecosystems.

Tags: iceland, whale watching holidays

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