Iceland Sets Sights on Whalemeat Trade

The BBC reports that Iceland plans to export two tonnes of minke whalemeat to the Faroe Islands.

Despite an international ban on whaling, Iceland and other countries such as Japan and Norway, still conduct commercial whaling. These countries take advantage of a loophole in international law that permits the taking of a certain number of whales for 'scientific research'.

Previously, whalemeat was not traded between countries, but Iceland's plan to export to the Faroe Islands sets a new and alarming precedent.

Conservationists say this action will breach CITES (Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species) rules which prohibit signatory countries from importing or exporting endangered species without special permission.

Although Iceland has permission to export minke whalemeat, it is unclear whether the Faroe Islands, as a dependent territory of Denmark, have the necessary permission to import it. Denmark has agreed to CITES and has no special permission to legalize trade of minke whales, but the Faroe Islands are not singed up to CITES and claim to be independent of Denmark in CITES matters.

Find out more: Iceland to Begin Whalemeat Trade (BBC News)