Yesterday, the outgoing Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, Einar K. Guðfinnsson, suddenly announced his decision to resume commercial whaling from 2009 - 2013. He determined the quota to be 150 fin whales and 100 minke whales each year, which he bases on the recommendations for sustainable whaling by the Icelandic Marine Research Institute.

In fall 2006, the announcement of commercial fin whaling had caused much irritation internationally since fin whales are still listed as endangered species on the IUCN List of Threatened Species. Furthermore, the fin whale meat could not be sold as planned to Japan and had been laying in freezing storages for more than 1 1/5 years. The fin whaling activities ceased in spring 2007, due to the missing whale meat market and increasing incomprehension therewith, not least within the country. In early summer 2008, the meat was shipped to Japan but was stopped at the Japanese customs. Japan stressed once again that the country has no use for the Icelandic fin whale meat and did not issue an import license. However, after several months Japan miraculously changed its mind and allowed the fin whale meat to be imported. Einar K. Guðfinnsson is now basing his decision on the changed circumstances and the newly established fin whale meat market in Japan, jeopardizing once again, but obviously for the last time, the tourism industry and Iceland's image in a rather critical time. 

The Whale Museum condemns Einar K. Guðfinnssons decision and is working on an official statement to be released today.