Whale meat is exceptional if one has ever tried it -- but the pursuit for its unique taste drives further the whaling quota for Iceland. The peaceful seas of Reykjavik teems with whale and other marine life -- soon to be served on platters of tourists from all over the world overpowering the small population of the peaceful northern country.
According to Al Jazeera, IP-Utgerd Ltd -- Iceland's only living whaling company -- is enjoying the profits of higher tourist numbers. The company specializes in tracking and hunting minke whales, which according to Al Jazeera, is a growing company operation with more restaurants demanding better supply.
Anti-whaling organizations were keen on the threat of IP-Utgerd Ltd's increased whaling activities. IceWhale Manager Maria Gunnarsdottir has her organization put up banners in Reykjavik notifying tourists about the existing whaling industry of Iceland and tourism's effects in supply and demand.
ABC Australia notes how whaling is a crucial part of Icelandic culture and tradition yet only a small fraction of the country's local population consumes whale meat. Anti-whaling groups including IceWhale is concerned that the local government is supporting Ip-Utgerd Ltd to increase tourism economy profits by means of promoting whale meat as part of Iceland's cultural dining experience.
ABC Australia wrote that about 180 whales have been killed in Iceland previously for experiences related to tourism and possibly an export deal with Japan -- IP-Utgerd Ltd's primary export market that also deals with whaling. The news website notes another anti-whaling organization, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, said marketing whale meat as an Icelandic tradition is "misleading tourists."
Al Jazeera cites the results of a 2016 Gallup poll indicating that more than three-fourths of Iceland's population had not bought or consumed whale meat. By demographic, Al Jazeera reports that baby boomers of Iceland and Chinese Tourists are the ones likely to consume whale meat.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
