First whales killed as Iceland restarts commercial hunt

Two fin whales have arrived at a processing site in Iceland after commercial whaling resumed following a two-year pause. At the Hvalur facility, workers cut sections of the animals while company staff and observers look on. Machinery is also used to process large pieces of whale meat.

The catches were reported two days after the hunting season restarted. According to Icelandic media and animal rights groups, the two fin whales were killed off the country's coast, marking the first recorded catches since 2023.

Iceland remains one of only three countries that openly allow commercial whaling, alongside Norway and Japan.

The practice continues to draw criticism from animal welfare organisations and conservation campaigners, while supporters argue it remains a legal and traditional industry.