Iceland to submit bill that could ban whaling in its waters
Iceland is set to introduce legislation in early 2027 that could permanently ban commercial whaling in its waters. This move follows a government report highlighting the inhumane nature of the practice and mounting international pressure to protect marine life.
Why it matters
If passed, this would significantly reduce the number of countries permitting commercial whaling, marking a major shift in global conservation efforts.
A fin whale, one of the largest animals on the planet, which has been driven to the brink of extinction by whaling. A fin whale, one of the largest animals on the planet, which has been driven to the brink of extinction by whaling. Seascape: the state of our oceans Iceland Iceland to submit bill that could ban whaling in its waters The country is one of just three that still permits commercial whaling, while its government has faced mounting pressure to ban the practice
About this content Karen McVeigh Fri 11 Sep 2026 01.00 EDT Last modified on Fri 11 Sep 2026 01.01 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google Iceland will submit a bill in February 2027 which could permanently ban whaling in its waters, a move that would leave Norway and Japan as the only two countries to permit commercial whaling.
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