Paul Watson, captain of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, said he will shut down Hvalur hf, Iceland's only commercial whale-hunting company [3].
The move comes as Iceland resumes commercial whaling this summer, signaling a direct confrontation between international activists and the nation's maritime industry.
Commercial whaling in Iceland had been on a pause for two years [1]. This summer, two whaling vessels left Reykjavik harbour to resume operations [4]. For the 2026 season, the recommended limit for fin whale catches is 150 whales [2].
Watson, a well-known anti-whaling activist, said his goal is to end the practice in Iceland as part of a broader global effort. "One way or the other we are going to end whaling worldwide," Watson said.
Recent efforts to block the fleet have already seen high-tension protests in Reykjavik. Some protesters remained on the masts of the whaling boats for 33 hours to prevent their departure [5].
Hvalur hf remains the only company in the country authorized to conduct these commercial hunts [3]. Watson's focus on this single entity suggests a strategy of targeting the industry's sole operational point to force a total cessation of whaling in Icelandic waters.
“"One way or the other we are going to end whaling worldwide."”
The resumption of whaling in Iceland after a two-year hiatus creates a volatile flashpoint for environmental activism. By targeting Hvalur hf, the country's only commercial operator, Watson is attempting to create a systemic failure in the industry rather than fighting individual hunts, potentially escalating the legal and physical confrontations between Sea Shepherd and the Icelandic government.
