Did you know...?Iceland once again proves itself an unreliable, irresponsible and unworthy custodian of the North Atlantic marine environment and the diverse wildlife to be found there. Earlier this month Iceland announced it was to start commercial whaling again in direct contravention of the 20 year moratorium put in place by the International Whaling Commission in 1986. Whaling activities are to be centred around the minke whale and the still endangered fin whale. Iceland has unilaterally and illegally set commercial quotas for both the minke and the fin whales to be slaughtered in Icelandic waters. This irresponsible and incomprehensible action will seriously jeapardise the future of the endangered fin whale and set in motion once again a return to the bad old days of the mid 20th century where Iceland played a significant role in decimating populations of the large baleen whales through greed and over exploitation. The world fin whale population was reduced to less that 25% of it's size before commercial whaling of this species began. This action is illegal and inhumane and Iceland should be considered a pirate whaling nation with pariah status within the European Community.InspirationsThe only people who never tumble are those who never mount the high wire.Oprah Winfrey It has been said that man is a rational animal. All my life I have been searching for evidence which could support this. Bertrand Russell To be conscious that you are ignorant is a great step to knowledge. Benjamin Disraeli |