This year's hunt has unfolded amid growing political and public opposition to commercial whaling in Iceland.
The country's newly elected centre-left government has committed to introducing legislation that would end commercial whaling, while a national referendum on European Union accession scheduled for 29 August has further intensified debate over the industry's future.
The hunt proceeded only after a last-minute permit was issued during the transition between governments, a decision that may not have been made under the current administration.
Public attention surrounding Operation 86 also intensified in the weeks leading up to the Bandero's arrival in Iceland's Exclusive Economic Zone. Our nationwide billboard campaign calling for an end to commercial whaling generated significant discussion across Iceland.
Meanwhile, members of the Captain Paul Watson Foundation UK documented Hvalur's operations from land, gathering evidence that was submitted to the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST). Based on eyewitness observations, video evidence, and other documentation, the Foundation alleged that Hvalur harpooned fin whales outside the legally permitted hunting area and that some whales were struck multiple times before death.
MAST has since confirmed violations during Hvalur's 2026 whaling operations, and the Foundation has submitted additional evidence relating to other whales killed during the season. The results of MAST's follow-up investigation are expected next week.
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