Government to Push for Permanent Whaling Ban

The Icelandic government has announced it will submit a bill in February to enact a permanent ban on commercial whaling. The government, which holds a majority in parliament, stated the bill includes “a permanent ban on whaling,” citing strong political and public support as well as ethical, veterinary, legal, and conservation reasons.

If passed, this would leave Norway and Japan as the only countries in the world continuing commercial whaling. In the current hunting season, which runs from June to late September, 80 fin whales were caught as of September 9, against a quota of 150. Fin whales, the primary target of Iceland’s whaling industry, are classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Political Debate Continues After EU Referendum

Political discussion continues following the August 29 referendum, where Icelanders voted against resuming accession negotiations with the European Union. The outcome was close, with 52.8% voting against and 47.2% in favor, on a high turnout of 82.6%.

Today’s editorial pages in Morgunblaðið discuss the response of the Reform Party (Viðreisn), a pro-EU party, to the referendum result, noting that the party “would not exist without the dream of EU membership.” The debate also touches on the first deficit-free budget in years, which the paper describes as an important anchor in the struggle for economic stability.

Road Closure Due to Accident on Hellisheiði

The main road over Hellisheiði is currently closed to the east due to an accident, according to the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration. A detour is available via Þrengslavegur. It is not yet known how long the closure will last.

11-Year-Old Lands Record Salmon in Ytri Rangá

An 11-year-old girl, Dagbjört Hekla Gunnarsdóttir, caught the 4,000th salmon of the season in the Ytri Rangá river yesterday. She landed a 66-centimeter sea-run salmon, which was also her first-ever catch. Both Rangá rivers have now surpassed 4,000 salmon for the summer, a notable achievement particularly for Eystri Rangá, which has only exceeded that number twice since 2013.

Police Report: Arrests and Thefts in Reykjavík

Reykjavík police reported one person was charged with theft at a hotel in the city center last night or yesterday evening. Additionally, 15 people were arrested for drug-driving during the period, one of whom was also arrested for drug distribution, money laundering, and violations of immigration laws. Three individuals were charged with assault in central Reykjavík.

Weather: Sleet in the Mountains

The Icelandic Met Office forecasts westerly to northwesterly winds of 10–18 m/s today, with calmer conditions in the west. Rain is expected in the north and sleet in the mountains, with scattered showers elsewhere. Temperatures will range from 4 to 12°C, mildest in the south.