Sir, The Whalewatch Coalition is seriously concerned that the 30 minke and nine fin whales targeted by Iceland’s new commercial whaling operation (report and picture, Oct 24) may suffer a prolonged and painful death. Whalewatch has compiled extensive scientific research which concludes that there is no guaranteed humane way to kill a whale at sea.

Modern whalers use explosive harpoons to kill whales by detonating a penthrite grenade within the head or thorax, inducing neurotrauma and death. However, visibility, sea state and the ship’s motion make an assured lethal shot impracticable. Data reported to the International Whaling Commission (IWC) by Japan indicate that about only 40 per cent of whales may die immediately upon grenade detonation. Secondary killing methods include additional explosive harpoons and/or rifle fire. Whales may take up to an hour to die and have been seen to die from asphyxiation or drowning.

Iceland appears to have made no provision to adapt its whaling equipment for the fin whale, which is up to 12 times heavier than the minke. Anatomical features, blubber thickness, bone structure and location of vital organs differ between species and influence the efficiency of a particular killing method, including the course of the harpoon through the body. The failure to consider species-specific factors is a likely contributory factor in the much longer times that larger species take to die.

The Icelandic Government is inflicting needless cruelty to whales. The Whalewatch coalition strongly urges the Icelandic Government to end all whaling operations immediately.

PETER DAVIES
Director-General, Whalewatch and World Society for the Protection of Animals

ROBERT ATKINSON
Head of Wildlife, RSPCA

PATRICIA A. FORKAN
President, Humane Society International

CLARE PERRY
Senior Campaigner, Environmental Investigation Agency

ANDY OTTAWAY
Director, Campaign Whale

SUE FISHER
US Policy Director, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society

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