Strong winds prevented Icelandic whale hunters from setting out today to pursue their first catch of the large sea mammals in 14 years.
Authorities issued permits yesterday for three whaling boats to catch a total of 38 minke whales for what Iceland describes as scientific purposes - primarily the impact on fish stocks.
Iceland says it must control whales to protect fish stocks and protect the livelihood of the country's fishermen. An estimated 43,000 minke whales are believed to live in its waters, eating two million tonnes of fish and krill every year.
Iceland's decision to resume whaling is controversial and has been criticised by many governments and environmentalist groups. An international moratorium on whaling has been in place since 1986.
The Greenpeace vessel Rainbow Warrior, currently in the South Atlantic, has set course for Iceland and is expected to arrive towards the end of August. A spokesman said Greenpeace planned "no physical action" against the whalers.
In 1985, activists sank two whaling boats in Reykjavik harbour. Opinion polls suggest that a vast majority of Icelanders support whaling.