IWMC joins Norway and other pro-whaling NGOs and nations in offering hearty congratulations to Iceland on their scientific research vessel's first take of a minke whale on August 18, 2003. It has been a long hard diplomatic road for Iceland since whaling for fin and sei ceased in 1989.

There are estimated to be some 43,000 minke whales in Iceland's territorial waters, and the present planned take of 38 animals this season shall in no way affect that stock. However, the data to be recovered from this research effort shall be part of a record to be shared with the scientific community and with fellow Parties to the IWC.

The Atlantic Ocean is an intensely fished ecosystem, and it is vitally important that on-going research be conducted in order that those nations whose nationals fish its waters are well informed regarding all the components therein. Iceland shows courageous and staunch adherence to the principles of sovereign rights and scientifically justified marine systems management. We wish Iceland all the best in this endeavor and in future research and scientifically justified harvest programs.