Whales are migratory - they move around the oceans at different times of the year to breed and feed. Many of their migration paths are along the coast, so large groups of whales can often be seen from small boats or from the shore.
Some of the whales targeted in Iceland, then, could be the same whales that tourists watch off the West Coast of Scotland.
Whale watching is classified as "eco-tourism" because, when conducted properly, it is benign, allowing people to enjoy nature while having a negligible impact on it. There are many advantages to this kind of tourism, which can be very profitable.
Whale watching provides opportunities for genuine research. It also promotes an appreciation of the marine environment and conservation issues.
Whale watching is now so popular that it has the potential to
become far more profitable than whaling ever was. Globally, it
already generates a staggering US$1 billion in direct revenue
per year.
The industry is one of the fastest growing parts of the national
economy, In 2002, whale-watching generated over US$10 million
for Iceland.
Tourism is the second biggest industry in Iceland. The Icelandic tourist board is opposed to the resumption of whaling. The Icelandic Whale Watchers Association and the Husavik Whale Watching Centre are also actively outspoken against a return to whaling.
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