Protect the Puffins in Iceland – Establish a Sales Ban
This request is addressed to the Icelandic government, more specifically to the Minister of the Environment, Energy and Climate and the Minister of Fisheries.
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Petition
We ask for the introduction of a ban on the commercial sale of puffins (Fratercula arctica) in Iceland.
Why is this important?
Up to 60% of the Atlantic puffin population is found in Iceland, with 8 to 10 million nesting individuals. They are a major attraction for Icelandic and foreign visitors, helping the local economy by creating jobs and attracting people from all over the world.
Nowadays, puffins are protected in most countries where they are found, except in Iceland and the Faroe Islands, despite being listed as a threatened species by the IUCN. [1] However, this harmless species has been traditionally hunted for food and ornaments. Over the last 30 years, Iceland's puffin population has dropped by 70%, and scientists predict it may decline by an additional 30–50% within a decade if hunting continues. [2]
Ocean Missions Iceland proposes to establish a sales ban on the species. Signing the petition, you will be helping us establish a ban on the sale of puffins in restaurants, hotels, and other businesses. If we succeed, we will be reducing the pressure on these animals, preventing the puffins from being hunted to be sold and relieving the stress on the already threatened populations that we still preserve.
In addition, refuse to buy meat from any seabird, especially puffins. Let's make it clear that being part of a trade that endangers a species, especially one as emblematic as this, no longer makes sense.
Let's protect them; let's protect our seas.
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