There has been criticism of the decision by the Icelandic government to resume the hunting of whales, this month, after a gap of 14 years.
Ministers said 38 minke whales would be caught for scientific reasons between now and the end of September.
The decision has been condemned by environmental groups, and by the United States.
However, Iceland's Fisheries Minister Arni Mathiesen said the study would not endanger the species.
