Whale meat sold illegally during 'Green Week' in Germany

According to the group Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC), food containing Norwegian whale meat is being sold illegally at a stand operating at ‘Green Week’ in Berlin.

A dish containing minke whale meat and blueberry jam is being sold at the German food and agricultural fair, according to the WDC.

It is illegal to sell whale and dolphin meat in Germany, but not in Norway.

“We are surprised that selling it is illegal here,” said stand manager Arne Andreas Rød. If convicted, the stall-owners could be fined and imprisoned for up to five years.

"The fact that the meat of a species which is strictly protected in Germany and the whole EU is offered for sale is scandalous,” said WDC campaign manager Astrid Fuchs. "This underlines the fact that there is an urgent need for a greater application of existing laws."

The German Federal Environment Ministry is investigating the matter.

"Not only has Norway broken the law here several times -- by importation and sale -- but the unsuspecting visitors to the fair will also be breaking existing laws by purchasing the meat,” Fuchs said. "It is incredible that this is going on under the noses of the authorities at such a big, international exhibition…We have good laws in Europe to protect whales and dolphins, but they are often not implemented."

Green Week commonly attracts tens of thousands of annual visitors.

[Irish Independent] [The Local]