Vestmannaeyjar takes action to reduce rock dove numbers

Vestmannaeyjar municipality has taken measures to reduce the number of rock doves in the town after complaints about nuisance, dirt and damage to structures, mbl.is reported.

Action has been taken against the birds on three occasions. On one occasion, dove carcasses and spent shell casings were found in a rubbish bin. The municipality said the incident resulted from mistakes in disposal procedures and that those involved had since reviewed their processes.

The municipality received a special exemption from Iceland’s Ministry of the Environment, Energy and Climate to carry out the measures. The birds have mainly been concentrated in Herjólfsdalur and on an area of the new lava field, according to a municipal statement.

Less severe measures were tried first. On the advice of the Icelandic Institute of Natural History, floating falcon-shaped bird scarers were placed where the doves gathered. The measure had little effect: the birds moved only a short distance before returning.

Vestmannaeyjar municipality therefore contacted the ministry in summer 2025 to request permission for direct action. The matter was considered by the authorities for about a year, with opinions sought from specialist institutions.

The ministry eventually granted an exemption from laws protecting, conserving and regulating the hunting of wild birds and mammals, allowing action to prevent damage caused by rock doves in the municipality.

The Icelandic Nature Conservation Agency imposed conditions on the operation. Among other things, no shot may be fired within 200 metres of seabird cliffs on land, in order to avoid disturbing seabird breeding grounds.

The measures were also postponed until chicks had left the cliffs and nests. The municipality consulted the police because the shooting took place within a built-up area. Those carrying out the shooting must hold valid hunting cards and firearms licences.

The municipality said the reduction was intended as a one-off measure in response to the problems and damage caused by the birds, rather than a permanent hunting permit lasting for several years.