Iceland resumed whaling after a 14-year moratorium early on Sunday local time, when a single boat left Reykjavik harbour on the lookout for minke whales in a calm sea and sunny weather.

At least one other of Iceland's three whaling boats was expected to join the chase on Sunday, which went ahead despite heavy international criticism over Reikjavik's decision to resume whaling.

Crew on the MB Sigurbjorg said they had sighted a few minke whales, but had not taken any shots since the animals were outside the designated area for the hunt.

Bad weather had prevented whaling from resuming on Friday, when the Government's moratorium ended.

According to a government research plan, the boats are allowed to catch 38 minke whales until September 30.

Minke whales have not been caught around Iceland since 1985 and no whales at all since the conclusion of the Government's last research plan in 1989.