Norway: Siltanews – News Desk
The Minke whale in the North Atlantic forms the basis for the Norwegian whaling industry, which began in the 1920s. They can become about 9 meters long, weigh about 5-8 tones, and are easily recognized by the white spots on the whale’s flippers.
This year, 1,406 Minke whales can be caught in Norwegian waters. This is an increase of 249 from 2024. “The Norwegian whaling is strictly regulated, and the Minke whale population is in very good condition,” says Norway’s minister of fisheries.
This year’s Norwegian Minke whale quota is set to 1406. Last year, the quota was for 1157 animals. The increase of about 21 percent is due to unfulfilled quotas in previous years which are now being transferred to 2025, according to Norway’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries.
“Norwegian whaling is sustainable, strictly regulated, and the Minke whale population is in very good condition. Norway uses efficient and animal welfare-friendly fishing methods and the whale’s major fish consumption influences the ecosystem. Whaling therefore contributes to balance in the ocean,” says Marianne Sivertsen Næss (Labor), Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy.
“To reach the UN’s sustainability goals, we must also eat more seafood and whaling provides healthy and locally sourced food,” she adds. Annual Norwegian whaling quotas are set on the basis of calculation models developed by the International Whaling Commission’s (IWC) science committee.
In 2024, 11 vessels participated in the Norwegian Minke whaling campaign in the North Atlantic, and the catch was 415 animals – far below the quota of 1157. In comparison, only nine vessels participated in 2023, and the total catch was 507 animals (out of a quota of 1000). In previous years, up to 30 vessels were usually involved in whaling.