Riccardo Liguori Despite the global moratorium on commercial whaling and the decline in domestic demand for cetacean meat, the Scandinavian country has decided to increase its hunting quotas. A controversial choice, justified by the government with the need to "maintain the balance in the ocean" and provide "healthy and local food"
As the world debates the fate of ocean giants, Norway restarted its whaling, challenging the global ban and facing off against the international community. The decision has angered environmentalists, who are concerned about the future of these sea mammals and the impact on the ocean ecosystem.
Norwegian Minister defends whale hunting quotas increase
Norway’s Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Marianne Siversten Næss, announced that the hunting quotas have been increased, with a new limit of 1,406 minke whales for 2025. This is 249 more than last year, explained by the necessity to “maintain balance in the ocean” and offer “healthy, local food.”
“The Norwegian whaling is sustainable, closely regulated, and the minke whale population is in very good condition,” the minister stated in a press release. She explained that Norway uses efficient and animal welfare-friendly fishing methods, and that the whales’ high consumption of fish has an impact on the ecosystem. Whaling therefore contributes to maintaining the balance of the sea. “To meet the United Nations’ sustainability goals, we also need to eat more fish, and whaling provides healthy, local food.”
A dying industry
But the facts tell a different story. Domestic demand for whale meat has been dwindling steadily, with only 2% of Norwegians consuming it and no one under 35 years consuming it regularly. In a survey done in 2021, consumption dropped from 4% in 2019 to 2% in 2021, showing the crisis in the sector.
Despite this, the Norwegian government continues to strongly support commercial whaling, and this has triggered a heated debate about the real motives behind this decision. Activists challenge the official explanation, pointing out the vital role whales play in the marine ecosystem.
“There are over 100,000 minke whales in the North Atlantic,” said the minister. “The quota in 2025 is 1,406 minke whales, an increase from last year’s quota of 1,157 animals. The reason for this increase is that unused quotas from previous years are carried over to 2025. The quota is calculated by calculation models by the International Whaling Commission (IWC) Scientific Committee and provides sustainable management of the minke whale population.”
Whales as guardians of the ocean
“Whales play a scientifically proven and vital role in the health of the oceans, which helps combat climate collapse,” said Danny Groves, Whale and Dolphin Conservation communications manager. “The myth that whales are harmful to fish populations is also not backed up by scientific evidence, because, in fact, the opposite is true: more whales equate to greater ecosystem productivity, supporting larger overall fish populations.”
Thus, the increase in hunting quotas is a threat not only to whales but to the balance of the marine ecosystem and the fight against climate change. This paradox raises questions about the choices of a country that claims to be a champion of sustainable environmental policies.
A global phenomenon
Norway is by no means alone in whaling. Japan and Iceland also defy the moratorium, catering to a contentious market that is frequently linked to tourism. However, the trend is clear: the demand for whale meat is decreasing, and the understanding of how valuable the animals are to the ecosystem is on the rise.
