While the world wonders about the future of the giants of the sea, Norway relaunches the hunt for whalesignoring the global moratorium and challenging the international community. A decision that triggered the indignant reaction of environmentalists, worried about the fate of these marine mammals and for the impact on the oceanic ecosystem.
The Minister of Fishing and the Norwegian Oceans, Marianne Siversten Næssin fact, announced the increase in hunting shares, bringing the limit to 1,406 Minor Balenottere for 2025. An increase of 249 specimens compared to the previous year, justified by the need for “maintain balance in the ocean“And provide” healthy and local food “.
The Norwegian whale hunt is sustainable, severely regulated and the population of minor whales is in excellent condition – the minister explained, in a press release. Norway uses efficient fishing methods and respectful of animal welfare and the great consumption of whale fish affects the ecosystem. The whale hunt therefore contributes to the balance in the ocean. To achieve the United Nations sustainability objectives, we must also eat more fish and whale hunting provides healthy and local food
An industry in decline
However, the data tell a different story. The internal question of whale meat is constantly fallingwith only 2% of the Norwegians who consumes it, and no young man under 35 who eats it regularly. An investigation from 2021 highlighted how consumption dropped from 4% in 2019 to 2% in 2021, underlining how industry is in crisis.
Despite this, the Norwegian government continues to strongly support the commercial hunt, feeding a heated debate on the real reasons for this choice. Activists, in fact, contest official arguments, underlining the crucial role of whales in the marine ecosystem.
There are more than 100,000 minor whales in the northern Atlantic – explained the minister – the fee for 2025 is 1,406 minor whales, an increase compared to last year’s share of 1,157 animals. The increase derives from the unused share of previous years, which was reported to 2025. The fee is established on the basis of calculation models of the Scientific Committee of the International Baleniera Commission (IWC). These models guarantee sustainable management of the population of minor whales.
Whales, custodians of the ocean
“The whales play a scientifically proven and fundamental role in keeping the ocean healthy, which helps in the fight against the climatic collapse,” he explained Danny Grovesresponsible for communications at Whale and Dolphin Conservation. “Disinformation on whales as harmful to fish populations is also contrary to scientific research, because in reality the opposite is true: a greater number of whales determines greater productivity of the ecosystemwhich supports larger overall fish populations “.
The increase in hunting shares therefore represents a threat not only for whales, but also for the balance of the marine ecosystem and for the fight against climate change. A paradox that raises questions about the choices of a country that claims to marry sustainable environmental policies.
A global phenomenon
Norway is not the only state to practice whale hunting. Japan and Iceland continue to challenge the moratoriumfeeding a controversial market and often linked to tourism. However, the trend is clear: the whale meat demand is falling, while awareness of the importance of these animals for the ecosystem is increasing.
