Global Whaling Issues
Japan
Japan has for decades been trying to overturn the IWC’s 1986 Moratorium on Commercial whaling, however gave up in 2019 and left the IWC meaning that they no longer are bound by its rules. Currently Japan confines its whaling to its own waters however with the recent introduction of it brand new whale factory ship, Kangei Maru the world fears Japan has further reaching intentions for its whaling programs.
Norway
Norway is a current IWC member however lodged an objection to the 1986 Global Moratorium on Commercial whaling so therefore does not have to abide by the IWC ruling. Norway hunts minke whales in the Barents & Norweigen Seas. In 2025 Norway increased it’s quota to 1,406 minke whales, despite a low catch the previous year and little demand for teh meat.
Iceland
Iceland’s whaling is conducted by one company run by the infamous Kristjian Loftsson. His company Hvalur hf target fin whales, the second biggest in the world. The meat is sold to Japan. In 2024 Loftsson decided to not go whaling as his permit was issued late. In 2025 he has announced that he will not be whaling this year due to no demand from Japan who have started hunting fin whales themselves. Time will tell if this is the end of Icelandic whaling.
