Wildlife

Minke Whale Welfare and Commercial Whaling

Minke whales continue to be commercially hunted by Norway and Iceland, with welfare concerns around time-to-death in modern whaling.

Key Facts

Norway kills around 500-700 minke whales annually
Iceland has resumed commercial whaling targeting fin and minke whales
Time-to-death data from whaling show many animals take minutes to die after harpooning
Electrocution as a killing method remains controversial and inconsistently applied
The International Whaling Commission moratorium has exceptions for commercial whaling by objecting nations

Welfare Considerations

Explosive harpoons cause severe injuries. Animals not immediately killed experience prolonged pain and distress before death or re-striking. Data collected by Norwegian authorities show significant time-to-death variation with many animals surviving the initial harpoon strike. Wounded animals attempting to dive cause additional injury as lines tighten.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns calling for an end to commercial whaling by Norway and Iceland
Avoid tourism and products supporting whaling industries
Donate to organizations lobbying at the International Whaling Commission
Engage with governments that import products from whaling nations
Support better time-to-death monitoring and reporting standards