Marine Mammal Hunting: Whales, Dolphins and Seals

Commercial and subsistence hunting of marine mammals continues in multiple countries with varying welfare standards, with welfare concerns driven by killing method, efficiency and scale.

Key Facts

Norway and Iceland continue commercial whaling, killing approximately 500-1000 minke whales annually
Japanese research whaling in Antarctic waters has been reduced following international pressure but continues
Faroese pilot whale hunts (grindadrap) kill hundreds of whales annually using methods that cause prolonged death
Canadian harp seal hunt uses hakapiks (spiked clubs) and guns with documented animal welfare concerns
IWC welfare guidelines exist but are difficult to enforce on commercial and traditional hunts

Welfare Considerations

Marine mammal hunting welfare encompasses a spectrum from small-scale subsistence hunting with relatively efficient killing methods to commercial operations where welfare standards are secondary to efficiency concerns. The welfare dimension of whaling and seal hunting is not simply whether they occur but how: shot whales may remain conscious for extended periods; traditional cetacean herding methods cause pre-kill stress; drowning trap nets for seals cause prolonged death. The international regulatory framework for marine mammal hunting — primarily through the IWC — is inadequate for consistently enforcing welfare standards. Consumer campaigns and international pressure have been more effective than regulation in reducing some hunting operations.

What You Can Do

Support IWC efforts to develop and enforce minimum welfare standards for marine mammal hunting
Avoid tourism and products associated with countries conducting commercial whaling or large-scale cetacean hunts
Support Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and similar organizations monitoring marine mammal hunting operations
Engage with your government's international position on whaling and marine mammal welfare standards