Norway

• The Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission has estimated the number of minke whales in the areas where the hunt takes place to be 107,000. World-wide there are more than one million minke whales.
   
• The commercial catch quota in 2007 is 1,052 minke whales, which accounts for less than 1% of the population.
   
• About 50 whales have been harvested so far this year (as of 20 May).
   
• The quota is calculated in accordance with the quota-calculation model (RMP) developed by the International Whaling Commission.
   
• All boats are monitored by an electronic inspection system, also known as the blue box. This inspection system collects data on how many whales are caught, where and when. (See also Electronic Monitoring of Norwegian Minke Whaling, Dr. Egil Ole Øen, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, June 2005.)
   
• Some boats are randomly accompanied by a government-appointed inspector. International observers from NAMMCO will monitor this year’s hunt.
   
• About 30 boats are expected to be engaged in the 2007 hunt.
   
• The hunting season lasts from 1 April to 31 August.
   
• The average length of the boats is 65 feet, with a crew of 5-6 people per boat.
   
• The boats are combined for whaling and fishing; this means passing the seasons fishing herring or saithe in the autumn, cod in the winter and catching minke whales in the summer.
   
• Harpoon-cannons with explosive penthrite grenades ensure efficient and humane hunting methods.
   
• It is documented that at least 80 % of the minke whales harvested in Norway die instantaneously. Most of the remaining animals lose consciousness immediately and are shot with rifles as a secondary killing method. To be absolutely sure that the whale is actually dead, the whalers often fire several rifle shots.
   
• The gunners have to pass shooting tests, both with rifle and harpoon gun, and to attend compulsory training courses.
   
• A DNA fingerprint is taken from each whale caught. These DNA fingerprints are used for monitoring international trade in minke whale products, and may also be used for future assessments of stock estimates.
   
• After having paused commercial whaling in 1988, Norway resumed commercial hunting of minke whales in 1993 in accordance with the letter and spirit of the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling, the agreement that established the International Whaling Commission.
   
• From 1938 to 1983, the annual average catch along the Norwegian coast was about 2,000 minke whales. Scientists consider that to be a sustainable harvest.
   
• In 2004, Norway’s Parliament instructed the government to considerably increase the minke whale hunt as soon as possible and in accordance with scientific advice. The number of 1,800 minke whales is often mentioned. The Parliament also wishes harvests of other abundant whale species.
   
• Catches since the resumption of commercial whaling in 1993: