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 118,000 (112,000 for the North East Atlantic stock and 6,000
for a small area around the Jan Mayen Island). World-wide there are more
than one million minke whales.
The quota is
calculated in accordance with the quota-calculation model developed by
the International Whaling Commission.
Harpoon-cannons with explosive penthrite grenades
ensure efficient and humane hunting methods. 78% of the animals are dead
instantaneously. Most of the remaining animals lose consciousness and
are shot with rifles with full metal jacket round-nose ammunition. A
minimum calibre of 9.3 mm is used.
The gunners
have to attend a mandatory whaling course run by the authorities, and to
pass shooting tests, both with rifle and harpoon gun. If they fail these
stringent tests they can not operate the harpoon canon nor rifle.
A
government-appointed veterinary trained inspector accompanies each
vessel, ensuring that catch regulations are complied with and the
collection of scientific data is undertaken.
A DNA
fingerprint is taken from each whale caught. These DNA fingerprints are
to be used for monitoring international trade in minke whale
products.
30-35 boats
are expected to engage in the 2002 hunt.
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.
There are
five different management areas: The North Sea, Lofoten, the Barents
Sea, Spitzbergen and Jan Mayen.
The hunting
season is from 13 May to 31 August. In the North Sea the hunters can
start when the Fisheries Directorate so decides, ie earlier than 13 May.
When the quota is taken the season is closed.
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 1938-1983, the annual average catch along the
Norwegian coast was about 2,000 minke whales. Scientists consider that
to be a sustainable offtake.
Catches
since the resumption of commercial whaling in 1993:
