We, the undersigned, respectfully urge the Government of Norway to take meaningful and lasting action to end commercial whaling within its waters.

Around the world, attitudes towards whales have changed dramatically. Once hunted on an enormous scale, whales are now widely recognised for their intelligence, complex behaviour and importance within marine ecosystems. Most countries have left commercial whaling behind.  

Norway is one of only a small number of countries in the world that still permits commercial whaling. Each year, hundreds of minke whales are hunted and killed, despite commercial whaling playing an increasingly limited role in modern Norwegian life.

Participation in the Norwegian whaling industry has declined considerably over time, quotas regularly exceed the number of whales actually killed, and whale flesh is consumed by only a minority of the population.

Whales are intelligent, social and sentient animals. Minke whales travel vast distances through the ocean, communicate with one another, respond to their surroundings and experience pain and distress.

Whales are pursued at sea and shot with explosive harpoons designed to penetrate the body before detonating. Even when a whale is ultimately killed, death is not always instantaneous. An animal may remain alive and conscious after being struck.

Norway has a proud maritime history and a deep cultural connection to the sea. It now has an opportunity to build on that relationship by bringing commercial whaling to an end.

Ending commercial whaling does not mean rejecting Norwegian history or abandoning coastal communities. Traditions and industries change as societies learn more, attitudes evolve and new economic opportunities emerge. Those currently involved in whaling should be supported through that transition rather than left behind.

We respectfully request the Norwegian Government to act on the following proposals:

1. Enact a permanent national ban on commercial whaling, ending the deliberate commercial killing of whales in Norwegian waters.

2. Stop issuing commercial whaling quotas, ensuring that no further minke whales are killed for commercial purposes.

3. Support fishers, crews and coastal businesses currently involved in whaling to transition towards alternative and sustainable sources of income.

4. Strengthen the protection of whales within Norwegian waters, recognising their ecological importance and the growing international commitment to their conservation.

5. Work internationally to support whale protection, using Norway's influence as a major maritime nation to encourage the protection rather than commercial exploitation of cetaceans.

To protect whales. To support coastal communities through a fair transition. To leave commercial whaling where it belongs, in the past. Please act now.

Ban commercial whaling in Norway.