Violation! Norway plans to slaughter over 1,200 minke whales during its dire whale hunting season in 2021

Contrary to a global moratorium on commercial whaling, Norway has re-imposed an annual harvest quota of 1,278 minke whales for their barbaric whaling season of 2021.

On Friday, Odd Emil Ingebrigzen, Minister of Fisheries of Norway, announced a quota that has not changed compared to last year. Ingebrigzen expressed hope that “the upward trend in demand for whale meat will continue.” Disgusting! Mimicking Ingebrigtsen’s opinion, the whaling industry also states that the demand for whale meat has improved, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, a recent study commissioned by Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) and others found that only four% of the Norwegians surveyed admitted to eating whale meat “often”, and two-thirds either never ate it or did it “a long time ago.”

Norway’s 2020 whaling season kicked off with April 1 to September 30. Slightly more 500 whales were killed compared to 429 in 2019. This is the highest rate since 2016, when almost 600 whales were killed. Sixteen whaling vessels applied for permission to hunt whales last year, but only 13 took part.

Last spring Norwegian Fisheries Authority relaxed a number of whaling rules to encourage additional vessels to whale. AWI has joined several other organizations in challenging the agency’s plan, but to no avail. The government has also allowed whalers to opt out of rifle qualification tests.

“Allowing whalers to skip these necessary tests is unacceptable and could have serious implications for animal welfare,” said Keith O’Connell, AWI Marine Animal Consultant. statement. “Every year, dozens of whales shot down by harpoons with grenade launchers do not die instantly; they must be shot with rifles to end their suffering. “

IN International Whaling Commission (IWC) introduced a global moratorium on commercial whaling in 1982, however, Norway officially objected and resumed commercial whaling. 11 years later. Since that time, more than 14,000 minke whales.

December Fishing Association Westvogoy demanded that the Norwegian government support whaling to “make it more attractive for whaling,” including offering whalers an increased quota for cod.

Norway and other countries that continue this cruel and senseless hunt must catch up with the rest of the world and put an end to the archaic and cruel whaling industry forever!

You can help all animals and our planet by choosing compassion on your plate and glass. #GoVeg