Whaling in Norway is still going on, even though they are one of the very few countries who still alow it
Today only harpooning of "Minke Whales" is allowed and from a population of 110,000 animals in the North East Atlantic it is argued by government officials to be sustainable. Norway is one of the very few countries who still permit harpooning of the whale. In 1993, Norway resumed commercial whale fishing, following a period of five years where a small catch was made using a scientific permit. Norwegian whale catches have risen from 503 animals in 1997 to 639 in 2005. These whales are enormous animals, and can grow up to 10 to 12 metres in length and weigh as much as 10 tonnes. They generally travel alone but are very inquisitive and like to investigate large ships and maybe supply boats. Whales that are washed up on the shore are usually victims of being hit by these vessels. Their life span is between 40 to 50 years, barring accidents. They are also very fast swimmers, and can reach speeds of up to 20 km an hour Because of "unfounded attacks" on Norway's whale practice, Norway’s foreign ministry summoned diplomats from 12 countries, including Britain, to protest against what it called "unfounded attacks" on this practice in Norway's waters. On the 20th April, 2009, the UK and 11 other countries, handed over a letter of protest to Norway accusing it of endangering these whales by raising its annual hunting quota. Today Norway is one of a few countries in the world that permits commercial whale hunting, it started again in 1993 despite an international moratorium in 1986. This year Norway gave their comercial fishermen permission to harpoon over 1,000 Whales, a jump from 796 in 2005. The total whale population in the North is estimated to be in the region 100,000... Please do something to help STOP this terrible slaughter... It has to stop.. NOW.. Have you had an interesting or magical experience on a visit to beautiful Norway?Do you have a great story about a trip to beautiful Norway? Pleasen share it with us!
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