Norway authorises killing of 1,052 whales in 2007

AFP, December, 2006

OSLO (AFP) — Norway has authorised its whalers to harpoon 1,052 whales in the 2007 season, the same number as the previous year, despite whalers fulfilling only half the 2006 limit. "The quota is the same as in 2006. There is a crucial difference: in 2007 it will be permitted to catch 900 animals along the (Norwegian) coast ..., an increase of 300 animals in theses areas compared to this year," interim Fisheries and Coastal Affairs Minister Dag Terje Andersen said in a statement.

The government hopes the increase in the number of kills permitted in coastal waters will make it easier for whalers to fulfill their hunt quotas. Just over 500 minke whales were killed this year, even though the government had set an upper limit of 1,052 animals. This year's quota was the largest since Norway resumed commercial whaling in 1993, despite an International Whaling Commission moratorium on ...