Whalers in Norway
recently slaughtered more than 580
whales during the 2022 whaling season, the
highest number in the past six years. The whales most
often die brutally, after being shot with grenade
harpoons. This causes immense pain and suffering
before the great animal finally dies --
sometimes as long as half an hour later. These marine
mammals are vital parts of their marine ecosystems, and
are incredibly intelligent creatures that can develop
complex relationships and feel pain.
So why does commercial
whaling -- which is literally just the practice
of hunting whales to sell their meat for a
profit -- still exist in
Norway?
Nearly four decades ago, in
1986, the International Whaling Commission banned
commercial whaling. In that time, whaling has
generally decreased worldwide. Yet Norway has remained
persistent in its pursuit of whale flesh. In
less than four decades, Norwegian whalers have killed
more than 15,000 whales. However, fewer
and fewer Norwegians are eating whale meat. Instead,
young people in Norway increasingly favor protections to
save whales! Norway is one of only three
countries in the entire world that allows commercial
hunts, and it is time its government commits to a more
humane and sustainable future. Sign the petition now
to tell the Norwegian government: join the international
community and finally ban commercial
whaling!
