The Norwegian Ministry of Fisheries turns down the application from the Institute of Marine Research to catch 60 dolphins of the species White-Beaked and White-Sided dolphins for scientific purposes.

In their application the Institute of Marine Research points to the fact that the population of dolphins in the Northeast Atlantic is estimated at 132.000 individuals. The research proposal aims at investigating the food preferences and biological stress caused by pollutants in toothed whales. This kind of information will add to understanding of the dynamics of the marine ecosystem and to management advice based on an ecosystem approach.

The aim of the research is consistent with the research strategy of the Norwegian Ministry of Fisheries.

However, the hunt itself is costly and detracts resources from the overall budget allocated to Norwegian marine research on fish and sea mammals.

On this basis the Ministry of Fisheries declines the application.