The Government is now prepared to grant export licences for Norwegian minke whale products. Export licences will be made subject to specific conditions. Export will only be permitted to countries that grant import licences and that are able to carry out DNA tests of the imported products using a system similar to the one that is being established in Norway. These tests will make it possible to trace individual minke whales that have been taken as part of the Norwegian quota.

The main reason for allowing exports is the importance for Norwegian resource management of keeping to the principle of sustainable management based on scientific criteria. The Government considers that this principle must also be applied to whaling, because otherwise the whole foundation for the harvesting of living marine resources will be at risk.

"In granting export licences, the Government is seeking to normalize conditions for Norwegian minke whaling," says Minister of Fisheries Otto Gregussen. He refers to the conditions that must be met before export licences can in practice be granted and says that the industry itself will have to find its own markets.

Related links:

Norwegian Management of Living Marine Resources
Norwegian Minke Whaling
More information about export of norwegian whale products (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Facts about Whales in Norwegian waters