How to end whaling in Norway?
With the lives of 1,406 minke whales at risk from explosive harpoons in Norwegian waters this year, we refuse to stand by and do nothing. Our Norway For Whales campaign is entering a new, bolder phase – one that challenges the status quo and makes change unavoidable. Here’s a look at our plans to stop these brutal hunts for good. Plus, find out how you can join the wave of change.
My home country of Norway has let me down - massively. In 2024, the Norwegian government set a quota allowing whalers to kill up to 1,157 intelligent, sentient minke whales. And now, in 2025, they’ve increased that number by a devastating 21%. Norway kills around 500 whales per year, but these rising kill-quotas set a dangerous precedent for what the government deems a ‘sustainable’ industry.
This makes me even more determined. We’re ready to ramp up our efforts to stop whaling in Norway, so that minke whales, and indeed all whales, can swim freely in Norwegian waters. As long as whaling continues, our work to end it will too, and we’re more committed than ever to creating a Norway For Whales.
A critical mission for the whales
Norway has always been a part of me. It’s where I grew up, where I first connected with the sea and what ultimately led me to WDC with the goal of ending whaling once and for all. And this summer I’ll be returning, but this time, on a critical mission for the whales.
This trip will take me to the heart of Norway’s whaling season, where I’ll be working with an organisation dedicated to exposing the realities of commercial whaling. While I can’t share all the details just yet, our focus will be on gathering vital evidence and raising awareness about an industry that operates largely out of sight.
Will you help protect these awesome beings from being slaughtered?
For the mothers and their calves
The Norwegian hunts are the deadliest in the world, with more whales killed annually than in the Japanese and Icelandic hunts combined, and the latest figures paint a deeply concerning picture. After uncovering the electronic whaling data from the 2024 hunts, what I found was truly shocking:
- 373 whales were recorded as killed, in digital logbooks (official figures state 415 whales were killed, suggesting additional records may be in handwritten logs).
- Of those whales, 81% were female (301 out of 373).
- 56% of the females killed (170 individuals) were pregnant.
- This means 45% of all whales recorded as killed were pregnant females, exposing the devastating number of unborn calves lost alongside their mothers.
- Five whales were shot and then lost
- 60 missed shots were recorded, raising serious concerns about the suffering these intelligent, sentient, thinking and feeling beings endure.
This isn’t just a conservation issue - it’s an ethical one.
Targeting females, particularly those carrying calves, has long-term consequences for populations and raises serious concerns about the sustainability of the industry. In what other hunting practice is it accepted to kill pregnant females during their breeding season?
Despite a global ban on commercial whaling, the declining demand for whale meat and growing international opposition, the Norwegian whaling industry continues. Every year, quotas are set, and whaling vessels head out to sea, often with little scrutiny. That’s why our work this summer - shining a light on what’s happening - is more important than ever.
You can support the mission
While I’m in Norway, I’ll be sharing what I can — regular updates, new insights and the stark realities of commercial whaling. I’ll be highlighting the facts, the challenges, and the growing movement calling for an end to the hunts. If you want to join the wave of change, here’s what you can do:
- Stay informed – follow along for updates, share our findings and help raise awareness
- Use your voice – sign petitions, contact decision-makers and have conversations - change starts with awareness
- Donate – we couldn’t do what we do without your support. Every gift big or small will help make our plans a reality and create a Norway For Whales
This trip is about more than just uncovering truth - it’s about making sure the world knows, too. Because once people truly understand what’s happening to the whales, the calls for change become impossible to ignore.
A quest for truth
While I can’t share specifics about our day-to-day activities, I can say this: being on the ground is crucial. Gathering evidence and ensuring that what happens in Norway isn’t hidden from the world is essential in pushing for change. The more people know, the harder it becomes to justify this outdated and unnecessary industry.
Norway prides itself on progress, sustainability and marine stewardship, but commercial whaling stands in stark contrast to those values. Fortunately, the tides are shifting. More Norwegians than ever are questioning whether whaling has a place in the modern world, and support for it is dwindling.
Together, we're creating a Norway For Whales.
Turning the tide
Beyond this important mission, we have more exciting plans to strengthen the stop whaling movement within Norway.
Later this summer, we’ll return to Arendalsuka, Norway’s largest political gathering, to grow public awareness of whaling and inspire an appreciation of whales. Thanks to your support, we were able to participate last year and we’re thrilled to be going back - to harness the power of policy-changing politicians and like-minded organisations to push for real change. And just as importantly, we’ll challenge those who continue to defend this outdated and cruel industry.
Let’s keep the momentum going - Arendalsuka, we’re coming for you!
A wave of change is coming. Norwegians are questioning whaling, and the cracks in its foundations are growing. The tide is turning, and together, we will make sure it ends for good.
Please help us today with a donation
If you are able to help, every gift, whether large or small, will help us stop whaling for good.