Last updated on October 24, 2025
Yes, it is allowed. In Norway, the sale of whale meat—primarily from minke whales—is legal and regulated under national fisheries and food safety laws. The practice is rooted in tradition and managed through strict quotas and oversight.
Whale on the Menu: A Norwegian Tradition
In Norway, whale meat isn’t just a relic of the past—it’s a regulated part of the present. While much of the world has turned away from whaling, Norway has charted its own course, continuing a centuries-old tradition that still finds its way onto dinner plates and into fish markets.
The star of this story is the minke whale, a species considered abundant in Norwegian waters. According to the Norwegian government, the estimated population exceeds 100,000 individuals. This makes it a sustainable target under Norway’s marine resource management policies, which are grounded in scientific advice and international cooperation.
Legal, Regulated, and Monitored
Norway resumed commercial whaling in 1993 after a five-year pause, and it has maintained a legal framework for the practice ever since. The country is not bound by the International Whaling Commission’s (IWC) moratorium on commercial whaling, having formally objected to it. This legal stance allows Norway to set its own quotas and regulations, which are enforced by the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries and the Norwegian Food Safety Authority.
Each year, the government sets a catch quota for minke whales based on recommendations from the IWC’s Scientific Committee. In 2023, for example, the quota was 1,286 whales, though actual catches tend to be lower. All whaling vessels must be licensed, equipped with tracking systems, and operated by crews trained in humane hunting practices.
From Sea to Store
Once landed, whale meat enters a tightly controlled supply chain. First-hand sales must go through registered buyers or authorized fish markets, and all transactions are logged and monitored. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority oversees the processing and sale of whale meat to ensure it meets hygiene and labeling standards.
Whale meat is sold in grocery stores, fishmongers, and restaurants across Norway, particularly in coastal regions. It’s often served smoked, grilled, or as steaks, and is prized for its high omega-3 content and lean protein.
Controversial but Cultural
Despite its legality, whaling remains a contentious issue. International criticism continues, especially from countries and organizations that oppose all forms of commercial whaling. But within Norway, public opinion is more nuanced. Many Norwegians view whaling as a sustainable use of natural resources and a continuation of coastal heritage.
The government maintains that its whaling practices are ethical, science-based, and aligned with the principles of sustainable development. It also emphasizes that whale meat is a legitimate food product, subject to the same safety and quality standards as any other seafood.
See more on Norway
Sources
Whaling – regjeringen.no
https://www.regjeringen.no/en/topics/food-fisheries-and-agriculture/fishing-and-aquaculture/kval-og-sel/whaling/id2001553/
2023-09-01
Whaling: Ethics and sustainability – regjeringen.no
https://www.regjeringen.no/en/topics/food-fisheries-and-agriculture/fishing-and-aquaculture/kval-og-sel/principles-on-whaling/id2505119/
2016-06-17