Baird's beaked whale (Berardius bairdii) is a large, deep-diving cetacean found primarily in the North Pacific Ocean, recognized for its elongated beak and slate-gray coloration. Unlike commercial fish species, Baird's beaked whale is not widely targeted by global fishing industries; however, it has historically been subject to small-scale whaling, particularly in Japan. Japan is the primary country known to hunt Baird's beaked whales, where the species is taken under special permits for scientific research and limited commercial purposes, especially in communities with traditional whaling practices along the northern coasts. Russia has also reported occasional catches in the past, but such activities are minimal today. Internationally, the hunting of Baird's beaked whales is controversial and closely monitored due to conservation concerns, and the species is protected under various international agreements outside of Japan. Overall, Japan remains the only significant country involved in the harvest of Baird's beaked whales, and catches are relatively small compared to other marine species.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Japan | 24 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.