Baleen whales, a group including species such as the minke, fin, and Bryde’s whales, are large filter-feeding marine mammals distinguished by their baleen plates used to strain food from the water. While commercial whaling has drastically declined due to international regulations and conservation efforts, a few countries continue to harvest baleen whales under specific quotas or for scientific and indigenous purposes. The leading countries involved in the hunting of baleen whales not elsewhere included (i.e., not primarily blue, humpback, or gray whales) are Japan, Norway, and Iceland. These nations target mainly minke whales, citing tradition, scientific research, and local consumption as justifications. Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after withdrawing from the International Whaling Commission (IWC), while Norway operates under an objection to the IWC moratorium, and Iceland issues its own quotas. The industry is controversial, facing strong opposition from conservation groups and much of the international community, but it persists in these countries due to cultural heritage and niche market demand.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 4 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.