The fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) is the second-largest animal on Earth, distinguished by its sleek, streamlined body and characteristic asymmetrical coloration on its lower jaw. Historically, fin whales were heavily targeted by commercial whaling operations for their oil, meat, and baleen, leading to dramatic population declines. Today, international regulations such as those set by the International Whaling Commission (IWC) have banned or severely restricted commercial whaling, but some countries continue to hunt fin whales under objections or reservations to these agreements. Iceland and Japan are the primary nations that still actively hunt fin whales, with Iceland resuming commercial whaling in recent years and Japan conducting hunts under the guise of scientific research before withdrawing from the IWC in 2019 to resume commercial whaling. Norway, while mainly focused on minke whales, has also taken fin whales in the past. The fin whale fishery remains controversial, drawing criticism from conservationists and many governments worldwide who advocate for the species’ protection and recovery.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iceland | 148 |
| 2 | Greenland | 3 |
| 3 | Spain | 1 |
| 3 | United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.