The narwhal (Monodon monoceros) is a distinctive Arctic whale species, easily recognized by the long, spiral tusk that projects from the males’ heads. Found predominantly in the icy waters of the Canadian Arctic and Greenland, narwhals are not targeted by large-scale commercial fisheries, but are instead traditionally hunted by Indigenous peoples for their meat, blubber, and ivory tusks. The primary countries involved in narwhal harvesting are Canada and Greenland, where regulated subsistence hunting is permitted to support Inuit communities and preserve cultural practices. Both nations have established quotas and monitoring systems to ensure sustainable harvests and to protect narwhal populations from overexploitation. Commercial trade in narwhal products is restricted under international agreements such as CITES, reflecting the species’ ecological vulnerability and cultural significance.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Greenland | 533 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.