The short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus) is a large, social cetacean found in warm temperate and tropical waters worldwide, recognized by its bulbous forehead and dark coloration. While not traditionally targeted on a large commercial scale, short-finned pilot whales are hunted in a few regions, most notably in Japan and the Faroe Islands. In Japan, particularly in the Taiji region, these whales are caught as part of the controversial drive fisheries, where they are harvested for meat and other products. The Faroe Islands, though more famous for the long-finned pilot whale, also occasionally catch short-finned pilot whales during their traditional “grindadráp” hunts. These practices are culturally significant but have drawn international criticism due to conservation and ethical concerns. Overall, the global fishing industry for short-finned pilot whales is limited and localized, with Japan being the primary country actively harvesting this species.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Japan | 21 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.