T: (+44) 020 77 33 17 18
M: (+44) 079 84 61 72 19
T: (+44) 020 77 33 17 18
M: (+44) 079 84 61 72 19
THE LOFOTEN ISLANDS - NORWAY'S LAST SURVIVING WHALING COMMUNITY
Whaling still takes place in Norway, despite the International Whaling Commission's (IWC) ban on all commercial whaling. It is a controversial issue and it often reappears in the press, particularly during the IWC's annual meetings. The subject has been covered many times before, nearly always in a negative light. Pictures of slaughtered whales being butchered are the most common photographic representation of this industry. The following images try to explore the community around the Norwegian whaling industry.
Fishing is the main livelihood in these small communities in North Norway, but whaling comprises 30% of their income. Even though whaling is a small industry, the locals are dependent on it for their survival. They are also dependent on there being enough whales in the sea, so it is not in their interest to over-fish the minke whale, which is the only species they catch. It is estimated that there are 87.000 minke whales in the North East Atlantic. Norway has an annual catch quota of 670 minkes. All whalers have to pass ability tests every year and Norway has introduced a law whereby every boat has to include a government inspector and vet on board. This is to register all catches and ensure that the whales are killed quickly and humanely.