World whaling in 2026: Has the international ban really saved whales?

Four decades after commercial whaling was banned, the future of the giants of the sea is still uncertain. While countries continue to hunt, public and international pressure to protect them is growing.

More than 40 years have passed since the international ban on commercial whaling, considered one of the great conservation successes of the 20th century, went into effect. Many whale populations that were once on the verge of collapse have begun to recover, and some species have even returned to areas from which they had disappeared for decades.

But the reality is more complex. Despite the ban, commercial whaling still takes place in several countries, and hundreds of whales are killed every year.

Global Whaling Status as of 2026. Map: Delphis.

The ban that changed the picture

In the 1970s and 1980s, whaling became one of the world's most prominent environmental issues. After populations had declined dramatically following decades of industrial whaling, the International Whaling Commission (IWC) adopted a landmark decision: beginning with the 1985-1986 whaling season, commercial whaling was prohibited in member countries.

The ban led to a sharp decline in the number of whales hunted and the possibility of a recovery in many populations around the world.

A female fin whale and her calf moments after being hunted in Japan. Photo courtesy of Australian Customs and Border Protection Service

Who still hunts whales?

Today, only three countries continue to conduct commercial whaling:

Norway - Continues to hunt primarily minke whales and sets annual whaling quotas. In 2026, Norway increased its quota compared with the previous year, despite declining domestic demand for whale meat.

Iceland - After temporarily suspending whaling during 2024–2025, Iceland resumed commercial whaling in 2026. Although the quota was reduced, it still permits the hunting of up to 318 fin and minke whales. The decision drew strong criticism from marine conservation and animal welfare organizations.

Japan - Withdrew from the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in 2019 and has since resumed commercial whaling within its territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Is there still demand?

Interestingly, demand for whale meat is actually declining in many countries around the world. Iceland and Norway note that the industry is struggling to be profitable, and domestic consumption is decreasing year by year. Despite this, some governments continue to support the industry for cultural, political, or economic reasons.

Whaling in the late 19th century. Courtesy of the Library of Congress, USA.

The threats of the 21st century

Even in countries where hunting has been stopped, whales still face a long list of threats:

• Damage from vessels.

• Entanglement in fishing nets.

• Underwater noise that disrupts communication, navigation, and foraging.

• Plastic and chemical pollution.

• Climate change affecting food availability and migration routes.

  
  

Therefore, for marine researchers and conservation organizations, whaling is no longer the only threat - and sometimes not even the main one.

The public is no longer silent.

The fight against whaling is not just being waged in the corridors of government or at the International Whaling Commission (IWC). In recent years, citizens, environmental organizations, and conservation activists have also led large-scale international campaigns calling for a complete halt to whaling.

For example, with the resumption of whaling in Iceland, international petitions were launched calling on the country's government to cancel the hunting permits, claiming that there was no longer any economic, environmental, or moral justification for the continued killing of whales. One of them, led by the organization

Beyond the direct impact on decision-makers, public campaigns play an important role in raising awareness of the issue and putting pressure on governments and commercial companies. Even when they do not lead to immediate policy change, they contribute to public discourse and a decrease in demand for whale products.

What does the future hold?

Some 40 years after the international ban on commercial whaling went into effect, the battle for their future is far from over. On the one hand, many populations are recovering and the public is showing unprecedented engagement. On the other hand, in some countries, whaling still continues, while new threats are intensifying - from vessel collisions to underwater noise pollution and climate change.

History shows that change is possible. The international ban on whaling was born from a combination of scientific research, public pressure, and cooperation between nations. Today, the continued protection of whales depends on the same combination of science, policy, and public engagement.

Their future will continue to depend on the decisions we make as a society - how we manage the sea, how we reduce our impact on it, and how we conserve one of the most impressive and important animals on Earth.

A sperm whale observed off the coast of Israel during a deep-sea survey led by researchers from the Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, and Delphis. Photo: Dr. Aviad Scheinin, June 2026.

Harnessing Israeli technologies

Dr. Aviad Scheinin, Co-CEO of Delphis and Head of the Apex Predators Program at the Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa:

"The international ban on commercial whaling demonstrated that the global community can change reality when science, policy, and public engagement work together. Yet alongside the countries where commercial whaling still continues, one of the most significant threats facing whales today is one that is largely invisible - underwater noise pollution. Human activities at sea - including vessel traffic, industrial operations, and offshore energy exploration—are altering the acoustic environment on which whales depend for communication, navigation, foraging, and even finding mates. At the same time, the continuous increase in maritime traffic is raising the risk of ship strikes, which have become one of the leading causes of mortality for many whale species worldwide. The deep-sea research we are conducting enables us to better understand how whales use the marine environment, detect their presence even when they remain unseen beneath the surface, and provide the scientific knowledge needed to support informed conservation and management decisions. Alongside this research, we are also advancing innovative solutions based on Israeli technologies, aimed at reducing the risk of collisions between vessels and whales and creating a safer marine environment for these remarkable animals."

"The research we conduct in the deep sea allows us to better understand how whales use the marine environment, detect their presence even when they remain unseen beneath the surface, and provide the scientific knowledge needed to support informed conservation and management decisions."

At Delphis, we are committed to advancing research, conservation, and public awareness of marine mammals in Israel. Through scientific research, public education, and collaboration with the maritime community, we can all play a role in creating a safer environment for whales and dolphins. One of the most effective ways to help protect marine mammal populations along Israel's coastline is by reporting sightings. Have you spotted a seal or any other marine mammal? Keep your distance, take a photo, and report it to us.