21 November 2024: New review explores the past, present, and future of minke whale management in Norway

A new review by Øien and colleagues, titled “Previous, current and future monitoring and management of common minke whales in Norway,” was published today in NAMMCO Scientific Publications. This research provides a comprehensive overview of how common minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) have been managed in Norway, focusing on past practices, current methods, and potential future approaches.

The study highlights that current management relies on a system similar to the International Whaling Commission’s Revised Management Procedure (RMP). This approach uses historical and current catch data alongside abundance estimates, which are updated every six years using line-transect sighting surveys. However, the authors discuss the economic challenges of this method.  Cost-effective alternative methods for estimating abundance are explored, including simplified survey designs and genetic mark-recapture techniques. Additionally, streamlined calculations of catch limits are considered.

If you are interested, read the full review here: https://doi.org/10.7557/3.7426

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