Eskimo Whalers Get 93 Bowhead Quota: Feds Update Ancient Hunt Rules
Published Date: 4/2/2026
Notice
Summary
In 2026, Alaska Eskimo whalers can strike up to 93 bowhead whales under new rules that mix yearly limits with leftover strikes from past years. These changes keep whaling safe and fair, following international agreements that last through 2031. Licensed whaling captains need to follow these updated quotas starting April 2, 2026, with no new costs involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
AEWC Assigned 93 Whale Strikes
If you are a licensed Alaska Eskimo whaling captain under the AEWC, NOAA has assigned 93 bowhead whale strikes for 2026. The AEWC will allocate those 93 strikes among 11 villages and captains must ensure they use no more than 93 strikes; this assignment is applicable April 2, 2026.
IWC Six-Year Quota Block & Carry-Forward
The International Whaling Commission set a 6-year bowhead whale landed quota of 336 for 2026–2031 and an annual strike cap of 67; unused strikes from prior quota blocks may be carried forward but no more than 50 percent of the annual strike limit may be added in any one year. For 2026 there are 33 strikes available for carry-forward, producing a combined IWC strike quota of 100 (67 + 33).
Operational Rules and Prohibitions for Hunts
NOAA and IWC rules forbid taking calves or any whale accompanied by a calf and impose other rules: only licensed whaling captains and their crew may engage in hunts; captains must have adequate crew, supplies, and equipment; no person may receive money for participating; sale of whale products is prohibited except authentic Native handicrafts; and captains must stop whaling when quotas are reached or seasons closed. These rules apply to aboriginal subsistence whaling under U.S. jurisdiction.
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