Federal Government Sets Official 2025 Whale Hunting Quota
Published Date: 1/14/2025
Notice
Summary
In 2025, Alaska’s Native whalers can hunt up to 93 bowhead whales, thanks to a special quota set by international rules. This quota helps protect whale populations while supporting Native communities who rely on whaling for their way of life. The new limits kick in on January 14, 2025, keeping the balance between tradition and conservation strong.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.
AEWC Assigned 93‑Strike Bowhead Quota
On January 14, 2025, NOAA assigned the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission (AEWC) a quota of 93 bowhead whale strikes for 2025. The AEWC will allocate those 93 strikes among 11 villages and licensed whaling captains must not exceed that number.
IWC Annual Cap and Carry‑Forward Rule
The International Whaling Commission set an annual strike cap of 67 bowhead whales and allows unused strikes from the prior three years to be carried forward, but no more than 50% of the annual strike limit may be added in any one year. For 2025 the IWC combined strike quota was 100 (67 + 33 carry‑forward).
Catch Limits Extended Through 2026–2031
The IWC agreed in September 2024 to extend the aboriginal subsistence whaling catch limits for the bowhead whale for six years, covering 2026 through 2031, provided routine scientific and compliance conditions are satisfied. This continues the multi‑year framework for allowed strikes beyond 2025.
No Sale of Whale Products Except Handicrafts
NOAA and IWC rules prohibit selling whale products taken in the subsistence hunt, except for authentic Native handicrafts. This rule also states no person may receive money for participating in the hunt.
Ban on Taking Calves or Whales with Calves
IWC and NOAA regulations forbid taking calves or any whale accompanied by a calf during aboriginal subsistence whaling. Hunters must avoid strikes that would capture calves or mother‑calf pairs.
Licensing and Operational Hunt Requirements
NOAA rules require that only licensed whaling captains and their crew may engage in subsistence whaling, that captains must have adequate crew, supplies, and equipment, and that captains stop hunting when quotas, seasons, or license status require it. Captains also must not whale in a wasteful manner.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-12299 — Presidential Declaration Amendment of a Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only for the Commonwealth of Kentucky
The President has updated the disaster declaration for Kentucky’s severe winter storm from January 23-27, 2026, adding Adair and Casey counties to the list of areas eligible for public assistance. This means more communities can get help recovering, with physical loan applications due by July 28, 2026, and economic injury loans available until March 1, 2027. If you’re in these counties, now’s the time to apply and get the support you need!
2026-12235 — Advisory Committee; Science Board to the Food and Drug Administration; Renewal
The FDA is renewing its Science Board for two more years, keeping expert advice flowing to help ensure safe and effective drugs and products. This renewal affects scientists and public health folks who guide the FDA’s big decisions, with the new term lasting until June 26, 2028. No extra costs or delays are expected—just more smart brains working for your health!
2026-12238 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review; Comment Request; Current Good Manufacturing Practice in Manufacturing, Packaging, Labeling, or Holding Operations for Dietary Supplements
The FDA is asking for public feedback by July 20, 2026, on their rules that keep dietary supplements safe and made right. These rules affect companies that make, package, label, or store supplements, helping ensure products are high quality without adding extra costs. This review keeps the safety standards up-to-date and clear for everyone involved.
2026-12241 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
NARA wants to renew approval for a form that helps the FOIA Ombuds office get your okay before sharing info to solve Freedom of Information Act requests. This affects anyone asking for government records and means you might soon be able to submit consent forms online, making the process smoother. Comments on this plan are open until July 20, 2026, with no new costs involved.
2026-12285 — 737th Meeting of the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards (ACRS)
The Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards (ACRS) is meeting July 8-10, 2026, to focus on updating how nuclear reactors get licensed and checked for safety. They’re trimming down their work to only the most important and new issues, thanks to a recent government order. This means faster, smarter reviews that affect nuclear plant operators and the public, with meetings open for remote participation and no big cost changes expected.
2026-12336 — PacifiCorp; Notice of Application Accepted for Filing, Intent To Waive Scoping, Soliciting Motions To Intervene and Protests, Ready for Environmental Analysis, and Soliciting Comments, Recommendations, and Terms and Conditions
PacifiCorp wants to keep running its Ashton Hydroelectric Project on the Snake River in Idaho without a full license, and the government is ready to review the environmental impact. Local communities, environmental groups, and energy users can share their thoughts or raise concerns by August 14, 2026. This move could speed up clean energy production while protecting the river, with decisions and replies wrapping up by late September.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-00548 — Supplemental Evidence and Data Request on The Performance of Fusion Procedures for Degenerative Disease of the Lumbar Spine
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) wants your help to gather all the latest info on spinal fusion surgeries for people with lower back problems. They’re reviewing how well these surgeries work and need studies by February 13, 2025, to make smart health decisions that could affect patients, doctors, and insurance costs. This means better care and smarter spending on back treatments in the future!
Next: 2025-00556 — Proposed Information Collection Activity; Tribal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program Community Needs and Readiness Assessment Guidance and Implementation Plan Guidance (Office of Management and Budget#: 0970-0611)
The Tribal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program is updating its guidance and asking for public feedback by March 17, 2025. This affects Tribal groups running home visiting programs to support families with babies and young kids, helping them plan and report on their community needs. The update extends approval for three more years and keeps the program running smoothly with clear steps and goals.