Feds Approve 100 Bowhead Whales for Alaskan Eskimo Hunts
Published Date: 4/2/2026
Notice
Summary
In 2026, Alaska’s Eskimo Whaling Commission can hunt up to 93 bowhead whales, with some extra strikes carried over from past years, making a total of 100 whales allowed. These rules help Native communities keep their traditional whaling while following international limits set to protect whale populations. The new quotas apply starting April 2, 2026, balancing culture and conservation without extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
2026 Bowhead Quota Assigned to AEWC
The Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission (AEWC) is allowed to strike up to 93 bowhead whales in 2026. The International Whaling Commission set a combined 2026 strike quota of 100 (67 base strikes plus 33 carry-forward strikes). This allocation is effective April 2, 2026, and NOAA says the AEWC will allocate its 93 strikes among 11 villages under a cooperative agreement.
Participation, Payment, and Sale Limits
NOAA regulations limit who may participate and how products may be used: only licensed whaling captains and crew under their control may engage in aboriginal subsistence whaling; participants may not receive money for participating; whale products may not be sold except as authentic Native handicrafts. Captains must also cease whaling after the quota is reached, after season closure, or if licenses are suspended, and may not hunt wastefully.
Prohibition on Taking Calves or Accompanied Whales
IWC and NOAA regulations forbid taking calves or any whale accompanied by a calf during aboriginal subsistence whaling. Licensed whaling captains must not strike calves or whales that have calves present.
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