2026 Aboriginal Subsistence Whaling Quota for Bowhead Whales – Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has officially notified the public of the 2026 bowhead whale harvest quota allocated to the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission (AEWC). The quota permits a maximum of 93 bowhead whales struck during the 2026 season, consistent with regulations established by the International Whaling Commission (IWC). This quota applies exclusively to licensed whaling captains operating under the AEWC framework. The harvest is classified as aboriginal subsistence whaling, a practice legally and culturally distinct from commercial whaling, and is protected under both domestic U.S. law and international IWC agreements. Additional limitations on quota use—including rules on landed versus struck whales, carry-over provisions, and emergency allocations—are governed by IWC regulations incorporated by reference. Licensed captains must comply with both the AEWC's internal rules and federal oversight requirements when conducting hunts.
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Key Changes
- 2026 AEWC bowhead whale strike quota set at 93 whales
- Quota governed jointly by U.S. federal regulations and IWC international rules
- Only licensed whaling captains under AEWC authority may harvest under this quota
+ 2 more changes with Pro
Obligations
What this law requires
Ensure that bowhead whale harvest does not exceed 93 whales struck during the 2026 season
Obtain and maintain a license from the AEWC before conducting bowhead whale hunts
Comply with all AEWC internal rules governing the allocation and use of the bowhead whale quota
Comply with all International Whaling Commission (IWC) regulations incorporated by reference, including rules on landed versus struck whales, carry-over provisions, and emergency allocations
Submit to federal oversight requirements established by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) when conducting bowhead whale hunts