Decree No. 249 of 2005 to regulate hunting for minke whales in 2005.

This Decree provides, inter alia, for maximum allowable catch, open seasons, allocation of quotas, transfer of quotas, interruption of hunting, reporting, and penalties. The Decree prohibits in principal the hunting of minke whales by Norwegian vessels. However, the total allowable catch for Norwegian vessels in the areas of the Norwegian Economic Zone, the Fisheries Zone of Jan Mayen and the Fisheries Zone of Svalbard for 2005 is fixed at 796 whales (652 for the EEZ and the fisheries protection zone of Svalbard, 145 in the fisheris zone of Jan Mayen). The Director of Fisheries can stop fishing if the total allowable catch is reached. Hunting may take place from 18 April until 31 August. The Directorate of Fisheries may impose the duty to host an inspector or observer on board. Single catch quotas shall be fixed by the Director. (11 sections)