Whales are systematically divided into two main groups: baleen whales and toothed whales. The largest group, toothed whales, consists of over 70 species worldwide, of which 14 are registered in Norwegian waters.
There are at least 14 sub species of baleen whales. Seven of them are registered in our waters. The biggest one is the blue whale, which have been measured at over 33 meters in length and a weight of over 170 tonnes. In Norwegian waters, porpoise is the smallest species with a maximum length of 1.5-1.8 meters.
Today Norway operates commercial catch of minke whales.
