A research proposal to evaluate the ecological importance of minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in the northeast Atlantic

In order to evaluate the feeding ecology and importance of minke whales Balaenoptera acutorostrata in Norwegian waters, a scientific whaling programme addressing particularly the following points is proposed:1 Prepared for and accepted by the Steering Committee of the Norwegian Marine Mammal Programme Spitsbergen, Bear Island area, southeastern Barents Sea, coastal banks off Finnmark, and VesteralenjL ofoten) during three periods of the year (spring, summer and autumn).The sampling design is based on statistical analyses aimed to keep the catch to the lowest possible level.A minimum catch of 382 animals, taken over a period of three years, e.g. , 19 9 2 ( 110) , 19 9 3 ( 13 6) and 19 9 4 (136), will be necessary to fullfill the scientific objectives of the programme.