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Is whale meat illegal in the United States?

Partly. Whale meat is restricted in the United States. Banned for most, but Alaska Native villages may sell some whale meat.

Marine Mammal Protection Act bans take and sale; s101(b) Alaska Native exemption: edible portions may be sold in Native villages and towns in Alaska or for Native consumption; bowhead and Cook Inlet beluga meat may not be sold by anyone (NOAA Alaska page, updated 23 Jan 2025).

Source: MMPA s101(b); NOAA 2025

• The United States is one of 35 countries where whale meat is banned, and 7 more restrict it.
• Its neighbours: banned in 0 of 2.
• In North America: banned in 0 of 17 countries.

Other countries that ban whale meat

AustriaBelgiumBulgariaCroatiaCyprusCzechiaEstoniaFranceGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyLatviaLithuaniaAll 35 on the map ›

What else is banned in the United States