1. Japan: Japan is one of the primary countries involved in commercial whaling. The Japanese government issues permits for the hunting of certain whale species, primarily minke whales, under the guise of scientific research. However, critics argue that this research is a cover for commercial whaling activities, as the whale meat from these "research" hunts eventually finds its way into the market.
2. Norway: Norway is another country that engages in commercial whaling. The Norwegian government issues quotas for the hunting of minke whales, and whaling is considered a legal and regulated industry in the country. However, Norway's whaling practices have been widely criticized by international conservation organizations and animal welfare groups.
3. Iceland: Iceland also conducts commercial whaling, primarily targeting fin and minke whales. Like Norway, Iceland has faced international backlash for its whaling activities, but it defends them as a sustainable practice that contributes to the local economy.
It's important to note that commercial whaling is highly controversial and widely condemned by the international community. Many countries have implemented bans on commercial whaling or have significantly reduced their whaling activities in recent decades due to concerns about whale conservation and the ethical treatment of animals. The International Whaling Commission (IWC) is an intergovernmental organization responsible for regulating whaling and promoting the conservation of whales, and it has played a significant role in reducing the global scale of whaling.