Blubber prices in Norway are in free fall, undercut by the International Whaling Commission's ban on exports of whale products. In 1995, when it looked as if the government might allow exports, the price of a kilogram (2.2 pounds) of whale blubber rose to 23 Norwegian kroner, or about $2.50. This year, the price has plummeted to one tenth of a krone. Domestic demand for whale meat keeps Norway's sea hunt going, however. And the commission has not been able to stop the Japanese from hunting sperm whales and covertly buying the meat of humpback and gray whales.

Data from the Norwegian fish sales association