Norway boosts whaling quota despite international opposition

Fisheries minister announces 28% increase, but environmentalists say steep drop in number of minkes killed is sign of a dying industry

Norway has announced a 28% increase of its annual whaling quota to 1,278 whales in a bid to revive the declining hunt amid international controversy.

Whalers have for several years failed to meet the quotas set by Oslo and the number of whaling boats has plunged.