The IWC agreed to a quota of 280 bowhead whales over five years, and the Russian natives are expected to take 20. Both the bowhead and grey species have rallied back from near-extinction. The IWC estimates there are around 8,000 bowhead and 21,000 grey whales. Marine biologist Sidney Holt, a longtime adviser to the IWC, cautioned that the hunt would be dangerous. It's going to be a horrendous business, certainly for the whales and probably for the people.
Grey whales are very active in defence of themselves.