Norway said Tuesday that more scientific discussions with Japan are needed over the measurement of contaminants in whale products before the countries can start trading in whale meat and blubber.
Johan Williams, director general of the department of marine resources and the environment at the Norwegian Fisheries Ministry, said scientists and officials will meet in Japan within the next few months to discuss the issue.
Speaking over the phone from Oslo, Williams said that while the new round of negotiations would delay the launch of exports from Norway to Japan, he remained optimistic.
"Time-wise, this is a hurdle, but we believe that when we go though all these exercises, we will be able to provide Japan with meat and blubber," he said.