Whilst I don't consider myself in any way a tree-hugger I congratulate the airlines involved for making a stand, although I suspect it won't make too much difference to the Norwegians who, as Spoonbill says will find someone willing to carry it.
One of the main reasons these animals need protecting is the speed of their reproductive cycle, capable of producing only one calf every couple of years, which in turn takes several years to reach maturity.
Therefore it takes the population many years to recover from the loss of a small number of animals.
If certain countries are allowed to keep breaking the rules set up for the protection of whales and other species, the international community (that's all of our governments) will have to take it's share of responsibility for letting them get away with it.
I'm with Greenpeace on this one.