Another hunt in the Faroes sees hundreds of pilot whales killed
Hundreds of pilot whales have been slaughtered in the latest drive hunt (grind) in the Faroes.
The gruesome killings took place at Fuglafjørður, the 10th hunt in the Faroe Islands this year. Around 280 pilot whales died taking the total well over 600 for the season.
These whales (and dolphins) are herded by small boats into inlets and then killed in a very rudimentary way. Paralysed and killed with a spinal lance (a tool with a double-edged blade), their deaths are agonising and often slow.
Pilot whale meat is contaminated with heavy metals and Faroese health authorities have issued toxicity warnings for those who may wish to eat it.
WDC's deployment in the Faroe Islands
In 30 years of campaigning against the Faroese driven hunts, we have learned that there are no easy solutions. WDC has tried various strategies over the years and learned that public hostility, insults and abuse – especially from abroad – continue to entrench the attitudes of whalers. We have learned that truly lasting change will only happen if it comes from individuals and groups on the islands themselves – the Faroe Islands, who are against hunting. Among other things, WDC was able to contribute to important successes:
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We have helped to end the deliberate killing of other species around the islands, such as orcas and risso's dolphins.
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We have been able to raise awareness among the population and travelers about the risk to human health associated with the consumption of contaminated whale and dolphin meat.
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We have conducted workshops for Faroese schoolchildren to promote the appreciation of living nature; and we supported the creation of documentaries to inform people on the islands and around the world about the background and the futility and cruelty of the hunts.
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We pointed out to governments that the sale of pilot whale meat is commercially conducted in restaurants and shops and in no way constitutes a "subsistence hunt".
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We exerted pressure to ensure that the "dolphin hunt review" promised by the Faroe Islands government in the wake of the outrage (both domestic and international) over the 2021 massacre actually took place. This resulted in the establishment of a catch quota for dolphins.
Read more about these hunts and WDC work to end whaling HERE
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