Help end whaling in the Faroe Islands

One year after a review was promised by the Faroese Government after the slaughter of 1,423 dolphins just 200 miles off the coast of Scotland, the mass hunting of these creatures in the Faroe Islands continues. During 2022 we have seen further tragedy with hundreds more pilot whales and dolphins killed.

The Faroese maintain that the hunt is a sustainable practice and an important cultural tradition. They say that pilot whales are a natural resource, which they ‘harvest’ with hooks, ropes and mønustingari (a Faroese knife designed to cut through whales’ spines).

It typically takes place between July and September although it can happen at any time, at any one of the 26 designated killing bays around the islands.

Some of the slaughtered animals are then turned in to meat for consumption, often by tourists despite warnings of the health risks highlighted by the Faroese public health administration.ⁱⁱ

High levels of mercury and persistent organic pollutants (POPs), released by industries into the environment, end up in the whale meat which can in turn affect humans' intellectual and neurological development and weaken their immune systems.

Whales and dolphins are amazing, fascinating, and intelligent beings. Science has shown that many species are both sentient and sapient meaning they exhibit complex social behaviour, and they can experience emotions such as empathy.

As the world looks for ways where we can have a positive impact on the environment, there is already one solution swimming in our seas, but they are under threat from hunts like these.

“Whales play an amazing role that keeps every creature on Earth alive. Whales are our allies in fighting climate change and the climate crisis. Our underwater allies are contributing to as much carbon capture as all the rainforests on land. They are like giant, swimming Amazons, supporting our marine ecosystem. Planet Earth needs a healthy ocean. And a healthy ocean needs whales.”

- Whale and Dolphin Conservation

Although commercial whaling is banned in the Faroe Islands, this whale meat is still sold to tourists who are often unaware of the cruel practice. Many other nations have moved towards whale-watching as an experience for tourists that can continue to support local communities with a sustainable income.

After pressure mounted globally in 2021, The Faroese review set an official kill-quota of 500 dolphins per year (rising to 825). Excluding 2021, this quota of 500 dolphins a year far exceeds the number of dolphins killed in any recent year (around double the 10-year average).

It is clear the review has not done enough to protect dolphins and whales, this practice is still happening today not too far from our own shores.

The government recently stated that they “continue to call on all whaling nations, including the Faroe Islands, at every appropriate opportunity to cease their whaling activities.”

As of 2019, the UK accounted for 10% of Faroese exports globally, although since the trade deal has gone through it is likely that this number is even higher. This relationship gives a fantastic chance for the government to make good on their promise to urge the Faroes to stop these hunts.