*Warning: this article contains images that some people may find distressing*

Is it a ‘blood sport’ or a ‘humane and quick’ tradition? The annual whale hunt has commenced in the Faroe Islands, drawing sharp criticism from animal rights organizations and igniting a complex debate over cultural traditions.

Each year, the remote Faroe Islands, nestled between Iceland and Norway, buzz with anticipation for an ancient tradition known as “Grindadráp.” This traditional whale hunt, deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of the islands, involves the communal herding and killing of pilot whales and, occasionally, large numbers of dolphins.

The Faroe Islands, an autonomous territory of Denmark located some 300km north of the United Kingdom, have the unique ability to set their own laws and regulations. This includes the management of marine life, crucial because, although pilot whales are protected under EU and UK law, the islands’ autonomous status exempts them from these protections.

Pilot whales are known for their sociable and inquisitive nature, forming close-knit, multi-generational pods. These creatures are incredibly loyal, often spending their entire lives within the pod they were born into. Typically, these groups, which consist of 10 to 20 individuals, engage in activities like hunting, traveling, and resting together. Occasionally, these groups can form “super pods” with hundreds of members.

However, the communal nature of pilot whales has historically made them targets for “drive fisheries.” In such events, groups of whales are herded toward beaches and slaughtered.

The American Cetacean Society notes that these drive fisheries exploit the whales’ social instincts to facilitate their capture. This method has been practiced in various locations worldwide, including Cape Cod, Newfoundland, and across Northern European islands such as the Faroe, Shetland, and Orkney Islands, as well as in Iceland and Norway, leading to significant ethical and conservation concerns.

This year’s first pilot whale hunt in the North Atlantic islands occurred on May 4, resulting in the death of some 40 of these intelligent mammals, with more hunts planned throughout the year.

Grindadráp dates back to the Viking Age and is more than just a hunt for Islanders; it’s a significant community event where the meat and blubber of the whales are distributed among participants.

This method of communal sharing is rooted in the islands’ history, where harsh weather conditions made collective resource gathering a survival strategy. Traditionally, every part of the whale is used, ensuring that nothing is wasted. The locals defend this practice as a sustainable way to obtain food, emphasizing its regulated nature and the sustainable management of whale populations.

However, the scene during a Grindadráp can be strikingly grim.

Whales and dolphins are herded into shallow bays by boats, where they are then killed using knives designed to quickly sever their spinal cords.

The sight of the sea turning red with blood has drawn widespread condemnation from the international community.

Events can result in the deaths of hundreds of whales, with a 2022 event involving the killing of about 1,400 dolphins, sparking substantial international outcry. In 2023, more than 800 individual dolphins have been killed as part of these hunts. Images and videos of these hunts circulate widely, leading to protests and calls for a ban on the practice.

Critics, including prominent conservation groups like the Blue Planet Society and Sea Shepherd, argue that Grindadráp is cruel and unnecessary. They point out that with modern access to global food markets, the historical justification of necessity no longer holds.

Furthermore, they highlight the health risks associated with consuming whale meat, which is known to contain high levels of mercury. Despite the fact that only a small percentage of the Faroese population regularly consumes whale meat, the tradition persists.

The Faroese government maintains that the whale hunts are conducted within the bounds of strict regulations designed to ensure quick deaths for the animals. They argue that the hunts are sustainable, citing studies that show the pilot whale population in the North Atlantic remains robust. Additionally, they frame international criticism as an imposition on their cultural autonomy, arguing that the practice is a legally protected, cultural heritage that dates back over a millennium.