1,400 dolphins killed during traditional whaling hunt in Faroe Islands

A shocking event has been reported in the Faroe Islands where 1,400 dolphins were killed on Sunday night in the name of a traditional whaling hunt.

This mass hunting has been criticized by various organizations, including the – Sea Shepherd – a marine conservation group. The group has termed this killing as a ‘brutal and badly mishandled’ massacre. On the other hand, the locals have defended the killing stating it as their culture’s part.

In the history of Danish territory, this is the largest single hunt engraved. The agency has also stated that many who are involved in the hunting even do not have a license.

The organization stated that a super-pod of 1,428 Atlantic white-sided dolphins was corralled by speed boats & jet skis onto Skálabotnur beach on the island of Eysturoy, where they were killed.

The annual whale hunt, or known as ‘grindadráp’ in Faroese, has been a part of local culture for centuries. This usually involves the hunting of pilot whales only. The reports have also claimed that the local foreman, who is involved in managing whaling in the area beside the district administrator, was not informed in line with the regulations.

While talking to a local media, 41-year-old Kristian Petersen, who started participating in whaling at the age of seven, cited, “I have experienced that firsthand and also attended a bit. As long as it has been for the food only, I supported it. But this recent catch that happened weekend, I am against how it went on.

In recent years, the Faroese government has established some strict measures for hunting.

People around the world are questioning this massive hunting. While the spokesperson of the Faroese government, Páll Nolsøe, told the media and stated, “Notification about the sighting of the – whales were given to the District Administrator, & the district administrator, in consultation with the whaling foremen, appointed the authorized whaling bay the whales should be driven into.”