Tag Archives: pilot whales

Champions for Cetaceans Daily Scoop: Dolphins die in The Faroe Island

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By Kirsten Massebeau

Welcome to Champions for Cetaceans first daily scoop. Each Day I will be presenting a cetacean event. I plan on making these posts very short in order that I may have time to put them up daily. That will allow subscribers to have a daily look into important ocean, and cetacean issues:

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On September 23, 2012 a pod of 25-30 pilot whales was driven into the shallows Vestmanna in the Faroe Islands and slaughtered. The method is described here. Although the meat is poisonous with Mercury and other PCB’s the grinds continue. Since June 16, 2012  636 pilot whales have been slaughtered.

23.09.2012 Vestmanna 25 218 Grindahvalir Rakstrar- og drápspartar

Link for the above data and grinds for current and past years 

The grind was reported on Vagaportal.fo as is every grind.

The grind is opposed by cetacean conservation groups worldwide because:

1) “The work has revealed damage to fetal neural development, high blood pressure, and impaired immunity in children, as well as increased rates of Parkinson’s disease, circulatory problems and possibly infertility in adults”.  (Source)

2) The killing method is inhumane as noted by WDCS International who have asked the Faroe Islands to stop the dolphin slaughters (Source)

3) The hunt is unsustainable. Pilot whale numbers are data deficient (Source)

In addition, dolphins have large brains very similar to mans as explored in this article on Dolphin Way

Champions for Cetaceans supports and end to this cruel hunting of dolphins. We appeal to the Faroe Islands to find a way to live in peace with these amazing beings. By ending the hunt they will also make the work load easier for the next generation of Faroe Islanders that will end up the caregivers for those negatively impacted by the toxic dolphin meat.

Please join us on Facebook: Champions for Cetaceans

220 Pilot Whale Slaughter in The Faroe Islands

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By Kirsten Massebeau

Slaughtered Mother Whale and her unborn child


 The chant of activist swim fast,swim far,swim deep, did not help 220 pilot on May 28, 2011. Trying to avoid colder currents the whales traveled too close to the Faroe Islands. The Faroese  spotted a pod traveling near their shores.  They sped out to sea and drove the pod of panicked pilot whales into a bay where the community methodically slaughters the entire pod. The entire process is watched over by officials who then distribute the meat to each household. Sadly the death of so many is senseless. 1200 years ago when the Norse tradition grind began the waters were clear and free from toxins. Today the meat is known to carry substantial levels of mercury and PCB’s. that are known to cause Parkinson’s disease and illnesses in children as noted by bluevoice.org. 1200 years ago the proud Norse settlers depended on the grind for survival. Today the grind has become senseless as the meat puts Faroese people and families at risk for future health problems. In addition, so much is known today about dolphin intelligence. Dolphins have brain very similar to mans. The grind is a cultural tradition that whale and dolphin supporters hope can be in memory only. Today though was not the case: ”The indigenous people spent all day at the port during the cutting process, will be charged to teach their children to learn how the whales did not neglect to keep them”http://www.stern.de/bdt/bilder-des-tages-traditioneller-walfang-im-nordatlantik-1501450-bc775f4aac6e2c3d.html

In taking action many have said not to bother with the Danish Government (as the Faroese are self governing), but to go directly to the Faroese Government. It is time the EU puts it’s foot down and makes the Faroes stop killing pilot whales and join, or no more trade agreements.” When Denmark in 1973 joined the European Economic Community, now the European Union, the Faroes had the option to remain outside. Like other fisheries dependent communities, the Faroese have not found it their interest to become subject to the Common Fisheries Policy“. We must urge the Faorese government that it is in their best interests to end the “grindadráp”.
Take Action:
Contact The Prime Minister of The Faroe Islands Office and the Faroes Board of Tourism. Urge them to stop killing pilot whales.
Minister Prime Kaj Leo Johannesen
p.o. box 64
FO-110 Torshavan
Teli-+ 298-306-000
email: info@tinganes.fo
The Faroe Islands Board of Tourism
VISITFAROEISLANDS
Bryggjubakki 12
P.O box 118
Fo 110 Tórshavn
Tel +298 306100
Fax +298 306105
visitfaroeislands@mfa.fo
http://www.visitfaroeislands.com
Please take the time to email, call, or even write a hand written letter. It will take more time as The Faroe Government does not have easy contact information. We know that is a way to silence our comments, so let’s take the extra time.
                                 We do it for them. We must be their voice on land.

Swim Fast* Swim Far*Swim Deep