The Hunt and Its Aftermath
Initially, an estimated 200 dolphins were spotted, but the official count of those killed stands at 130. Unfortunately, our crew documented the discovery of 153 dolphins including 3 discarded young calves, whose lives were not even acknowledged in the official figures. These calves, along with the rest of the pod, endured prolonged suffering as they were chased then slaughtered beside their entire pod. A tragic sight compounded by the realization that their deaths were unnecessary.

This slaughter of white-sided dolphins is not part of traditional Faroese whaling practices. Historically, these dolphins were too swift for the rowboats used by Faroese whalers, but today, modern motorboats make these animals easy targets. This technological shift has led to the senseless killing of species that are not culturally significant in Faroese traditions. The horror of this hunt echoes the infamous mass slaughter of September 12th, 2021, where a staggering 1428 dolphins were killed in a single day.

That event sparked widespread outrage and criticism both locally and internationally, and support for hunting white-sided dolphins has since dwindled among the Faroese population. Despite this, the whaling union has continued to sanction these slaughters, which are now primarily carried out by a small group of hunters.

Discovery of Dumped Dolphin Remains
Two days after the hunt, Sea Shepherd activists made another disturbing discovery. The remains of the dolphins killed in Skalafjord were found dumped far from the hunting site, hidden by the whalers after activists had left the area. This revelation has fueled further outrage, as it raises questions about the necessity of the hunt and the treatment of the animals. Sea Shepherd has highlighted this as evidence that dolphin meat is not a vital resource for the Faroese people, countering arguments that the community relies on these hunts for survival.

Growing Opposition to the Hunt
While Sea Shepherd sees no distinction between the slaughter of pilot whales and white-sided dolphins, this recent hunt underscores an urgent need for regulatory change. The Faroe Islands must remove white-sided dolphins from the list of permitted hunting species. These animals are not essential to the survival of the Faroese people; instead, their deaths represent waste and a failure to protect the environment and its inhabitants.

“The disregard for these dolphins was starkly evident when our team discovered their remains dumped in secret. This gruesome disposal of bodies occurred far from the prying eyes of activists, revealing the whalers' awareness of their cruelty and waste. These dolphins were not slaughtered out of necessity—they were victims of a society clinging to a tradition that no longer serves any real purpose. The whalers’ actions, concealing the evidence of their wastefulness, highlight the truth: the Faroese people do not need dolphin meat to survive,” said Valentina Crast, Sea Shepherd's Faroe Islands Campaign Lead.

“Today, the Faroe Islands is a wealthy society, where the need to hunt for survival has long since passed. Now, these hunts are driven by outdated customs, pride, and a refusal to acknowledge the irreversible harm they cause to wildlife and the environment.”

How You Can Help
The continued killing of these majestic creatures requires global action. Here’s how you can get involved:

* Follow us for real-time updates: Our crew on the ground posts the latest updates on the Sea Shepherd Føroyar FB page
* Spread the word: Share our work and raise awareness within your network about the plight of dolphins and whales in the Faroe Islands.
* Contact political representatives: Reach out to your local political representatives and urge them to support this cause at the national or EU level, in collaboration with our coalition, StoptheGrind.org
* Volunteer or donate: Your time and financial support help us continue these crucial campaigns. Together, we can make a difference: Get Involved.

A Moment of Reflection
Despite the tragedy of the hunt, Sea Shepherd documented a poignant moment between a young Faroese girl and the dolphins, which they highlighted as a symbol of hope for the future. The organization expressed optimism that the next generation may reject the practice of whaling and dolphin hunting altogether.

Sea Shepherd remains committed to its campaign to end the slaughter of cetaceans in the Faroe Islands, emphasizing that public pressure and international involvement are crucial to bringing about change. Learn more about Operation Living Fjords.