On January 10th, the Faroese whalers carried out the first grind of 2025 in Árnafjarðarvík, where 47 pilot whales were slaughtered, including an unknown number of pregnant whales and young calves. This unseasonable practice—occurring in the heart of winter—marks a disturbing shift in the timing and frequency of these hunts, which are already steeped in controversy for their cruelty and ecological impact.
Captured after a long drive hunt, this pod of whales in Hvannasund, 2024, illustrates the suffering endured during the grind.
In this instance, the whales were held overnight by the whalers as it had gotten too dark to carry out the hunt and slaughter. Normally a situation like this gives the pilot whales a chance of escaping the fjords during the night, but instead the whalers tested night goggles and stayed with the pilot whales all night to prevent them from swimming away.
The next morning at 9.30 they were herded and cornered near the kill beach, and slaughtered at a convenient time for those participating. In so many ways these actions display the modern privilege, ease and casual disregard for these animals.
Pilot whales are highly sentient beings, capable of forming complex social bonds and showing clear signs of distress in situations of confinement and danger. The trauma of being forcibly driven to shore, separated from family groups, and awaiting slaughter underscores the unimaginable suffering inflicted upon them. For species like pilot whales, which rely on strong familial connections, these hunts destroy more than just individuals—they tear apart entire social structures.
Whales killed with spinal lances and bled out are hauled onto the blacktop in Hvannasund, 2024. This grim process underscores the brutality of the grind.
A Call For Change
The continued existence of the grind reflects a tradition that fails to account for the undeniable intelligence and sentience of these marine mammals. Pilot whales, like many cetaceans, display behaviors indicative of grief, cooperation, and emotional connection. Their slaughter is not only inhumane but also a profound loss for marine ecosystems that depend on these species for balance.
Sea Shepherd has long opposed these hunts, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to ending the grind entirely. Its continuation poses a serious ethical and ecological concern, harming both marine ecosystems and the global efforts to protect sentient marine life.
The protection of these animals is ultimately in the hands of the Faroese people. We urge them to consider the ethical and ecological implications of this tradition and take steps to bring it to an end.
What You Can Do
These whales, with their intricate social lives and advanced intelligence, deserve more than to die in terror and pain. Share this story, leave a comment, and spread the message to those who can help. Your voice has the power to amplify the call for change and inspire others to act.
Here are some additional steps you can take:
- Contact Your Representatives: Reach out to senators, members of parliament (MPs), and equivalent representatives in your country to voice your concerns about the grind. Ask them to apply diplomatic pressure on Denmark and the Faroe Islands to end this practice. Explain the cruelty of the hunts and the need for international action to protect marine life.
- Advocate for International Action: Demand that global institutions and conventions, like the International Whaling Commission (IWC), take a stronger stance against the grind and other hunts targeting whales and dolphins.
- Support Sea Shepherd: Your contributions power our ships, crews, and campaigns, enabling us to put people on the ground to expose and shine a light on issues like the grind, while defending whales and dolphins around the world.
- Raise Awareness: Use social media to amplify this issue and call for action from decision-makers. Share posts, tag elected officials, and engage your community in the fight to end the grind. Encourage others to contact their representatives as well.
Together, we can give these sentient beings a voice and push for a future where hunts like the grind are consigned to history. Every action counts—thank you for standing with us.
