Grindadráp: a bloody tradition of the Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands, a picturesque archipelago with wildlife, impressive landscapes and a unique culture, attract tourists from all over the world. However, every year the region becomes the subject of controversy over the traditional hunting of long-beaked grindworms and white-sided dolphins – Grindadráp, a practice that has lasted for more than 1,200 years. On May 4, the first hunt of the year took place, which ended tragically for approx. 40 of these marine mammals. More such events are planned during the current year.

The hunt, while deeply rooted in local culture and tradition, is facing growing criticism for its brutality and negative impact on the population of these mammals. This situation provokes a serious debate about the morality of these activities and the need to seek a balance between preserving tradition and protecting wildlife.

Grindadráp – a tradition steeped in blood

For centuries, Faroese residents have hunted white-sided dolphins and grindwhales (a species of mammal in the dolphin family). This practice, known as Grindadráp, is an integral part of the archipelago’s culture and has its roots dating back to around 800 AD, when the first Vikings settled in the area. This historical legacy has survived to this day and, unfortunately, continues.

Hunting usually takes place in summer, when these mammals, traveling in large herds, swim close to the islands. Then local residents organize to go out in boats and chase the animals into selected shallow bays. Surrounded by boats, they are gradually led to shore, where they have no means of escape. When the animals are pushed into shallow waters, the most controversial part of the hunt begins. The men involved in the killing use traditional knives to cut through the carotid arteries and spinal cord of the animals. This method, while effective in killing quickly, is brutal and provokes strong emotions and protests. Animals die in suffering, which is difficult to accept for many people observing this phenomenon from the outside.

Once the hunt is over, the meat and fat of the animals are distributed to community members. Each family receives a share of the prey. The tradition also persists as an element of solidarity and mutual aid among islanders.

Controversy and international criticism

This centuries-old tradition was born out of the need to provide food for the winter. Although in the past meat was essential for survival, today it is difficult to rationally explain the continuation of this terrible practice. An average of 270 mammals are killed annually as a result of this bloody ritual. However, 2021 surprised everyone – nearly 1,500. The animals were slaughtered in one day in Skálafjørður Bay. This massacre in the Faroe Islands was the largest since the statistics began, sparking widespread controversy and criticism internationally and even among the islanders.

#StopTheGrind

As Grindadráp’s practice indicates, animal rights often succumb to the pressure to uphold tradition. For years, these brutal hunts have been the subject of controversy and international criticism. Grindadráp supporters stress that grindworm hunting is an integral part of Faroese culture, playing a key role in preserving local traditions. They also claim that hunting is regulated and that animal meat is used for food.

Opponents of the practice argue that it is cruel and unnecessary, given the availability of alternative food sources for Farerians. Critics of the tradition also point to serious ethical issues related to the killing of animals, which can be seen as a violation of their rights.

In response to growing criticism, the #StopTheGrind movement was formed to end the practice of Grindadráp. The campaign garnered global support using activism on social media, where photos and videos documenting the hunt spread, sparking public outrage. The movement focuses on education, raising awareness and mobilizing the international community to work toward ending this controversial tradition. Activists of #StopTheGrind are organizing international protests, conducting awareness campaigns and collecting signatures on petitions addressed to Faroese authorities and the Danish government, calling for a ban on hunting. The initiative is also benefiting from the influence of well-known celebrities and conservation organizations that publicly declare their support for the campaign.

Faroe Islands introduced restrictions

The interference of environmental activists and animal advocates meant that on July 10, 2022. The government has announced a cap on ritual hunting to a maximum of 500 dolphins per year for 2022 and 2023. Animal advocates, however, were skeptical about the government-issued catch limit, and they weren’t wrong. Last May, more than 500 were killed during one day alone. How it will be this year, time will tell.

Main photo: Wikipedia/Anna, CC BY-SA 4.0