Whaling season has begun in Faroe islands despite coronavirus restrictions. Around 300 pilot whales and Atlantic white-sided dolphins were killed as a part of the 1,000-year tradition to supply the archipelago with meat for the upcoming year. The slaughter or Grindadrap is part of a cultural significance of the Danish territory and continues even after criticisms by animal lovers and environmentalists. As per the traditional practice also known as 'the Grind', fishermen surround the whales with boats and trap them in a bay and kill them with knives. The Faroe Islands are located in the North Atlantic between Norway and Iceland. They are made up of 18 tiny islands. Meanwhile, pictures of the slaughter are being shared widely online. Whaling Ships Set Sail as Japan Resumes Commercial Hunts.

Reportedly, Faroes which has a bare minimum population of 50,000 has 188 cases to date, but just one since April. Fisheries Minister Jacob Vestergaard gave a thumbs up for the hunt on July 7 but without large gatherings. The Faroese government defends the whaling practice in the country as "sustainable" and "regulated." According to authorities, "the Faroese hunt on average 800 pilot whales annually" and "approximately 100,00". According to them, stress pilot whales are not an endangered species, and their hunt is not "a festival". They believe it is a process that provides food to the local community.

Whales And Dolphins Being Slaughtered at Faroe Islands:

Sea Turned Red Due to The Killings:

Sea Shepherd managed to stop the 2014 season, but they were slammed and Danish military vessels have been asked to ensure that the NGO is kept outside Faroese waters. However, Faroese are divided on the practice themselves due to varying reasons. And many urges the media and NGOs respect their practice which is a traditional island culture.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 21, 2020 10:44 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).