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Four Decades of EIA: Unveiling the Dark Realities of Faroe Islands’ Whale Hunts

by Krystal

As the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) approaches its 40th anniversary later this year, the organization is commemorating this milestone by revisiting notable films and stories from its extensive archive. Emphasizing its commitment to exposing environmental crimes and abuses worldwide, today’s spotlight is on one of the EIA’s earliest investigations.

In 1985, the Faroe Islands, an autonomous territory under Denmark’s jurisdiction, drew international attention for what was then recognized as the world’s largest whale hunt. This annual event saw the targeted killing of hundreds of long-finned pilot whales. Distinguished from Japan’s industrialized commercial whaling, the Faroese hunts, known as grindadráp, operated at a community level. Pods of whales were herded to shore and dispatched in shallow waters using spinal lances.

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While these hunts remain legally sanctioned and are considered a traditional source of food for the islanders, studies conducted over the years revealed a concerning aspect. The harvested whale meat and blubber were found to be contaminated with mercury at levels exceeding recommended limits for human consumption.

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Reflecting on the gravity of this issue, EIA co-founder Jennifer Lonsdale, in a 2019 interview, shared her firsthand experience witnessing the hunt and delved into the organization’s initial investigation. This inquiry played a pivotal role in bringing to light the harsh reality of the Faroe Islands’ whale hunt, sparking global awareness about the environmental and health implications associated with the practice.

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