Hundreds of pilot whales and dolphins have been slaughtered as part of an annual ritual on the shores of the Faroe Islands, an archipelago between Iceland and Norway. Due to the remote location of the island, the locals have historically relied on the meat and blubber of pilot whales as their major source of food. Although commercial whaling is banned in most parts of the world, Faroe islanders are allowed by law to harvest whale meat to be distributed to the community. “Whaling is a natural part of Faroese life and pilot whale meat and blubber are a cherished supplement to households across the islands. Whaling in the Faroe Islands is conducted in accordance with international law and globally recognised principles of sustainable development,” Faroe Islands’ spokesperson Pall Nolsoe said in a statement last year defending the practice.

Source: Hindustan Times June 21, 2017 10:52 UTC