06.0.2024 – Ethics or not

A calm, relaxed morning at sea. First we saw a large group of Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), which approached us several times. We then observed Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus). With them were a couple of Bottlenose dolphins, two mothers with their calves.

Pilot whales are such sensitive animals. Their behaviour is extremely strong. The cohesion in the group is extremely intense. Pilot whales and Orcas are known to carry their calf on the surface for many days when it is dead. This indicates a deep grieving process. Overall, and in this particular case, it is therefore incomprehensible why humans would prey on these beautiful creatures for traditional reasons or simply out of malice.

The hunting of Pilot whales, both on the Faroe Islands and in Japan, is heavily criticised worldwide, particularly by animal welfare organisations and conservationists. One of the main criticisms is the extreme cruelty with which the animals are killed. On the Faroe Islands, Pilot whales are driven into shallow waters during the traditional ‘grindadráp’. There they are then killed with knives or spears. This often takes place in front of spectators, including children. The animals often suffer for a long time before they are cruelly killed.

Another strong argument against this practice is the impact on whale populations. Even in Japan, where Pilot whales are hunted as part of coastal whaling, environmentalists fear that these practices could jeopardise the survival of the species.

Ethical arguments play a central role in the criticism. Many see the hunting of intelligent and social animals such as whales as morally questionable. Pilot whales live in close family groups and the mass slaughter of entire groups is seen as particularly cruel. The hunting methods and the fact that these animals are very susceptible to stress reinforce the accusation that this is an unnecessarily brutal practice.

The Bottlenose dolphins that we have seen on every tour today are also regularly slaughtered in Japan.

This link leads you to the petitions

https://www.lobosonda.com/marine-protection/

At midday we also had Bottlenose dolphins and a Sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), which surfaced at the right time and left us after a while with a majestic sweep of its fluke to dive into the blue depths.

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

09:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Pilot whales

Stenella

09:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Pilot whales

14:00 Bottlenose dolphins, Sperm whale