Doneer
Doneer

Populaire zoektermen

Operation Bloody Fjords

Defending pilot whales in the Faroe Islands and Denmark

Operation Bloody Fjords

A new direction to stop the grindadráp

The cruel and bloody slaughter known as the grindadráp continues with the support of the Danish government, in conflict with the European Union's Habitat's Directive. Operation Bloody Fjords heralds a new direction for Sea Shepherd as the organization takes its battle against the grindadráp to the heart of the Faroese and Danish institutions that continue to promote this outdated practice.

The Issue
A cruel and outdated slaughter in the name of 'tradition'

Every year, up to 1,000 migrating pilot whales and other dolphins are hunted and brutally killed in the Danish protectorate of the Faroe Islands. Sea Shepherd has led opposition to the grindadráp since the 1980s, saving the lives of hundreds of pilot whales and bringing global attention to the ongoing slaughters. A total of 28 Sea Shepherd volunteers have been arrested for interfering against the grindadráp, many of who were subsequently deported for the “crime” of defending pilot whales.

The Campaign Mission
Fighting the Grind in the heart of the Faroese and Danish institutions

Increasing restrictions prevent Sea Shepherd volunteers from entering the Faroe Islands in an attempt to cover up the horrors of the grindadráp. But as the battleground changes, we too change our tactics. Operation Bloody Fjords takes the battle to the heart of the Faroese and Danish institutions that continue to promote this outdated practice.. We will use photographic and video evidence to fight the grind in the judicial and political arenas, in commerce and industry and -- as always -- in the media.

Legal Challenges
Holding Denmark Responsible

Sea Shepherd has officially submitted a request to the European Commission to launch infringement proceedings against Denmark for facilitating the slaughter of pilot whales and other cetaceans in the Faroe Islands. An EU directive prohibits member states from all forms of deliberate disturbance, capture, or killing of cetaceans, however Sea Shepherd has evidence proving that Danish officials from the police, navy, and customs have been facilitating and even actively participating in the Grind. 

Police officers employed by Denmark on board a Faroese boat actively engaged in herding pilot whales for the Grind slaughter. Photo: Sea Shepherd Global.
Danish naval vessel shadowing and blocking a Sea Shepherd vessel from working to protect the pilot whales in the Faroe Islands. Photo: Sea Shepherd Global
Pilot whales in Haraldssund, off the coast of the Faroe Islands. Photo Marianne Baldo.
A grind turns the waters of the Faroes Islands red with blood. Photo Mayk Wendt.
00 / 4