In a bold move two cruise lines yesterday made the announcement that they’d be removing the Faroe Islands from their itineraries in protest over the annual pilot whale hunt held there.
Hapag-Lloyd and AIDA are now looking to shift their ships to alternative destinations and are urging the islanders to stop this practise.
When approached the WDC (Whale and Dolphin Conservation) commented to say “it’s not just pilot whales that end up being killed in the hunt for their meat, but also various dolphin species”.
The whales are rounded up at sea and then driven to the shore where they’re slaughtered by the waiting Faroe Island residents.
The Director for environment and community and chief sustainability officer for AIDA, Dr. Monika Griefahn said to the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society: “In the interest of our crew and our guests as well as for reasons for species protection, AIDA Cruises has decided to stop making port calls to the Faroe Islands until further notice.”
Karl Pojer, Hapag-Lloyd’s chief executive, added: “Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is committed to treating flora, fauna, and the marine ecosystem as well as all its creatures with respect.
“We protect what fascinates us—it is therefore high in the interests of the company that whaling on the Faroe Islands is stopped.”
What are your thoughts? Is whale hunting an important part of the Faroe Islands cultural heritage or do you agree with the cruise lines in boycotting this destination?
Let us know in the comments below…
