The Faroese have eaten pilot whale meat and blubber since they first settled the islands a millennium ago. Today, as in times past, the whale drive is a community activity open to all, well organised on a community level, and regulated by national laws.

Records of all pilot whale hunts have been kept since 1584, and the practice is deemed sustainable. An estimated 778,000 whales are in the eastern North Atlantic region—approximately 100,000 swim close to the Faroe Islands, and the Faroese hunt approximately 800 pilot whales annually.

The meat and blubber from the hunt are distributed equally among those who have participated. Those who are too ill or weak to participate are encouraged to sign up for their share even though they have not.

Hunting and killing methods have been improved to cause as little harm to the whales as possible. All hunters must now obtain a hunting license to kill a whale.

Although pilot whale meat and blubber contain much protein, iron, carnitine, and vitamins, there are concerns that the whales' high levels of mercury and PCBs can have detrimental health effects. Ocean pollution by heavy industries and industrialised agriculture has resulted in the pollution of whales.

Here, you can read more detailed information about whaling in the Faroe Islands.