Faroese police investigate reports of whale-deterrent devices near pilot whale hunt

Faroese authorities have reported suspected activists to the police for allegedly placing acoustic devices intended to disrupt pilot whale behaviour near a hunt in Hvannasund, Kringvarp Føroya reports.

Local organisers of the traditional grindadráp (pilot whale hunt) discovered multiple devices designed to emit soundwaves that deter whales, though it remains unclear who placed them. The case has now been referred to police for investigation.

The devices, known as whale deterrents or “forskrekkjari” in Faroese, are typically used to prevent collisions between whales and vessels by emitting frequencies that drive whales away from specific areas. However, under Faroese regulations governing the grindadráp, it is illegal to deploy any equipment that may alter whale behaviour without authorisation from the relevant government minister.

The hunt’s organiser has formally notified police, citing potential violations of the regulations that govern the traditional practice.