Sea Shepherd’s Faroe Islands Director, Valentina Crast, joined an expert panel on November 25, 2024, as part of the American Bar Association’s inaugural “Blue Crimes Webinar Series.” This session, titled “Legality of Dolphin and Whale Hunts,” examined the legal, ethical, and environmental implications of cetacean hunts worldwide. The event launched a three-part series addressing crimes impacting marine life, humans, and ecosystems.
Valentina brought her extensive experience leading campaigns to end whaling practices in the Faroe Islands, where grindadráp—the traditional hunting of pilot whales and white-sided dolphins—continues with government sanction. Representing Sea Shepherd, Valentina shed light on the on-the-ground challenges of combating these hunts and emphasized the importance of international legal frameworks, public awareness, and global collaboration.
Insights from the Expert Panel
The event also featured esteemed panelists:
- Dr. Zoi Aliozi: An international academic and lawyer specializing in climate justice and human rights.
- Dr. Lori Marino: A neuroscientist and President of the Whale Sanctuary Project.
Together, the panel explored the threats facing dolphins and whales globally, presenting strategies for advocacy and actionable solutions to reduce the suffering of these intelligent marine mammals.
Watch the Full Event
The ABA ILS International Criminal Law Committee and ILS International Animal Law Committee present the first of a three-part webinar series on Blue Crimes impacting aquatic animals, humans and our environment.
This article was first published by Sea Shepherd on 7 December 2024. Lead Image: Highlighting the Grindadráp in the Faroe Islands.
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