A summer of hope and heartbreak for whales in Icelandic waters
Luke McMillan Luke is WDC’s Head of hunting and captivity. Now that the 2023 whaling season in Iceland has ended, it’s time to reflect on the whirlwind of events that unfolded for the fin whales in Icelandic waters. We have been at the forefront of efforts to end the slaughter, and this season was a rollercoaster…
Read MoreHow we need to support Faroese communities to end the whale and dolphin hunts
Hayley Flanagan Hayley is WDC’s engagement officer, specialising in creating brilliant content for our website and publications. VIEW ALL HAYLEY’S BLOGS Change is in the air as people wake up to the reality that our planet and the species we share it with cannot be treated as endless resources. This awakening has taken root in…
Read MoreWDC in Japan – Part 2: Digital dolphins
Welcome to the second chapter of my incredible journey to build alliances in Japan. As promised in my last blog, I am going to tell you about my experience at a magical exhibition. This opportunity came about through an invitation from one of the many inspiring individuals I had the privilege of meeting in Japan…
Read MoreWDC in Japan – Part 2: Digital dolphins
Welcome to the second chapter of my incredible journey to build alliances in Japan. As promised in my last blog, I am going to tell you about my experience at a magical exhibition. This opportunity came about through an invitation from one of the many inspiring individuals I had the privilege of meeting in Japan…
Read MoreBreaking barriers for whales and dolphins at the Convention of Migratory Species
Many species of whales, dolphins and porpoises undertake long journeys, encountering human-made obstacles along the way. Danger lurks in various forms from fishing nets to harpoons, underwater noise to chemical and plastic pollution. I’ve just returned from a gathering of global scientists trying to find ways to allow them to travel freely. Species without borders A…
Read MoreWDC in Japan – Part 1: Finding allies in Tokyo
At the end of May, I embarked on an incredible journey to Japan on behalf of Whale and Dolphin Conservation. My mission was clear: Find allies and get an up-to-date impression of Japanese whaling and the dolphin hunt in Taiji. Over the coming weeks, I’ll share with you how I got on. My first stop…
Read MoreThe unicorns of the sea must be protected – CITES
The narwhal, is under threat. Often referred to as the unicorns of the sea, narwhals, are hunted for their meat, blubber and ivory tusks which are sold around the world. Populations are declining and they risk extinction in Greenland. To ensure their future, WDC is attending a meeting of the Convention on International Trade in…
Read MoreSpeaking truth to power – my week giving whales a voice
The International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting is where governments come together to make decisions about whaling and whale conservation. Our team was at this year’s convention to speak up for the whales. Well, that was an eventful experience. The conference of the International Whaling Commission (IWC, the body that regulates whale hunts) in Slovenia at the…
Read MoreFive Facts About Orcas
Orcas, also known as killer whales, are one of the most recognizable and popular species of whales and dolphins. Orcas are so fascinating and we wanted to share five of our favorite facts about them! 1. Orcas are black and white to help them camouflage in the ocean. Orcas are instantly recognizable due to their…
Read MoreUnderstanding whale and dolphin hunts in the Faroe Islands – why change is not easy
Most people in my home country of the Faroe Islands would like to see an end to the kind of dolphin hunt that sparked an outcry in September last year. Yet a poll has shown that a staggering 83% are in favour of continuing the traditional grindadráp, the slaughter of pilot whales. This is not…
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