The Islands and The Whales

On the isolated North Atlantic archipelago of the Faroe Islands, the longtime hunting practices of the Faroese are threatened by dangerously high mercury levels in the whales, decimated seabird populations and anti-whaling activists. The Faroe islanders consider themselves a canary in the mine, their tale a warning to the rest of the world.

Anti-whaling activists, including Baywatch's Pamela Anderson, explain why they are trying to stop the grind. They insist that they aren't trying to undermine Faroese culture; they are only trying to protect a sentient mammal species. They are challenged by locals, who note that their climate doesn't allow for much agricultural production, so they can't easily follow the suggestion to eat less meat

As he is examining a young local man (who participates in the grind) Dr. Pál Weihe, Head of the Faroe Islands Department of Public Health, explains that the mercury in the food chain comes largely from electricity used by people and places far from the Islands. He also discusses why it's hard to persuade people that they must stop eating whale.

An elder explains why he doesn't believe the claims that the whale meat is contaminated with mercury. Dr. Weihe understands why it is difficult to accept something that they can't readily see, but cautions about the damage if they wait too long to act (to officially outlaw whale meat).

Panelists make several strong statements and ask important questions: "One day in the future our children will ask us, why didn't you stop? Why did it have to come so far, that the world condemns us and our children get sick?... Not taking action would be unfair, to the thousands of children we've tested."

Mike Day on the complexities of whale hunting & food sustainability in the Faroe Islands.

Director Mike Day recounts filming in harsh conditions with complicated logistics.

Director Mike Day discusses food contamination & the interconnectivity of climate change.

Director Mike Day discusses the dangers of being disconnected from nature.