Whales, toxins, and a way of life

The Faroese tradition of men taking to small boats to hunt pilot whales by hand, turning the sea red with blood, is a revolting spectacle to many outsiders. The hunts attract animal rights campaigners from across the globe, who turn up in expensive boats to protest against the slaughter.

Once landed, the whale meat is divided into portions and wheeled away by islanders, recalling a time when hunting was so important to these …