Sea Shepherd volunteers in the Faroe Islands 2025

Getting involved!

Interviews for this year’s volunteer positions in the Faroe Islands are underway, and it’s always one of the most inspiring times of the year for me. Sitting down with passionate individuals driven by a desire to create positive change is a powerful reminder of why we do this work.

This year, as always, we invite seasoned activists and new volunteers alike to join us in our efforts to achieve full protection for cetaceans in the North Atlantic. Volunteers play a vital role in this mission. However, this campaign is not for everyone. It requires resilience, dedication, and a unique skill set.

What It Takes to Volunteer in the Faroe Islands

Volunteers must have the ability to witness and document the horrifying reality of animal cruelty while remaining calm and composed. This work demands the courage to face brutal truths while retaining the capacity to communicate effectively with a local community where the vast majority is not engaged in ending this abuse.

Processing these experiences—while turning them into meaningful advocacy—is no easy task. Not everyone is suited for this campaign, but those who are selected make a critical difference. Each person contributes in their own way to creating lasting change.

Why Documentation and Local Support Matter

The documentation we gather is essential for building international pressure on the Faroese government to phase out the grindadrap through our stopthegrind.org partneships. But equally important is fostering local support and encouraging independent, grassroots anti-whaling activism. The Faroese government will not initiate political change without the voices of the Faroese people demanding it.

Addressing Common Misconceptions

For those unfamiliar with the grind and our work, criticism often comes from a distance. People shout online, insisting we should run into the water to stop the grind by any means necessary—violent or otherwise—or call for action-movie stunts like ramming boats.

But those who understand this work know that such tactics do nothing to save lives. Our priority must be creating lasting, systemic change—not superficial, short-term satisfaction. This often means setting aside our instincts and desires for short-sighted and instant emotional gratification, which can be deeply uncomfortable. But it’s necessary. This isn’t a TV drama—it’s the heartbreaking loss of over 1,000 sentient pilot whales and dolphins every year.

How You Can Help

If this resonates with you and you are ready to dedicate your time and skills to this mission, we’d love to hear from you - And maybe I will see you in The faroes this year!

Faroe Islands Application

Read our latest commentary and press release:

https://www.seashepherdglobal.org/latest-news/change-faroe-islands-campaign/