>>>The sanctioned Government culls, however, went on until the late 70s, when an outcry put an end to them. It was the same over here (may be two or three later) and following this we had a complete change in discussion of things like "what do we need "and "what will other need". I remember a visit to Shetland in the early 80es when the Greenpeace vessel Rainbow Warrior (I think it was Rainbow Warrior II actually) was mored in Lerwick in order to do some repairs from bullets which it had picked up from the Faeroese Coastguard when interfering the whale hunt. I couldn't understand such engagement, due to the fact that at that times the Greenpeace (German & Danish ... European) position was completly different from the official Greenpeace International position. The official Greenpeace position was against "whale hunting" while others were in favour of a line saying "it's not possible that such a small hunting community like the Faeroese will kill the whole specia" ... Today the traditional way of hunting or "harvesting" is internationally accepted - due to the fact, that the Faeroese demand of animal meat is dependend up to some 30% or 40% on whale meat ... I am sure both sides have learned their lessons: The Faeroese will not hunt whales and seals to cover the interest of some firms buisy in cosmethicals and noone else will hinder the Faeroese to cover their needs of animal meat ... I went to the Faeroer Islands for several times, I've watched the traditional hunt and I took my share as anyone staying in Faeroese Islands can do, if he wants to do so ... but this traditional (some may say archaic way of hunting) is something completely different from "clubbing seal pubs". It is somehow archaic, it brings you "back to your roots" ...