Hunting quotas and seasonal protection schemes, etc., are implemented on the basis of expert advice in order to ensure sustainable utilisation of the stocks. Without doubt, pollution poses the greatest danger to the west Nordic hunting culture. Heavy metals and other toxic substances accumulate in the animals, threatening their fitness for human consumption. Also, the animal's fertility and survivability are affected by pollution. Such threats are extremely difficult for the west Nordic countries to deter or counteract.
Pollution knows no borders.
We can but appeal to the industrialised nations to act in a conscientious and responsible manner and work continuously towards reducing the emissions of environmentally hazardous substances into nature. General misconceptions and insufficient knowledge of the conditions under which hunting in the west Nordic areas is conducted have often posed a threat to the traditional culture of west Nordic hunting. Examples of this can be observed in campaigns against seal hunting in Greenland, the sinking of Icelandic whaling ships and actions against the Faroese's killing of the pilot whale. These examples emphasise the importance of a constructive dialogue between environmental and animal protection organisations and the west Nordic peoples. We must ensure that discussion will not be premised on myths and erroneous presumptions.