The conference Hunting and Protection of Marine Mammals – a Clash of Cultures? was held by the Nordic Committee on Bioethicsin the Faroe Islands in June 2012, to discuss the growing dilemma regarding the rights of marine mammals, such as whales, with respect to the rights and interests of small fishing communities to continue practicing their traditional hunting methods. A broad range of experts were invited for an open dialogue, involving disciplines such as medicine, biology, ethics, anthropology, physiology, and zoology, as well as people active fighting for animal rights, and stakeholders from those communities in the Nordic countries that have been hit the hardest by the change in public opinion.

This conference summary highlights the main themes of the conference. The committee hopes that it will be resourceful for everyone interested in the topic and will serve as an important contribution to Nordic dialogue on marine mammals.