Locals around Sabu island are known for their traditional whale-hunting methods, particularly those from Lamalera village on neighbouring Lembata island. Fishermen in rowboats use hand-made harpoons to hunt sperm whales in the same way they have for centuries, later trading what they don’t eat or use from the carcass with other islanders.

Because of their traditional practices, whale hunters are exempt from the UN’s international ban on commercial whaling, but in recent years the village has come under pressure from local charities and the Indonesian government to help create a protected maritime zone in the area.

Recently villagers have outfitted their rowboats with engines and are now hunting dolphins. Dolphins are a protected species in Indonesia and not exempt from the UN’s international ban on commercial whaling. We urge the Forestry Department to enforce the law and end dolphin hunting in village of Lamalera.