COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — A Faeroe Islands court has found six members of the U.S.-based Sea Shepherd Conservation Society guilty of attempting to hinder a traditional pilot whales drive in the North Atlantic islands, and fined each one 1,000 kroner ($174).

Faeroese authorities had given permission for the non-commercial slaughter that dates from the late 16th century and which Sea Shepherd opposes.

The court said Monday two South Africans, one Mexican and three Europeans were arrested Aug. 30 after vainly trying to prevent the drive by entering the water off the southern island of Sandoy and banging poles to try to lead some 30 whales away. The activists pleaded not guilty.

Islanders drive herds of pilot whales into shallow waters, where they are stabbed to death. The meat and blubber eventually are shared.

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