The pilot whale is common around Iceland, and unlike some of his relatives, is usually seen in large congregations. These groups are thought to be ruled by dominant females and can reach hundreds in size. The majority of mass strandings are of this species and this phenomenon is not fully understood, but the strong herding instinct which definitely plays a role in strandings, has been used by people of the N-Atlantic coasts for centuries, groups will let themselves be driven to the shore, to strand and be slaughtered. A vital addition to the nourishment of long gone generations, the importance of this hunt has diminished and Pilot whales have not been hunted, in this manner, for decades in Iceland.