Whale Warrior

Wednesday September 9, 2009

"I have been honored to serve the whales, dolphins, seals and all the other creatures on this Earth. Their beauty, intelligence, strength, and spirit have inspired me. These beings have spoken to me, touched me, and I have been rewarded by friendship with many members of different species. If the whales survive and flourish, if the seals continue to live and give birth, and if I can contribute to ensuring their future prosperity, I will be forever happy."
Paul Watson, animal rights and environmental activist

A controversial but inspirational cause is the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, led by Captain Paul Watson, which is dedicated to research, investigation and enforcement of laws, treaties, resolutions and regulations established to protect marine wildlife worldwide. Last year I went to a Writing Festival event where Peter Heller was discussing his book Whale Warriors: On Board a Pirate Ship in the Battle to Save the World's Largest Mammals, which detailed his time onboard a Sea Shepherd vessel with Paul Watson and his crew during their campaign to stop illegal Japanese whaling in Antarctica. It's a fascinating read about a fascinating man, who is loved and loathed in equal measure, but is so passionate about his cause that he often puts his life on the line to protect the animals he lovesso much. Whatever you think of his methods, it is inspiring and very moving to understand the depths of his commitment.
As their mission statment explains: "Established in 1977, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is an international non-profit, marine wildlife conservation organization. Our mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world's oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species. Sea Shepherd uses innovative direct-action tactics to investigate, document, and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas. By safeguarding the biodiversity of our delicately-balanced ocean ecosystems, Sea Shepherd works to ensure their survival for future generations."
Paul Watson is described as a modern-day pirate by many – which is a compliment from some, and an insult by others. Whaling nations, seal hunters and illegal shark poachers claim he's a terrorist, and he has purposefully sunk nine ships, but Paul claims his actions fall within international law, in particular their right to enforce maritime regulations against illegal whalers and sealers, and he insists Sea Shepherd has never harmed a person in the pursuit of its mission to stop illegal whaling, drift-netting, dolphin slaughter and sealing. What many critics forget is that the group is enforcing existing law against countries who flout the rules against the wishes of governments and people. And he is supported by many inspiring, peace loving people, including the Dalai Lama (read his letter of support here).
He's always cared about saving animals. As a kidin Canada, Paul would find and destroy beaver traps, disrupt deer and duck hunters and prevent other boys from shooting birds. In 1969, at the age of 18, he and some friends started Greenpeace, and he was one of the founding members and directors of the organisation (his official membership number was and continues to be 007). In 1975, he and his friend Robert Hunter were the first people to put their lives on the line to protect whales – putting their tiny inflatable boat between a Russian harpoon vessel and a pod of whales. And it was this moment that set Paul on his life path. A giant harpooned whale, thrashing in its death throes, loomed over their tiny boat. "I thought, this is it, it's all over, he's going to slam down on the boat," Paul says. "But instead, he pulled back. I saw his muscles pull back. It was as if he knew we were trying to save them. As he slid back into the water, drowning in his own blood, I looked into his eye and I saw recognition. Empathy. What I saw in his eye as he looked at me would change my life forever. He saved my life and I would return the favour."
In 1977, Greenpeace became more bureaucratic, and the new leaders were opposed to direct action campaigns. Paul left because he felt their original goals were being compromised, and he knew direct action conservation activities were necessary to enforce the laws protecting marine wildlife. And so he formed the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.
You can read updates about Sea Shepherd's campaigns, their progress and what you can do to help by joining their Facebook page, or visit their main website here.

I've decided I'll make this into a regular feature, profiling some of the causes and groups that inspire me, and the simple ways we can make such a difference to people in need. I'll keep a list of them here. And if there are any causes dear to your heart, let me know.

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