Marine Life & Conservation
A message from Captain Paul Watson – President of the Board and Executive Director of Sea Shepherd USA
On December 31st, 2012, I stepped down from my position as President of the Board of Directors and Executive Director of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society in the USA.
I did so in order as to comply with the injunction granted to the Japanese whalers by the U.S. Federal 9th Circuit Court. This was a move to protect both the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and the Directors due to the fact that I was already in the Southern Ocean when the injunction was granted to the Japanese whalers on December 17th, 2012. Although I also stepped down as the campaign leader and the Captain of the Steve Irwin, it was physically impossible for me to leave the ship.
Since then, it has been a rough 40 months with numerous court cases, and although Sea Shepherd was penalized for opposing the illegal activities of the Japanese whaling operations in the Southern ocean, we were vindicated by the decision of the International Court of Justice in 2014 that delivered a verdict that Japanese whaling in the Southern Ocean is neither scientific or legal. In 2015, the Australian Federal Court fined the Japanese whalers one million Australian dollars for contempt for continuing to kill whales in violation of a judgment of the Australian Federal Court.
In response to the verdict of the U.S. Federal Court against Sea Shepherd USA, the U.S.A. operations of Sea Shepherd were separated from all other national Sea Shepherd entities. These entities were organized under the direction of Sea Shepherd Global directed by Captain Alex Cornelissen of the Netherlands.
The positive side of this separation was the creation of what is now the global Sea Shepherd movement.
Sea Shepherd USA is now countering suing the Japanese in the U.S. Courts.
There is no question that the legal consequences were counter productive to Sea Shepherd USA but because Sea Shepherd is a law-abiding organization, there was no alternative but to comply with the Federal Court order.
We have learned many lessons on many fronts and I believe we are the stronger because of these trials and obstacles that we have had to endure.
Now after three years and three months, I have returned to my position as President of the Board of Directors and Executive Director of Sea Shepherd USA.
In this position I will focus on the operations of ships and campaigns run by Sea Shepherd USA, specifically the operations of the ships Farley Mowat, Martin Sheen and Jules Verne. With reference to priority operations our focus will be Operation Jairo to protect sea-turtles, Operation Milagro to protect the endangered Vaquita and the initiation of campaigns to protect marine reserves in the Caribbean and the West coast of Latin America. Sea Shepherd will continue our efforts to protect the marine reserves of the Galapagos and we intend to address the plight of wild salmon off the coast of British Columbia. In addition we will continue our opposition to the illegal slaughter of pilot whales and dolphins in the Faroe Islands, the slaughter of dolphins in Japan, the Canadian seal hunt and of course illegal whaling and fishing wherever we are needed. We will also focus on our campaigns to free captive Orcas and dolphins from captivity.
Sea Shepherd USA will work in cooperation with all other Sea Shepherd groups around the planet to uphold international marine conservation laws wherever we can make a difference.
Sea Shepherd will continue our policy of aggressive non-violence and operations within the boundaries on international law as defined by the U.N. World Charter for Nature and of course within the boundaries of practicality.
I will assess the effectiveness of current campaign strategies and of course in this area, I most certainly welcome suggestions and ideas.
Sea Shepherd will continue to work to educate the public through cooperation with television programs, documentary and feature films.
Sea Shepherd will also continue to be dedicated to directing our resources to ships and campaigns. We intend to keep our staff small and efficient and we wish to continue to have the organization motivated by the passion, imagination, courage, dedication and compassion of our volunteer support base.
Our entire motivation for doing what we do is all summed up in the simple statement that “if the Ocean dies, we all die!”
Sea Shepherd ships will continue to be vegan vessels for reasons of conservation and environmental concerns and we will continue to operate our vessels as efficiently and as safely as we can. Our 39-year record of never causing an injury to our opposition or sustaining any serious injuries to our own crew is unblemished and I intend to see that it continues on this path.
I want all directors, staff, officers and crew, chapter coordinators, shore volunteers and supporters to understand that they can direct any and all complaints, suggestions and ideas to me personally and directly. We need to have efficient communications between all parties within Sea Shepherd.
I believe that Sea Shepherd has evolved in a very positive direction with our successful alliances with various governmental enforcement agencies, like with the Mexican Navy and the Galapagos National Park. And of course this compliments the cooperative efforts that Sea Shepherd Global has made in cooperation with Interpol and governments in Africa, Europe and Asia. I think this is the way of the future where we combine our activism with official powers of enforcement.
Next year Sea Shepherd will celebrate our 40th Anniversary. I want us to complete this year with every staff member, chapter leader and volunteer feeling that they we are all equal partners in something that is more than just an organization, but more importantly a much needed movement to defend and protect marine bio-diversity in our Ocean.
What we do in the coming years will hopefully have positive consequences for all future generations of all species including our own.
We have always been progressive with activism and idealism but we also need to develop a business plan to allow us to efficiently raise the funds we need to run our ships and campaigns. In the past this has been our weakness and I am convinced if we can increase our efficiency with fund-raising and with administration we will be able to increase our efficiency with campaigns.
After 40 months it is good to return to take the helm of Sea Shepherd USA and together we can now set a course towards a future of more effective interventions and creating greater awareness.
Thank you
Captain Paul Watson
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
This holiday period, the Marine Conservation Society, the UK’s leading ocean membership charity, invites you to make some simple changes to eating fish this Christmas to help our seas.
Dr Kenneth Bodles, Head of Fisheries and Aquaculture at the Marine Conservation Society, said, “During the festive season, our consumption increases, but so does waste. Sustainability isn’t just about where food comes from – it’s also about how you use it. By reducing waste and making the most out of your seafood, you’re not only taking steps to be more ocean-friendly, but can also help to cut costs during what is often one of the most expensive times of the year”.
The Marine Conservation Society has compiled twelve tips on how to consume seafood sustainably with zero-waste this Christmas:
Buy whole fish instead of fillets
Instead of fillets, consider buying whole fish such as salmon, hake, or lemon sole. By adopting a “nose to tail” approach with cooking, whole-baked fish not only feeds a crowd, but also helps to minimise waste and maximise sustainability by using up every part of the animal, including bones, skin, and fat.
Make fish stock
Leftover fish bones or shells can be put to good use by boiling them to make a nourishing fish stock or bisque. This can be frozen and preserved for later use and makes for a flavourful base in a soup.
Make your own fish pâté
Avoid waste by turning leftover fish, such as smoked mackerel or salmon, into a delicious pâté by blending with cream cheese and lemon. Perfect when paired with crackers.
The sustainability of salmon and mackerel varies depending on where and how it is caught or farmed. For more information on green-rated options, check the charity’s Good Fish Guide.
Buy frozen
By purchasing seafood that is frozen or vacuum-packed, this helps to reduce waste by extending the shelf life of your food.
Fish pie
If you’re wondering what to do with leftover cooked fish, why not opt for a classic fish pie with mashed potatoes, leeks, and a cheesy sauce? A sure crowd pleaser on Boxing Day.
Use the head
Don’t forget the fish head! The meat is incredibly tender and flavourful. The charity recommends a cod’s head curry or recreating Fallow’s renowned cod’s head in siracha butter.
By stretching your ingredients further, not only is this a more sustainable way to enjoy seafood, but also cost-effective by repurposing leftovers and cooking creatively.
Boxing Day brunch
Mix leftover kippers or smoked salmon with scrambled eggs for a tasty, zero-waste, Boxing Day brunch.
For best choice, make sure you buy kippers, or herring, from the North Sea and the North Irish Sea.
Zero-waste storage
A top tip from the Marine Conservation Society to avoid waste is freezing fish offcuts to save for future use.
Crisp up the skin
Even leftover fish skin can be turned into a quick savoury snack by crisping it up in an air fryer with a little olive oil and salt.
Anchovies two ways
Leftover anchovies can either be blended with butter to make a delicious anchovy butter or tossed into pasta for a hit of umami flavour.
The charity recommends opting for anchovies caught in the Bay of Biscay for best choice.
Fishcakes
For an easy, zero-waste meal, leftover seafood trimmings can be mixed with mash and fried in breadcrumbs to make fishcakes.
Pickled mussels
Try pickling mussels in 1:1 vinegar and water, with a dash of sugar for a sustainable, zero-waste snack that can be enjoyed well beyond the festive season.
Mussels farmed in the UK are a seafood superhero. Grown using low-impact methods and harvested by hand, they get all the food they need from the sea around them. This makes them one of the most sustainable, ocean-friendly, and cost-effective seafood options.
Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised £6.6M towards the Marine Conservation Society’s vital work in making seafood more sustainable.
Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “Fish is a festive favourite for many, but making sustainable choices when it comes to how we buy and eat seafood makes all the difference for our ocean. Support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery has helped the Marine Conservation Society further its sustainable seafood work, so that we can all enjoy healthier, better protected seas.”
The Marine Conservation Society encourages you to make sustainable seafood choices a year-round habit, not just for Christmas. To check how sustainable the seafood on your plate is, you can visit the charity’s Good Fish Guide. The Guide helps consumers and businesses identify the most sustainable seafood using a simple traffic light system, based on where and how species are caught or farmed. Green is the best choice, amber means improvements are needed, and red indicates fish to avoid buying.
Zero-waste gift idea
Why not embrace a zero-waste Christmas by gifting a membership to support marine conservation? It’s a meaningful, low-waste gift that helps protect our ocean for generations to come. Memberships start from as little as £5 a month – the price of a sandwich and drink from your local coffee shop.
Find the latest sustainable seafood advice for wild-caught and farmed seafood on the Good Fish Guide, downloadable to your phone from www.mcsuk.org/goodfishguide.
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