News
Dr. Simon Pierce seeks global protection for Whalesharks
Dr. Simon Pierce, co-founder of the Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF), has launched a new Patreon crowdfunding campaign to help create global protection for the Earth’s largest fish: the endangered whale shark.
Patrons will receive unprecedented access to Simon and MMF’s expert whale shark team’s work. They’ll receive private access to the team’s latest findings, long before they’re published. They’ll have the opportunity to join researchers in the field via live streams and regular updates, and have priority access to join expeditions to iconic locations such as the Galapagos Islands and Komodo National Park. Donors interested in supporting whale shark conservation can choose from the range of tiers available, starting from just $3 per month (tax deductible for US residents):
- PENGUINS ($3 or more per month): Full access to all updates, including live streams from the field, photos and videos, see the latest scientific results as they come in, and chat to the team directly about what they mean. Basically, you can watch and laugh as MMF scientists totally geek out.
- SEA TURTLES ($9 or more per month): Full access to updates (see above), and you get to adopt your very own whale shark! You’ll receive personalised updates when your shark is seen again.
- MANTA RAYS ($49 or more per month): Full access to updates, adopt your very own whale shark, and you’ll also get free access to a bunch of upcoming content!
- WHALE SHARKS ($99 or more per month): All of the above… and you’ll get to name a whale shark of your very own! The scientists will photo-identify your shark for you and you can choose its name. Sharky McSharkface? No judgement.
- ERM… DOUBLE WHALE SHARKS ($199 or more per month): Our highest-level supporters ($200+ per month) will ALSO get a personal acknowledgement – if you’re amenable – on the team’s scientific publications, which is rather prestigious.
Copyright Simon J Pierce
The new Patreon campaign offers a deeper way for people to invest in producing the science, education and conservation initiatives needed for whale sharks to recover.
Whale sharks, the world’s largest fish, can grow up to about 20 m (65 ft) in length and reach around 40 tons in weight. These plankton-feeders are totally harmless to humans and it’s possible to dive or swim with them in total safety. However, they are now a globally endangered species. Overfishing, accidental catches and ship strikes have killed more than half of the world’s whale sharks since the 1980s.
Copyright Clare Prebble
Simon and his team are working hard to help whale sharks recover. They collaborate with national governments to create and enforce effective protection for the species, partner with fishing communities to move towards sustainable fishing techniques, and promote best-practice ecotourism that benefits the sharks while also allowing people to swim with these gentle giants. The team have published 26 (and counting) scientific papers on whale shark biology, ecology and conservation, as well as innumerable articles for the interested public. They have extensive knowledge about how to help the species recover, but need support from the public to help them achieve their mission.
Dr. Simon Pierce, co-founder of the Marine Megafauna Foundation, said: “Our shark research and conservation work, underway since 2005, has been getting spectacular results. We’ve had amazing public support. I’m hugely proud of the work we’ve done to date.
Copyright Clare Prebble
“Funding these efforts, though, has been an ongoing struggle. So, we’re now building a community of supporters that share our desire to save Earth’s largest fish. We are asking members of the public to become part of this project, with donations from just $3 a month.
“You’ll be joining forces with a small, dedicated team of expert researchers that are working every day to make the world a better place. You’ll get personal updates from global leaders in marine biology and conservation, and you’ll be helping to save the world’s amazing marine wildlife. If you’re able to help, we’ll be super grateful. The whale sharks will be freakin’ stoked.”
For more information or to become a donor, please visit: https://www.patreon.com/simonjpierce.
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The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
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Octopus OP-30
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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.
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