News
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
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
Tucked away in the remote northern Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a premier destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. With over 30 dive sites to explore, divers of all levels can witness the unique and mesmerising beauty of the underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, Hideaway offers an exceptional diving adventure that is not to be missed.
Explore the Beauty Beneath the Surface
Hideaway is perfectly situated near some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives. The dive school and team at Hideaway offer a very personalised experience to ensure each diver gets an interactive, immersive experience.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Unique dive spots such as Theefaridhoo Thila (Heaven and Hell) as one of the 50 best dive sites in the whole of the Maldives, known for its beautiful soft coral gardens.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
As the resort is located next to a channel which gives guests surprise visits from eagle rays, manta rays, guitar sharks and more.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
One of the standout features of diving in the Haa Alifu Atoll is the abundance of rare and exotic marine species. The area is known for sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Diving at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers a rare opportunity to encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, creating lifelong memories for guests.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Whether you’re exploring deep coral gardens, dramatic overhangs, or vibrant reef walls, each dive offers something new and exciting. The visibility in the Maldives is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, making it ideal for both underwater photography and general exploration.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Diving for All Levels
At Hideaway, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of diving. That’s why we cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our professional dive center, led by expert instructors, offers a range of courses and guided dives. If you’re new to diving, you can start with an introductory course that will teach you the basics of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
- 35% discount on room rates.
- Complimentary diving: 3 dives per person for 2 guests, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Maldives underwater world.
- Free meal plan upgrade: enjoy a complimentary upgrade from Bed & Breakfast to Half Board, or from Half Board to Full Board. Guests who prefer the White Platinum Plan (WPP) can avail it at a discounted rate.
This incredible offer provides the perfect opportunity to experience world-class diving while enjoying all the luxury and comfort that Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is known for.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
Book now through our official website to take advantage of this exclusive offer and prepare for the dive adventure of a lifetime.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
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