News
Sea Shepherd to stand fast in the face of poacher violence
Report on the Impending Showdown in the Sea of Cortez
Today an angry hombre named Sunshine Antonio Rodriguez and his gang of poacher thugs promised to drive Sea Shepherd out of the Sea of Cortez and to end Sea Shepherd efforts to save the endangered Vaquita.
On Monday Rodriguez and his poachers took an old panga, put Sea Shepherd’s name on it and burned it on the street in San Felipe as a warning they would do the same to the SAM SIMON and the FARLEY MOWAT. Rodriguez said that Thursday was the deadline for Sea Shepherd to exit Mexican waters.
Rodriguez said he would attack the Sea Shepherd crew with 200 pangas (small boats).
The poachers are angry that Sea Shepherd is working with the Mexican government to locate and remove illegal nets that are killing endangered Vaquita, endangered Totoaba and large numbers of marine wildlife including sea lions, dolphins, whales, sharks, turtles and numerous species of fish.
Rodriguez described Sea Shepherd as ‘unwanted gringos’ despite the fact that the ships fly the flags of Barbados and the Netherlands and include citizens of numerous nations including Mexico.
Despite false accusations that gringos are responsible, the poachers recently attacked Mexican environmental officials torching numerous government 15 trucks, boats, and ATVs.
Sea Shepherd is in the Sea of Cortez in partnership with the government of Mexico.
Sea Shepherd has responded to the threats by standing fast and continuing net confiscations. Captain Oona Layolle has filed a criminal complaint against Sunshine Antonio Rodriguez. The crew have reported the threats to their embassies in Mexico City.
The Mexican Navy has responded with Naval vessels detailed specifically for security in response to the threats from the poachers. They have brought in two large ships and three small boats (one interceptor and two defenders) plus a helicopter and the army has added more officers on the ground.
Sea Shepherd will deploy the JOHN PAUL DEJORIA presently in Panama north to the Sea of Cortez to back up the SAM SIMON and the FARLEY MOWAT.
Operation Treasured Islands is not cancelled but will be temporarily delayed in light of this threatened violence by the Totoaba poachers.
The JOHN PAUL DEJORIA and the FARLEY MOWAT are both former island class 110’ U.S. Coast Guard patrol vessels. The Sam Simon is a former 52 meter Japanese research vessel.
When threatened we are stronger, more united and more determined. Our ships never retreat in the face of threats of violence. We will respond by reinforcing our efforts with a third ship.
Milagro III campaign leader Captain Oona Layolle reported that, “crew morale is great and everyone is ready for today. We are confident that the Mexican Navy will provide the security we need to continue with our efforts to prevent the extinction of the Vaquita.”
There are less than 30 Vaquita remaining in the world. Sea Shepherd has been informed that now some poachers are deliberately trying to kill the remaining Vaquita, believing this will allow them to escalate their operations to kill endangered Totoaba fish whose bladders sell for as high as $20,000 U.S. A kilo in China.
Sea Shepherd applauds the efforts by the Mexican government to oppose these illegal activities by these poachers and Totoaba bladder smugglers.
I have every confidence in our officers and crew. They are dedicated volunteers, both passionate and courageous. They understand the risks of defending the Vaquita and they also understand the risk to the survival of the Vaquita if they leave. If Sea Shepherd leaves, the Vaquita will go extinct and that is a responsibility that we must defend.
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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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