Sea Shepherd is a non-profit, marine wildlife conservation organization established in 1977. Its mission is to end the destruction of habitat slaughter of wildlife In the world’s oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species (1). The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is led by Captain Paul Watson a Canadian born in Toronto, Ontario. Paul Watson was a co-founder of Greenpeace and has been putting himself in-between whales and harpoon ships for 30 years(2). The Sea Shepherd has done many different campaigns over the years to help preserve our ocean life. On October 6, 2003 Sea Shepherd crew members risked their lives climbing the cliffs to get pictures of the dolphin slaughter in a remote cove in Taiji, Japan. On November 18, 2003 two crew members jumped into the cove and successfully freed 15 dolphins (3). They use direct action to help protect dolphins against threats humans have created such as fishing, entanglement in fishing gear, boat traffic and marine pollution. Since 2000, Sea Sheppard has had a strong presence in the Galapagos Islands from stopping illegal fishing activities to busting shark finner’s. Since 90% of the worlds large shark population is already wiped out they are being depleted faster than they can reproduce(3). If humanity cannot protect such a unique and diverse ecosystem, we will not be able to protect any ecosystem (4). Sea Sheppard has also played a role in using direct action to stop the annual Canadian seal hunt which kills at least 354,344 seals a year as documented in the 2006 Canadian seal hunt (5). One of the Sea Shepherd most devoted and successful campaigns is their defending of whales worldwide. In 1986, the International Whaling Commission put a suspension on commercial whaling but since then Iceland, Norway and Japan have slaughtered over 25,000 whales claming it is for scientific research (3). Sea Shepherd is the only organization who’s mission is to enforce these regulations on the sea. Sea Shepherd uses direct-action tactics (Stink bombs, water cannons, ship jumping, intimidation etc.) to investigate, document, and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the seas (3).
The Sea Shepherd has saved thousands of whales and with their success of each campaign has managed to keep illegal whaling an important issue. Animal Planet has also issued the Sea Shepherd their own show which documents their fight against Japan to protect whales. It documents Captain Paul Watson on his mission to help protect the biodiversity of our ocean ecosystems (6). Although Sea Shepherd uses somewhat violent means to get their message across they still positively affect the biodiversity of our ecosystems. We all must work together to help ensure the survival of our ecosystems for future generations because if we don’t, we’ll have nothing left.
Interested in helping? Click the link to sign the petition to help protect the dolphins being slaughtered in Taiji: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/3/stop-the-dolphin-slaughter/
Work Cited:
1. Sea Shepherd Conservation Society - Who we are/ mission. Sea Shepherd, 2010. http://www.seashepherd.org/who-we-are/
2. Guardian Environment Network - Sea Shepherd's Paul Watson. Michael Shapiro, Tuesday 21 September 2010. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/sep/21/sea-shepherd-paul-watson-whales
3. Sea Shepherd Conservation Society- Campaign home. Sea Shepherd, 2010. http://www.seashepherd.org/campaigns/
4.Ocean Sentry- Galapagos Islands. Friday 02 October 2009. http://www.oceansentry.org/lang-en/menu-news/environment/2306-galapagos-islands-affected-by-global-warming.html
5. The Humane Society of the United States- About the Canadian Seal Hunt. 2006. http://www.hsus.org/marine_mammals/protect_seals/about_the_canadian_seal_hunt/6. Animal Planet- Whale Wars. http://www.animalplanet.ca/Showpage.aspx?sid=18223
Comments:
1. http://vilmabioblog.blogspot.com/
2. http://ankerlovesbio.blogspot.com/
When we think about endangered animals, usually we only consider the land animals. Very rarely do we stop to think about the aquatic animals that inhabit our oceans. Of course we are all aware of the decline of the fisheries, but I never considered the large mammals in the ocean (such as whales). After reading this blog post, I have a better understanding of the important role that these large mammals play. One little disruption of the ecosystem will affect everything. I found it very shocking to find out that 90% of the world’s large shark population is already wiped out; they are being depleted faster than they can reproduce. I now feel guilty buying shark related products such as shark fin soup. Also, I was wondering if it was illegal for the Sea Shepherds to be using such tactics such as water cannons, ship jumping, or stink bombs. They use these tactics to confront these illegal activities, but are they right to use illegal methods of action? After watching the movie The Cove, I find it very relieving to know that there are organizations such as the Sea Shepherds who are trying to put an end to the senseless killing in Taiji. Other then becoming informed about this issue, what other things could I as an individual do? Perhaps write a letter to the Canadian government or make a donation to the Sea Shepherds. I love the link at the bottom of your blog post; I have signed the petition to end the whale massacre. I agree with your point of view that the slaughter of these animals should not be tolerated and I admire the environmental protection efforts of the Sea Shepherds.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the images and shocking facts you provided in your blog. I think this blog post is very informative and I now have a strong understanding of this environmental issue after reading your synopsis.
Caitlin Cosgrove
Mr. Evst
Ms. Saran
Section: 01
I'm so glad you brought this issue to our attention. So many aquatic animals are at danger of extinction because of human activity, and yet little of this is known to most people. As you mentioned, shark finning is a practice that has such a long history, but very few people are aware of the severity of this issue. Because it's considered a delicacy in many countries, shark finners will continue to kill the sharks regardless of the serious decline in shark populations. And because the fin is the only valuable part of the shark, it's usually brutally detached from the body which is thrown right back into the water. Without its fin, the shark can neither swim to catch prey or evade its predators. I haven't heard of many organizations that work to abolish shark finning, but reading about the Sea Shepherds has been really encouraging. Although their methods are a bit aggressive, you have to give them the credit for completing the job. Their violent-yet-effective measures really confront the illegal activities and expose them in a way that prevents future recurrences. It's really rare to see organizations that work so assertively in delivering their message. Instead of sending petitions or holding protests, these people are actually getting into the action in order to sustain the biodiversity of our marine life. I think more organizations should be as dedicated to their actions as the Sea Shepherds. The effectiveness of their tactics should definitely be passed on to other organizations -- although their violent methods should be kept to themselves. In the meantime, I'll try to do my part by not having any shark fin soup!
ReplyDeleteEver since I was little, i always loved dolphins. Anytime I had to do a project in science or even just a general topic presentation, I wrote about dolphins. I think it is extremely wrong for anybody to hurt these poor dolphins. Its not like they did anything wrong! It actually makes me so mad so read about this. This is such a depressing matter. Fortunately, when i read that in 2003, two crew members, were able to free 15 dolphins. That gave me a bit of happiness, even though this matter is quite serious.
ReplyDeleteOn the contrary, I have heard of this terrible problem before, but I did not know how bad it was. I have signed the petition before, and I will sign it again, because I am a true believer at the fact that this is wrong. They should NOT slaughter any animal, for any reason!
I love that the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is working so hard to help protect these mammals. When i read about those 3 places killing 25,000 whales, i was appalled. I salute this organization for doing what they do, because they are the ones trying to make a difference, and i would help them as much as I could.
I hope that this message gets out to everyone, and about the work that the Sea Shepherd's do, because even though some may not see this as important as other things, it is. I agree with the statement that we all have to work together and I hope that things change, because sending on one message to one person and them sending it on to another and another, will help get things moving and that is how change starts. I encourage what they are doing and I hope that this terrible situation will come to an end!
Taylor Lecours
T.A: Ms. Peets
Teacher: Mr. Wong
Section: 03
When I saw that the Sea Shepherd's main goal is to protect marine wildlife and their habitats I felt compelled to read this blog. This is my first time reading about Sea Sheperd and i like what they stand for. Like many other organizations they want to protect the lives of animals and their habitats. The only difference is that Sea Sheperd has a more hands on approach. You described how members of the organization climbed cliffs to take pictures of the dolphin slaughter, and how two members jumped into the cove and set them free. I find that very brave and gutsy. These members risked their lives to save 15 dolphins and it's very admirable. I've always loved marine life, especially the sharks. To learn that 90 percent of the shark population has been wiped out is really disheartening. I really don't understand why innocent animals have to suffer this way. By harming animals, by destroying a habitat, what satisfaction does it give to some people? Is it the money aspect that brings people to commit these actions? If so then i feel like that it's a terrible reason and it should be stopped. I feel that animals should be able to live freely in a natural habitat without having to worry about dangers.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog. It really drew me in and gave me alot of useful information. Seeing as this is my first time learning about the organization Sea Shepherd I felt like I learned so much. Reading about the Sea Shepherd and what they have accomplished makes me wish that they will continue on doing what they do.
I never really gave to much thought about the aquatic life, but once I began reading your blog it gave me such an insight. It is so sad and almost uncomfortable to know what has been going on in the ocean. it is extremely important that there is an organization that is trying to change the harmful things being done though.
ReplyDeleteI found your blog very meaning full and important for people to know. Although there is so much horrible things being done to aquatic life its so good to know that there are people trying to change the harm being done. Its so important to have organizations involved in this, which is why I support everything the Sea Sheppard is trying to do.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWhen I think about endangered species, hardly does it ever come to my mind that aquatic animals are at risk. Usually, my main concern is based on land animals. Why? Most probably because I know less about the animals that reside beneath our oceans. To me it is less of a concern, for those species don’t affect my way of living. I'm above ground they're under water, how much could these animals affect me?
ReplyDeleteAs many of us may not know it, about 80 percent of all the life on earth is found hidden under the water and the ocean itself provides vital sources of protein, energy, and minerals to our world. It creates over half our oxygen and keeps the earth habitable. Without oceans there would be no life on earth. So why put the ocean in danger? It's as if people find personal fulfillment more important than the survival of all living things.
I am actually happy that you have brought forth this issue to raise awareness to conserve aquatic wild life. People such as myself aren't too aware of endangered aquatic species. It was shocking to read about the issue you addressed on shark finning. It's revolting to know how immoral some people are on our planet. To take the fin of a shark is like taking away a pair of human feet. There is only so much people can do if they cannot walk around. Who are we as human beings to choose to take this away from other living things?
Also, the dolphin slaughter in Taiji and annual seal hunt address also caught my attention. I had heard of these slaughters before but didn’t know in numbers, how many animals were actually killed. It's wrong for this to happen and it's great to see organizations such as the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society to take action to try and stop all these mishaps.
It is impossible for just the Sea Sheppard to do this alone; the numbers of slaughters are massive in numbers. Hopefully, people will wake up and realize what is actually happening, and will have the urge to save aquatic species, or any endangered species for that matter.
Your blog was very insightful and factual. You have definitely raised my awareness on this issue.
When I think about endangered species, hardly does it ever come to my mind that aquatic animals are at risk. Usually, my main concern is based on land animals. Why? Most probably because I know less about the animals that reside beneath our oceans. To me it is less of a concern, for those species don’t affect my way of living. I'm above ground they're under water, how much could these animals affect me?
ReplyDeleteAs many of us may not know it, about 80 percent of all the life on earth is found hidden under the water and the ocean itself provides vital sources of protein, energy, and minerals to our world. It creates over half our oxygen and keeps the earth habitable. Without oceans there would be no life on earth. So why put the ocean in danger? It's as if people find personal fulfillment more important than the survival of all living things.
I am actually happy that you have brought forth this issue to raise awareness to conserve aquatic wild life. People such as myself aren't too aware of endangered aquatic species. It was shocking to read about the issue you addressed on shark finning. It's revolting to know how immoral some people are on our planet. To take the fin of a shark is like taking away a pair of human feet. There is only so much people can do if they cannot walk around. Who are we as human beings to choose to take this away from other living things?
Also, the dolphin slaughter in Taiji and annual seal hunt address also caught my attention. I had heard of these slaughters before but didn’t know in numbers, how many animals were actually killed. It's wrong for this to happen and it's great to see organizations such as the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society to take action to try and stop all these mishaps.
It is impossible for just the Sea Sheppard to do this alone; the numbers of slaughters are massive in numbers. Hopefully, people will wake up and realize what is actually happening, and will have the urge to save aquatic species, or any endangered species for that matter.
Your blog was very insightful and factual. You have definitely raised my awareness on this issue.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteYour blog definitely brought attention to the issue regarding marine animals. The reality that people would risk own their lives to save these aquatic species signifies something. It signifies that all of us are part of a living network, and though these aquatic creatures may live underwater, the impact they have on our lives is still as great. Without sharks consuming cownose rays – a threat to humans – their numbers will increase and eventually put our lives on the line. It bothers me to see that shark finners would just waste lives like that. I mean, surely we can substitute shark fin soup with other foods. It’s something we can do without. As the fin is the only part that is used, the rest is immediately thrown back into the water, leaving sharks to die. It’s also difficult for sharks to maintain their numbers because these top predators aren’t used to so many death threats. Sharks generally take 10 to 15 years to reach sexual maturity! (1) With increasing shark finning rates, the shark populations will not be able to keep up. Let’s hope that they realize this before we reach a point of irreversible damage – extinction. I think the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is doing a great job. Their direct approach not only saves marine creatures, but decreases the chances of reoccurring shark finning practices. Although a bit violent, they get their message through and are preserving the biodiversity of our world.
ReplyDelete(1) Elmer-Dewitt, Philip, Andrea Dorfman, and Elizabeth L'Hommedieu. "Are Sharks Becoming Extinct?." TIME (1991): n. pag. Web. 9 Oct 2010.
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,972437,00.html