Sea Shepherd News

Japanese whale killers have left for the Whale Sanctuary

And so it begins.

The Yakusa owned and controlled Japanese whaling fleet has left Japan in a very low key manner, without the traditional celebratory send-off, with fewer crewmembers and with less support than years before. They are also departing on the threshold of a major recession in the Japanese economy.

And as President Bill Clinton once said, "It's the economy stupid."

The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society ship Steve Irwin is scheduled to depart at the end of November which should put both the whaling fleet and the Sea Shepherd crew on a course that will bring them together somewhere in the remote and hostile waters off the Antarctic coast in mid-December.

"We have them on the ropes economically," said Captain Paul Watson. "We intend to make this yet another year of profit loss for the whalers. It is the one language they understand and it is the only thing that is going to shut down whaling in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary."

Australian Environment Minister Peter Garrett has announced that Australia will invest millions into whale research to prove that non-lethal methods are sufficient and that Japan does not need to employ lethal research to secure their research objectives.

The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society certainly supports any non-lethal research that will further our understanding of the great whales but does not think that Australia's initiative will convince Japan to cease their slaughter.

Whale Wars is a Hit With 3.6 Million Viewers

It looks like Animal Planet's TV show Whale Wars which follows Sea Shepherd's Antarctic Whale Defense campaign has captured the attention of the public.

"This is great news for the whales, for Sea Shepherd and marine conservation," said Captain Paul Watson. "More and more people are becoming aware of the illegal atrocities that the Japanese whalers are doing in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary and they are witnessing first hand the passion of men and women from around the world who are defending the whales. The show is entertaining, educating and exciting and that is translating into what is a very successful television show."

Animal Planet released the following ratings information following the premiere of the first episode.

Captain Paul Watson to Open Steve Irwin Day on November 15th

"It is a wonderful honour," said Captain Watson. "Steve was one of the greatest wildlife ambassadors and educators we had. He inspired a generation of children and left a lasting legacy. He also illustrated how one person can really make a difference. He was that perfect combination of charisma, courage, intelligence, imagination, and vision topped off with an astute sense of drama and showmanship."

If Steve had lived he would have joined the Sea Shepherd crew.

The Courier Mail in Australia reported last week that according to Terri Irwin, Steve wanted to design a huge can-opener to take on Japanese whaling boats in a bid to save the humpbacks.