Watson Takes Command of Sea Shepherd Whale Defense Fleet

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Environmental News Service

Watson Takes Command of Sea Shepherd Whale Defense Fleet
Posted by News Editor in Latest News, Oceans, RSS, Wildlife on December 5, 2012 11:09 pm

FRIDAY HARBOR, Washington, December 5, 2012 (ENS) – Captain Paul Watson, founder and president of the marine wildlife conservation organization, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, has resurfaced at the helm of his own ship after months on the run. He left Germany in July to avoid extradition to Costa Rica over the interception of a shark-finning vessel 10 years ago.

Watson this week joined the crew of the SSS Steve Irwin and the rest of the Sea Shepherd fleet in international waters to take command of Operation Zero Tolerance, the non-profit’s ninth campaign to defend Antarctic whales from Japanese whalers in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary.

He now commands a fleet of four whale defense ships with officers and crews of 120 people from 24 nations. He also commands a helicopter, drones and eight small boats.

Watson will use all these resources to intercept and intervene against the intent of the Japanese whaling fleet to kill 1,035 whales in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary this whaling season, which starts within the next few weeks.


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[Suich]

1. He's got drones??? Great news!!!

Sounds like he's got a lot more resources than before. I've been watching "Whale Wars" since it started and, for the most part, support them. I thought the "Ady Gil" was a dumb idea and curious who the "four whale defense ships" are, besides the "Bob Barker."

As far as I know, the Japanese don't rely on these whales for a main food source. And they should take those stupid signs that say "Research" off the side of their whalers!

Thanks for the update, Judi Lynn!

Link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/dec/05/sea-shepherd-paul-watson

[ProgressiveProfessor]

9. Be interesting to know what kind of drones he has

There could be a potential ITAR violation...now wouldn't that make the game interesting.

[glowing]

10. I think the drones that fire missiles off of them are the illegal items, an unmanned

craft with a camera attached is probably not violating anything, especially in the Southern Ocean.

[ProgressiveProfessor]

12. ITAR is specific US law and you would be surprised what it covers

I am kind of thinking it is a Scan Eagle

[byronius]

2. Thanks for posting this.

I support their actions.

[jtuck004]

3. K&R n/t

[Indi Guy]

4. The Japanese are doing the whaling...

...in the southern seas in vessels marked "RESEARCH".

Their aim is as much about research as our "Patriot" act is about loyalty to the Constitution.

[Ash_F]

5. Shark-finning is excessively cruel and wasteful.

As is whaling.

[life long demo]

6. God Speed Sea Shepherd

Good wishes for a successful voyage.

[Roy Rolling]

7. Link

Sometimes one person CAN make a difference.

Here's a working link: http://ens-newswire.com/2012/12/05/watson-takes-command-of-sea-shepherd-whale-defense-fleet/

[mike_c]

8. smooth sailing Sea Shepherd!

Give 'em hell, cap'n Watson!

[obamanut2012]

11. Sea Shepherd!

[flvegan]

13. Best news I've heard all day.

Thanks for posting.