The Japanese government has decided to go hunting for humpbacks, something they have not done since the 1960s. People here and at Deep Sea News don't seem too happy about the hunt. Some people are also discomforted by Paul Watson and his group, Sea Shepherd. In reponse to the recent decision by Japan, Sea Shepherd has launched Operation Migaloo. You can argue his tactics, you can argue his style. But what you can't do is show me someone aside from Watson and his team who is doing anything about the humpback hunt on the water.
Let's not forget that Greenpeace is out there on the water too. Their vessel, the Esperanza, is trailing the Nissan Maru and fleet, just as they did last year. They draw awareness, without idiotically risking lives like Sea Shepherd.
I'm not even particularly fond of Greenpeace as an organisation. But in this debate they are infinitely more useful and more persuasive than Sea Shepherd, who come across as hysterical and dangerous.
Greenpeace! I apologize for overlooking them. I guess it's due in part to the little media attention they (versus Sea Shepherd) bring the hunt. But you're absolutely right and they certainly deserve recognition in their hot pursuit...
I hate to make this comment again, but it keeps coming back to the Saul Alinski concept of "Total Tactics" (as cited by Mark Dowie in our film with him). You need the whole spectrum of approaches -- from the calm rationality of lawyers and politicians (who don't do a lot of motivating of the general public) to the Sea Shepherd folks who connect with the people who want to see something actually being done. Hysterical and dangerous is one way to view them, but passionate and genuinely frickin' doing something (while the bureaucrats bicker away) is another way.
In a perfect world of smart people and effective legislators there would be no need for Sea Shepherd.
Hi folks.
Thanks for all the very interesting comments. Found you site while reading about the jelly fish.
There is a very interesting web site www.whalesrevenge.com that gives lots of info. and has a petition. Would be pleased if you take a look and also sign the petition.
Thank you very much! :0)
Kind regards.
Signed it!