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Captain Paul Watson and Terri Irwin.
FRIDAY HARBOR, Washington -- The Institute of Cetacean Research(ICR), a Japanese scientific body that studies whales, today accused the United States television broadcast channel Animal Planet of involvement in ecoterrorism, following criminal attacks against its research ships in the Antarctic Ocean.
Captain Paul Watson: It's getting to the point that calling anyone a terrorist that someone disagrees with is becoming routine. It does not seem to matter if you are saving whales or running for President of the United States. Sea Shepherd has never injured a single person, we have never been convicted of a felony, we have never been sued, we are not on any no-fly lists nor are we on any international terrorist alert lists. We travel freely under our own passports and we speak openly and always on the record about our activities.
Eco-terrorism is actually the act of terrorizing the environment. Japanese whalers are targeting endangered whales in an established whale sanctuary in violation of a global moratorium on whaling and they are defending their illegal activities with firearms and concussion grenades.
Animal Planet, which is owned by Discovery Communications, contracted with Tennessee-based RIVR Productions to produce a new series called "Whale Wars", scheduled for broadcast in the United States in the coming weeks. RIVR joined the crew of one of the ships owned and operated by the militant animal rights group, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, as it launched a series of criminal attacks on the high seas in January, February and March 2008 against vessels operated by ICR. In August 2008, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department issued arrest warrants for three of the Sea Shepherd militants for violating the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation (the SUA Convention of the International Maritime Organization).
Captain Paul Watson: The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is not an animal rights organization. We are a marine wildlife conservation organization. We don't protest. We intervene against illegal activities that unlawfully exploit marine wildlife. The three "warrants" requested for the arrest of three relatively minor Sea Shepherd crew are not recognized by Interpol and it is a mystery as to why Japan issued warrants for three non-officers for the 2006/2007 campaign yet did not issue warrants for myself or any of my officers.
Unlike land-based eco terrorist groups, Sea Shepherd's modus operandi is to sabotage fishing operations by attacking vessels at sea beyond national boundaries, thereby avoiding prosecution. In March 2008, as the attacks on the ICR's vessels were taking place, a former Sea Shepherd and Earth Liberation Front (ELF) operative was given a one-year federal jail sentence in California for teaching people how to make a destructive device that could commit arson. A guidebook on eco-guerilla activity written by the head of Sea Shepherd, Paul Watson, contains a chapter on how to use fire against an "enemy".
Captain Paul Watson: Sea Shepherd has had 4,000 volunteers over the years yet the Japanese whalers can only cite one reference to one former crew convicted of a crime and that was an action completely separate from Sea Shepherd activities. More "criminals" can be found in the Japanese Diet or the U.S. Congress than amongst our former crew.
My book Earthforce! is based on Sun Tzu's Art of War which contains a chapter on the Use of Fire. My interpretation of this chapter was to specifically advise environmental activists from using fire i.e. arson as a tactic because it is unpredictable, uncontrollable and dangerous. It appears that the ICR read the title chapter but not the text.
Increased criminal violence against the Institute's research vessels coincided with the presence and filming by Animal Planet on the Sea Shepherd attack vessel. Animal Planet has itself admitted that the campaign "was particularly eventful" (Animal Planet press release, 10 July 2008). The violence included the deployment of propeller fouling devices constructed from steel cables, throwing acid, smoke bombs and bottles onto the decks of the ICR vessels and attempted collisions. Sea Shepherd has also welded a seven-foot steel blade to its ships to open the hulls of the vessels it attacks.
Captain Paul Watson: Sea Shepherd does not condone nor do we practice violence. We agree with the assessment by Martin Luther King that violence cannot be committed against a non-sentient object. Sea Shepherd sometimes damages equipment used for illegal activities but we have an unblemished record of never injuring a single person in over 31 years of operations. The Dalai Lama is a Sea Shepherd supporter and he would not condone our activities if they were violent.
The "acid" we throw is butter acid or rotten butter which is technically butyric acid. This "acid" is no more toxic or harmful than citric acid (also known as orange juice).
Animal Planet established no internal systems or safeguards to prevent its executive team, the production company and the ecoterrorists from colluding to carry out unlawful acts for the television cameras in order to produce sensational footage.
Captain Paul Watson: Animal Planet did not participate in any meetings or discussions of tactics and strategies, nor did it in any way attempt to collude with Sea Shepherd or influence our operations. Sea Shepherd conducted its campaign in exactly the same manner as it would have with or without a film crew on board. Animal Planet's film crew simply came on board and documented the events of the campaign as they unfolded.
In addition to Animal Planet's involvement with violent attacks against its ships and seafarers, ICR is concerned that broadcasting the series will serve to glamorize ecoterrorism and make future violent attacks more likely.
Mr. Minoru Morimoto, Director General of the Institute of Cetacean Research, said: "It is difficult to understand why a mainstream network would stoop so low as to produce a series that glamorizes and thereby gives support to ecoterrorism. Sea Shepherd's criminal actions last year in the Antarctic were encouraged directly through the presence of the Animal Planet film team. Animal Planet is responsible for inciting this increased violence and aiding and abetting an international criminal organization."
Captain Paul Watson: I find it difficult to understand how a civilized nation like Japan can stoop so low as to ignore international conservation law and continue to support the brutal slaughter of endangered whales in an established whale sanctuary.
Views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of UnderwaterTimes.com, its staff or its advertisers.
Reader Comments
15 people have commented so far.I support the efforts of the Sea Shepherd. The ICR is a Fake front used to slaughter Whales. The Ausralian Navy should be there to protect the whales from the Japanese poachers who slaughter hundreds of whales in the name of research. This includes the mothers and calves. For the last year I have boycotted purchasing Japanese proced electronics and cars. While I am only one person that may be doing this I know that I have made an impact from me.
comment# 1 - Daniel J Imbs · Port Saint Lucie, FL, United States. · Nov 3, 2008 @ 2:42am
When my friend who is doing a producer for Japanese TV stations tried to produce a story about the whaling research from both point of view, the Sea Shepherd rejected to put my friend's crew on their ship, and my friend figured out that the Discovery Channel is already paying a lot of money to have the exclusive rights with Sea Shepherd which means no other TV stuff but Animal Planet can make a story about this controversial whale saving movement- Now, my friend is so disappointed at the truth that the purpose of Sea Shepherd joined with Discovery Channel is to make a money from this action. We understand that money is only answer for everybody nowadays. But, we did not hope it happens with Sea Shepherd whose philosophy is shared with the Buddhism. Or, are they just prejudice towards Japanese?
comment# 2 - ocean shepherd · ny, ny · Nov 3, 2008 @ 5:57am
I agree with this totally. As a producer in L.A with some experience in wild animal shows Animal Planet is 100% reality based television. If they can spice things up they will for ratings. There's no way a credible NGO should be working with these guys. Not only will 70% of this be faked which takes away from the reason these guys are out there in the first place. Are they serious about saving whales or looking good?
comment# 3 - Save The Whales First · California USA · Nov 3, 2008 @ 7:10am
It seems to me that Japan's interest in killing whales in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary is akin to the Makah tribal members that shot that grey whale (which promptly sank) a couple years ago - a vain attempt at exhibiting sovereignty excused by "tradition" that has no real place in today's world. It is my understanding that as distasteful as it must be to them, Sea Shepherd has indicated that if the practice was condoned by the IWC it would not harass Japanese attempts at near shore whaling along the Japanese coastline in recognition of Japanese sovereignty over those waters. If the ICR is really engaged in scientific "research" a whale's a whale and that compromise would seem to be the most reasoned short-term solution. Thank you Sea Shepherd for all your sacrifices. Green Peace has the better ship's webcams which are great for virtual eco-travel, but Sea Shepherd in my mind carries the banner of true dedication to traditional environmentalism.
comment# 4 - Rich · Coeur d'Alene, Idaho · Nov 3, 2008 @ 10:36am
Many of us here applaud and support Sea Shepherd as we have for over 20 years. OS, I would say, your friend should try again. Rejection once doesn't mean always. Pick up a copy of SHARK WATER and watch closely. That was a small 5 man film crew Paul Watson allowed to come aboard and film. I'm sure they didn't have much money, but are making it now! If your friend has a GOOD story to tell, and if telling it will bless those who buy and watch, Paul is a good man, he'll be open to it. If your friend were turned down for other reasons, maybe look harder at those in an OBJECTIVE way, if possible. Good luck and remember, FOR THE ANIMALS! We're supporting these people for our own futures as well. If we lose the whales, we'll lose the oceans. They are all connected.
comment# 5 - Kimo · Hawaii, USA · Nov 3, 2008 @ 11:08am
Hi, Kimo...Thanks. My friend already tried hard as the shield with the lawyer of Sea Shepherd is thwarted in his creativity and love for the whales...He wanted to send the message to Japanese and American TV audience showing what really happening. Well, we miss Hawaii's love for the nature and I really hope that the member of Sea Shepherd does not forget that they fight for human and mother earth.
comment# 6 - Ocean Shepherd · ny,ny · Nov 4, 2008 @ 5:27am
If indeed the Japanese are violating a U.N. treaty, then why is the U.N. not lobbing for economic sanctions against Japan? Could it be more likely that the members of the Sea Shepherd team is actually mistaken about the legality of the actions of the Japanese Whalers? I am not a proponent of killing whales. But I am much more opposed to criminal acts perpetrated against other human beings. The Sea Shepherd crews actions are clearly a violation of U.S. Law and I would imagine that of many other countries. Their tactics are nothing less than assault and battery. "Captain" Watsons own statements like "say nothing and no one goes to jail" are indicative of their criminal intent. Statements such as that are only made by people who know they are violating the law. Further, the actions that "Captain" Watson takes and the "orders" he issues frequently endanger the lives of his untrained and inexperienced volunteer crew. The captain of any commercial or military vessel would surely be prosecuted for these types of decisions. I can only assume the reason he is not charged with reckless endangerment is simply because he registers his vessels as "Private Yachts". However, having watched several of the Animal Planet episodes I can tell you in my mind and the mind of any reasonable person he is clearly unfit to command a vessel and have the lives of 33 individuals in his hands.
comment# 7 - New Watcher · US · Dec 26, 2008 @ 11:52pm
i support the sea shepards. and i believe that attacking the japenese whaling fleet is not bad at all. the whales have nothing to defend them selfs with. the japenese fleet can defend themselfs. plus the japenese are hunting in protected water which gives the sea sheppards the right to attack the fleet without permission. most of those areas are protected by the british and america. and many other countries
comment# 8 - Austen E. Clark · sigonella italy · Jul 25, 2009 @ 12:09pm
The Sea Shepherds are terrorists. Plain and simple. They should be hunted down and sunk.
comment# 9 - Baker · wichita ks · Aug 21, 2009 @ 8:55pm
As a licensed Captain I find Captain Watson's actions at the helm of his ship irresponsible and Reckless. He seems to have very little regard for his own crew and the offending vessels. It is only a matter of time until his credentials are revoked.
comment# 10 - Robert · Sausalito, California · Aug 22, 2009 @ 1:09pm
Whales are awesome and should be protected but Paul Watson is a danger to any person on his ship and to ships around him. I will agree that we must stop the slaughter of whales but not at the expense of human beings. It is only a matter of time before someone gets seriously injured because of his irresponsible actions. The people on the whale hunting ships are people trying to do what they are paid to do, how would you like it if you were assaulted while trying to feed and clothe your family? Do I agree with their work, no, but until a national or worldwide police force stands up against it these vigilante actions should be condemned by every nation and Watson should be put in jail. I think stupidity should be a crime but it doesn't give me the right to go around throwing rotten butter and shooting flares at people who I determine to be dumb. The japanese have every right to retaliate. Save the whales legally not like terrorists.
comment# 11 - tman · Houston, Texas · Aug 23, 2009 @ 9:53pm
You have to be delusional if you think SSCS is terrorist, they have zero convictions as an organization and ICR has been convicted in an Australian federal court, hell the worlds symbol of peace the dalai lama fully endorses Paul Watson and his actions because he does not see violence being something done to an inanimate object(boat). Further more people trying to justify Japans actions for legal action not being carried out to a higher extent against them is very far fetched, it is no mystery that this is a sensitive issue and gov.s want to protect their economic interests(trade) that's why Bethune has not been freed even though under the maritime crimes act of 1999 he was acting legally under NZ law of citizens arrest which is applicable in extraterritorial circumstances such as when his vessel was attacked. It is shameful that people here would say the Japanese have a right to do what they do, especially their form of retaliation, LETHAL force is never warranted against hindering force(non hazardous). IFAW has lodged legal claims for Australia to take Japan to court (which they will do later this September)as dozens of legal experts see that Japan is clearly in violation of CITES. SSCS is acting fully with in the law and has saved 528 whales this year.
comment# 12 - Man · US · Apr 22, 2010 @ 11:53pm
Paul Watson said "we have never been convicted of a felony". That is wordsmithing since the term "Felony" is only used in the USA. Watson and the SSCS have been convicted of criminal activity in Canada, Norway and Japan.
comment# 13 - ShilohCane · West Palm Beach, Florida · Jan 6, 2011 @ 6:27pm
Paul Watson has said on Faceboook the Butyric Acid he uses is 99.7% pure on his site. This butyric acid is not “rotten butter” it is a flammable, corrosive and deadly toxic acid that can blind people like butyric acid did to this person in the UK. http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/news/Man-blinded-acid-attack/article-2728210-detail/article.html
comment# 14 - ShilohCane · West Palm Beach, Florida USA · Jan 6, 2011 @ 6:35pm
"Captain Paul Watson: Sea Shepherd has had 4,000 volunteers over the years yet the Japanese whalers can only cite one reference to one former crew convicted of a crime and that was an action completely separate from Sea Shepherd activities. More "criminals" can be found in the Japanese Diet or the U.S. Congress than amongst our former crew" I can site a reference of Paul Watson himself being convicted of a crime. Why does he bother to say things that can so easily be shown to be false? http://www.endecoterrorism.com/components/com_agora/img/members/22/KMBT35020100309160156%20ocr2.pdf http://www.canlii.org/en/nl/nlca/doc/1999/1999canlii18935/1999canlii18935.pdf
comment# 15 - Sophie · St. John's, NL · Jan 6, 2011 @ 6:39pm