Ecocritique
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
Through the guidance of Captain Paul Watson, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society has managed to protect the lives of numerous species of marine wildlife. Watson, one of the original founders of Greenpeace, has dedicated his life to using whatever means necessary to protect marine wildlife from the dangers of fishermen. Consequently, Sea Shepherd often organizes missions to destroy the ships of fishermen that are violating conservation laws. As a result, Sea Shepherd members have been labeled as “wackos…violent, crazy and dangerous” (Watson). Although the members do not deny taking an aggressive approach to protecting wildlife, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society maintains that it complies with international conservation laws at all times. Regardless of public opinion, it is undeniable that Watson and his organization have positively impacted the state of the Earth’s oceans. The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society may appear violent on the surface, but after taking a closer look at the organization it is clear that the members have often been labeled incorrectly and should actually be applauded for their brave efforts to protect marine wildlife.
Watson’s desire to protect endangered wildlife began in his early childhood and would later have a remarkable impact on the Sea Shepherd missions. Julie Cohen, a writer, conducted an interview with Watson in 2002. Cohen explains that when Watson was nine years old “he befriended a beaver who he says, ‘probably had more personality’ than most of his playmates” (“Warrior of the Waves”). After the beaver was killed at the hands of trappers, Watson developed a desire to save the planet. Cohen explains that Watson’s desire continued to grow and at the age of twelve he “shot a boy in the bottom with a BB gun” (“Warrior of the Waves”). In defense of his actions, Watson explains that, “ ‘He was shooting birds and I wanted him to know how it felt’ “ (qtd. in Cohen). Watson went on to meet Bob Hunter while attending college. Hunter shared Watson’s desire to defend nature, and the pair joined to found the Greenpeace organization. In 1971, the two protested the Alaskan nuclear test site and later captured media attention in 1975 for their ‘Save the Whales’ campaign (“Warrior of the Waves”). However, Watson left the Greenpeace organization in 1977 due to a debate within the organization over his aggressive approach. Later that year, Watson founded the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Watson’s disregard for societal norms and public opinion clearly began in his childhood, and would later become a key aspect of Sea Shepherd’s philosophy.
The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society’s mission is to “protect and serve the world’s marine wilderness eco-systems and marine wildlife species” (www.seashepherd.org). The organization bases its mission on the United Nations World Charter for Nature which “provides authority to individuals to act on behalf of and to enforce international conservation laws” (www.seashepherd.org). Sections 21 through 24 of the Charter explain that “to the extent they are able” international organizations have a duty to use their resources to protect nature. More specifically, section 21(e) states that organizations must, “Safeguard and conserve nature in areas beyond national jurisdiction” (http://eelink.net/~asilwildlife/wen.html). The United Nations Charter thus gives members of Sea Shepherd the legal authority to take the law in to their own hands in areas where wildlife would otherwise go unprotected. Due to the fact that these areas are often not protected by any officials, fishermen often disregard the laws in order to fish and kill endangered marine wildlife for profit. Paul Watson explains, “Most of these fishermen are extremely dangerous people who kill for a living. Many of them commit “specicide” for a living” (“Sea Shepherd Defense Policy”). Sea Shepherd members feel that they have an obligation to serve as a policing force. Watson writes, “Unfortunately, there is no authorized policing body that can enforce international laws. We exist because there is a need for us and there just is nobody else” (“Sea Shepherd Defense Policy”). Nevertheless, the organization is often not respected by law enforcement officials. Canadian officials, amongst others, have often objected to Sea Shepherd missions. Paul Watson actually served thirty days in jail in 1995 after being convicted of simple mischief for a Sea Shepherd mission aimed at protecting cod (“Canadian cod-saver jailed”). Watson’s arrest shows the difficulties that Sea Shepherd members face from law enforcement officials.
The society’s first mission was in 1979 when they sailed to eastern Canada in order to protect baby harp seals. Later that year, Sea Shepherd “hunted down and rammed the notorious pirate whaler, the Sierra, in a Portugal harbor” (www.seashepherd.org). After these missions, the organization received a great deal of attention for its aggressive actions. Sea Shepherd has been involved in over 160 voyages since its founding, and continues to protect the Earth. Currently, the organization is involved in a series of missions, including protecting dolphins and anti-poaching campaigns (www.seashepherd.org).
The organization views media attention as both desirable and necessary. Watson has written a series of books about his life in hopes of obtaining public support. Ocean Warrior and Seal Wars are two of Watson’s most recent works. The organization relies on the dedicated work of volunteers only. The group’s budget is only around $1 million a year, and is a result of donations. Therefore, the group counts on the support of the public. Sea Shepherd’s website, www.seashepherd.org, illustrates Captain Paul Watson’s adventurous life. The bright colors, illustrations, and photos clearly distract a viewer from the group’s violent reputation.
Sea Shepherd is most well known for its strong activist approach that some label as violent. However, this approach is actually what Sea Shepherd should be most respected for. Watson explains, “If property is being used illegally to take sentient life, then we will destroy that property” (“Sea Shepherd Defense Policy”). Members do not use lethal force, and have actually never caused a single injury during the hundreds of missions. Those who view Sea Shepherd as violent clearly do not understand the organization. As Watson writes, “For those who would condemn us for failing to promote ideals of pacifism and non-violence, we can only remind them that the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is a navy and a policing force” (“Sea Shepherd Defense Policy”). We often overlook the damage of humans who are destroying nature, and are quick to criminalize those who devote their lives to defending what is left of the Earth. Before labeling the Sea Shepherd Society as violent, one must first evaluate the real help the organization provides. Members of the organization courageously combat criminals, and have failed to receive the credit they deserve.
A segment of the public, and often government officials, are opposed to the Sea Shepherd Society. Watson’s disregard for public opinion is another reason for opposition to the organization. In an article by Patricia Chisholm, Watson explains, “ ‘The average human being couldn’t give a damn about the Earth and the other 35 million species that inhabit it with us…We are here to piss people off, not to win a popularity contest’ ” (“Canada’s ‘Earth Warrior’”). Watson’s words understandably offend some and cause some to misunderstand the group’s goals. Criticizing people is an excellent way to lose support, not gain the support that an organization needs to succeed. A kinder approach to the public would likely result in more positive views of the organization.
The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is remarkably devoted to protecting marine wildlife. The group rejects a submissive approach to conservation, and is dedicated to saving what is left of the Earth’s endangered wildlife. The group’s aggressive approach has caused some criticism, but no person can deny that Sea Shepherd has courageously saved numerous species of marine wildlife.