I’m not sure why so many couch-laden landlubbers analyzed the previous videos available and concluded things like, “The Ady Gil’s engines were on. Therefore, she moved into the path of the Shonan Maru.”

Note that I didn’t post this video. I’m just linking to it on YouTube.

I can’t wait to see next season’s Whale Wars. It will be a different experience to watch it not having been there in person!

On January 6, 2010, Sea Shepherd’s fast-intercept catamaran the Ady Gil was rammed (formerly, Earthrace) by the Japanese whaling fleet’s security vessel, the Shonan Maro No 2. The front 8 feet or so of the Ady Gil was sheared off, and one crew member suffered broken ribs. All crew were rescued by the M/V Bob Barker.

This video shows the collision from two angles and was put together from videos released by both Sea Shepherd and the ICR. (videos synchronized by Eric Cheng)

UPDATE: Those of you who think that the Ady Gil moved into the path of the Shonan Maru should look at this video, which was leaked (without permission). Aside from the fact that it is obvious that the Shonan Maru turns starboard to intercept, the Ady Gil is just idling and only motors at the end in an attempt to get out of the way. Note that I didn’t post this video. I’m just linking to it on YouTube.

South Park spoofs Sea Shepherd and Whale Wars

I just watched South Park’s Whale Whores, a spoof on Whale Wars, and it was hilarious¹. It is the ultimate proof that you’ve made it when South Park does a spoof on you! If you haven’t seen it yet, you can watch the episode on South Park’s website.

Shepard’s portrait of Paul was done using one of my photographic portraits of Paul as a model.

Portrait of Paul Watson, by Eric Cheng

I took the photo on January 6, 2009, while on campaign with Sea Shepherd in the Southern Ocean. The Japanese whaling spotter vessel, the Kyoshin Maru No. 2, is in the background.

Animal Planet film team on the bow of the Steve Irwin. Photo: Adam Lau

My co-photographer Adam Lau has an article out at Sports Shooter about our trip to Antarctica to document Sea Shepherd’s anti-whaling campaign. It captures what we went through very well, and there’s even a photo of me in the mix. Worth the read. Congrats, Adam!

Also, here’s a link to the discussion thread at SportsShooter. I think someone should ask Adam for a tutorial on SuperClamp usage. ;)

Pam: My manager asked if you’re a Sea Shepherd!
Pam: He saw your shirt!
Pam: He loves Whale Wars.

Me: Awesome
Me: Ask for a raise

Pam: Perhaps if I give him a crew shirt… :)

Me: The last publicly available crew shirt sold for $1,000
Me: Does he have that in cash? ;)

From Episode 1: I totally nailed this photo of Paul

More photos…

From Episode 2: Waiting to board the Delta

Peter snapped this shot of a freeze frame from Episode 3

Can’t wait for the rest of the season!

It looks like Kim is attempting a hi-five instead of a hand strike, doesn’t it?

Adam Lau and I spent the last 5 days at Sea Shepherd headquarters in Friday Harbor, Washington, visiting Kim and the rest of the crew. We lucked out and had absolutely beautiful weather for all 5 days — it only started raining when I stepped foot into the little Cessna Caravan on my way back to Seattle. The San Juan Islands are some of the most beautiful islands I’ve ever seen, and those of you who are close to Sea Shepherd know how appropriate it is that their headquarters are surrounded by nature (in contrast to what is shown on TV, I mean).

A bonus: Julie Andersen was also in Friday Harbor while we were there! It was great to get to spend some time with Julie, as it had been far too long since our last meeting. Unfortunately, I missed Simeon Houtman by mere hours, and Laurens de Groot by a bit longer.

Adam and I had some official business to deal with while we were at HQ, and as a result, we spent the majority of our time glued to our computers. We did, however, go on a hike in an attempt to see some baby fox cubs that Kim and Julie had been seeing during the days before our arrival. We also stuffed ourselves full of delicious vegan food prepared by Kim and Alex, and were also treated to a night of bowling with Paul Watson, Amy, and Deborah. No evening of bowling is complete without witnessing Paul’s 2-ball bowling technique.

Tons o’ photos, below:

And more photos, taken by Adam Lau:

ECO-TERRORISM AND PIRACY ON THE HIGH SEAS: JAPANESE WHALING AND THE RIGHTS OF PRIVATE GROUPS TO ENFORCE INTERNATIONAL CONSERVATION LAW IN NEUTRAL WATERS
2009, Joseph Elliott Roeschke, The Villanova Environmental Law Journal, Volume XX, Issue 1, pages 99-136.

Abstract:

This Comment examines the various sources of international law on whaling, which attempt to wrestle with the convoluted area of international environmental conservation law on the high seas. Specifically, this Comment analyzes whether, and to what extent, private groups like Sea Shepherd have legal authority to protect endangered whales in neutral waters outside the jurisdiction of any nation. Section II explains the history of whaling, including a synopsis of whaling in Japanese culture and a history of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Section III outlines the relevant areas of international law that regulate whaling and environmental activism, which take place in the neutral coastal waters off of Antarctica. Section IV details the Japanese exploitation of the scientific research exception and provides a critical analysis of how the relevant regulations apply to individuals and private groups who enforce international conservation laws. Finally, Section V focuses on the effect Sea Shepherd has had on the Japanese scientific whaling program and suggests that Sea Shepherd should be allowed to continue enforcing international conservation law, but through less controversial means . . . [Download PDF, 184 KB]

My birthday card from the Sea Shepherds

Another year, another birthday away from home. I seem to find myself literally half way around the world during the holidays (and this, on my birthday). This year, I celebrated another year of life aboard the M/Y Steve Irwin just as we reached Antarctic waters. There were a string of birthdays onboard, each celebrated with the presentation of a vegan birthday cake, candles, and singing. I will have particularly fond memories of this December’s celebration for years to come.

The back my birthday card

Blowing out my candles in the mess area of the Steve Irwin