In December 2006 & January 2007, the Japanese whaling fleet will begin to illegally kill 1,000 whales in the Antarctic Whale Sanctuary. Fifty of these whales will be endangered humpbacks and another fifty will be endangered fin whales. Although the Japanese claim research as their motivation, the only research they are undertaking is product development and marketing of whale meat – to turn their illicit whale flesh into dog food, cosmetics, and sushi dishes they make huge profits. The killing of these whales is a gross violation of numerous international treaties and regulations including the U.N. World Charter for Nature and the Antarctic Territorial Treaty – commercial whaling is outlawed and it is illegal to hunt endangered species in an international whale sanctuary. Sea Shepherd Conservation Society has embarked on Operation Leviathan: a campaign to raise funds for a new vessel to return to Antarctica in December to defend the whales. In order for us to be effective, we must have a ship that can match the speed of the Japanese whaling fleet and enforce international conservation law. Our goal for this effort is $3 million to be raised in cash and pledges so that a ship capable of catching the fleet can be purchased. This is a huge undertaking considering sea shepherds annual budget ($1.4M) and the time constraints - but one that will meet with great success if we all participate. This year Sea shepherd will be the only organization confronting the Japanese fleet, making operation Leviathan more important than ever. The plan is to send 2 ships 1 helicopter and around 60 volunteers to the Antarctic. Sea shepherd has a long history of successful direct action campaigns at sea and is not sailing to protest and wave banners but to shut down the fleet using tactics proven in nearly 30 years of campaigning. What is needed is mass participation of people like you to raise cash and crew the ships. Sea Shepherd is a voluntary organization doing a job that should be done by the world’s navies and they can only succeed with help. Please help by donating cash, organizing fund raisers and putting on events to raise awareness of the campaign. Visit the website and contact the office to see how you can play your part. The time to act is now.
