Whale hunting in spotlight beginning tonight on Animal Planet

   

Whether you're for or against or indifferent to the hunting of whales and other marine mammals, you probably would be entertained by a new series debuting tonight at 9 on the Animal Planet.

It's called "Whale Wars" and it's  essentially a profile of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and its controversial founder, Paul Watson.

The group of activists is considered more extreme than Greenpeace and has campaigned every winter to find and stop -- by any means  necessary -- Japanese ships that hunt whales in the name of research.

Animal Planet was aboard with Sea Shepherd during the months-long campaign in 2007-08 and claims to have captured the "intensity of the mission" and "trials and tribulations" of the crew in putting together the seven-part, hour-long weekly series.

"The series draws attention to this global conservation issue that has caused friction between several nations over the practice of whaling in oceanic territories," Animal Planet declared in a news release. "This year’s campaign was particularly eventful with multiple engagements, capsizing, possible hostage-taking and alleged shooting, and Animal Planet crews were onboard to document it as it unfolded."

The network added: "The Society’s fight to eradicate Japanese whaling on the high seas -- here international laws are interpreted by different countries and organizations in different ways -- utilizes some aggressive techniques, including ramming and disabling whaling ships; disrupting whale carcass processing; engaging in physical entanglement; and boarding and dispersing fleets of whaling vessels."

It ought to be enlightening. The slaughter of whales is unnecessary and evil, so it's refreshing to see groups fighting against it and TV crews bringing the issue to mainstream audiences. Hope you enjoy the show.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Japanese whalers haul in a minke whale in the Southern Ocean in this file photo from 2000. Credit: Agence France-Press

Comments

[BB]

I watched the premier of Whale Wars this evening, and while passion for the protection of whales is admirable, the ineptitude of those onboard the ship "Steve Irwin", is remarkable.
An overturned Zodiak, a damaged helicoptor rotor, and novice volunteers make this a study in comedy and tragedy.
I was disturbed enough by the first show, and the unprofessional conduct of the captain that I have signed off for good.

[Mark Hawthorne]

No television show would ever be able to capture what Paul Watson and Sea Shepherd have done for marine mammals around the globe. From chasing illegal whalers to targeting the Canadian seal slaughter, Sea Shepherd continues to raise public awareness on issues in a way that few organizations would even consider. Can you imagine a producer developing a television series were it not for Watson's confrontational methods? Say what you will about Sea Shepherd, these people bring to light the suffering of animals worldwide.

[philip champagne]

I would have to say,Watsons move on the illegal whalers an what the crew is doing for these suffering animals is great. I would like to see more of this. I would like to give my prayers to all you on board the Steve Irwin. Thank you so much!

[John]

I just finished watching "Whale Wars." It was great entertainment. I especially loved watching the stupidity and incompetence of Paul Watson and his disciples. I don't approve of killing whales, but I now feel sympathy for the Japanese.

[joshua bongiorno]

I,m very passionate about the kings of the sea, Whales should be able to roam freely.I've worked on boats and ships for years, and would love to come aboard to help protect them in any way I can. I have experience on boats and am mentally and physically prepared for the challenge.I would love to help them fight for there rights.I'm very proud of the SEA SHEPARD! If there's anything I can do to help please let me know. Your whale freedom friend .
Josh Bongiorno

[Alli]

I think harpooning whales is cruel and unnessisary. Im glad someone is finally shedding light to this problem. the team is so dedicated to their work, its admirable. When i saw last nights episode and watched a whale be harpooned, shot with a rifle and killed, i cried. i hope that someday, this can stop. But im glad there is a show, so maybe now people can recognize whats going on, and try to stop this. Before all our beautiful whales are gone.