New 'Whale Wars' season begins as Sea Shepherd seeks Japanese fleet

Capt. Paul Watson of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society embarked Monday in an effort to locate Japanese whalers in the Antarctic region and disrupt their hunts.

The campaign also marked the beginning of Animal Planet's third season of "Whale Wars." For the third time, a film crew has joined Sea Shepherd in a Southern Ocean campaign that will last into February. The series premiere will be in June.

Is Animal Planet in this for the cause, or purely for the ratings?

Marjorie Kaplan, president and general manager of Animal Planet, said in a news release being issued today: "The issues surrounding whaling in the southern ocean are important and complex. The majesty of these beautiful creatures and the lengths to which the Sea Shepherds will go in order to prevent whaling has made WHALE WARS intense and vital television. 

"We are excited to be on the Sea Shepherd boats again this season for what looks likely to be an even more dramatic campaign than in years past.  And, as in prior seasons, we wish we could capture the experience on the Japanese boats as well but our request for access continues to be declined.”

Japan, which employs a "lethal research" loophole in the wording of an international moratorium to justify its hunts, annually targets nearly 1,000 minke whales and about 50 endangered fin whales.

It will take awhile for the Sea Shepherd's flagship vessel, Steve Irwin, to reach the whaling grounds and locate the whalers, but Outposts will follow the story and provide updates as warranted.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Sea Shepherd's ship, Steve Irwin, collides with the stern of Japanese harpoon whaling ship Yushin Maru No. 2, while the factory ship the Nisshin Maru, background, processes a minke whale. Credit: Adam Lau/Sea Shepherd

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Comments

[Fred]

What? Why the president of the Animal Planet saying this?

"We are excited to be on the Sea Shepherd boats again this season for what looks likely to be an even more dramatic campaign than in years past. And, as in prior seasons, we wish we could capture the experience on the Japanese boats as well but our request for access continues to be declined.”

The Rivr Media did not even ask the Institute of Cetacean Research (ICR) to being with!

"Rivr Media and independent producer Dan Stone developed the idea for the series, said Rob Lundgren, the company's president. He described Stone as an "avid supporter" of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society who has contributed money to the group.

Producers doubted they would be given access to Japanese whaling boats, so they didn't try. Makers of "Whale Wars" made no attempt to get the Japanese side of the story at all, Lundgren said. Foley said they didn't have time."

from San Francisco Chronicle Tuesday, March 25, 2008
(David Bauder, Associated Press)
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/03/24/DDGAVPMU2.DTL

Now Ms.Kaplan says the Animal Planet`s request is declined? She does not know why?

Oh, this press release might help Ms.Kaplan understand how the ICR scientists feel and why Animal Planet`s request declined.
http://www.icrwhale.org/pdf/081029Release.pdf

[clubbed]

The clear cut facts:

- Japanese whalers are defying a global moratorium on whaling
- They are commericially whaling under the guise of science
- They are in the Australian Antarctic Territory without permission
- They are illegally taking whales from a declared whale sanctuary
- They are in the Antarctic zone operating illegally because they are carrying weapons and are refuelling & dumping waste into the ocean
- They are in contempt of an Austrlian High court injunction on whaling in the Whale sanctuary
- The killing methods are slow, brutal and highly cruel
- They are taking threatended and endangered whales. Minke numbers are an estimate - no one really knows how many of them there are.

[andy harpoon a jap!]

hmmmm well i guess the name Hideyoshi Toyotomi says it all!! when I read the comments from such a vial name I feel like srcrewing my face up in discust... GO SEA SHEPHERD...The people of the world that matter LOVE YOU such a shame we cant design a new sport, harpooning japs!!! ohhhhhh lordy now that would be fun, nasty little insects that you are!

[Tommy Shambler]

I have only watched a coulpe of episedes of Whale wars, but it's pretty obvious that Japan's claim 'to be doing research' has worn micron thin, even for the Japanese. What will kill the whaling trade is not the relentless chases by the Steve Irwin, but the negative publicity provided by the footage. This may be of small comfort for the numerous whales who will inevitably die, between now & then, but as long as people are glued to their boxes watching the antics of these, frankly brutal whalers, and the sea Shepherds, opinion could not be more sharply polarised.

The shots of the Japanese crew holding up oversizedplacards, for the benefit of helicopter shots, with such legends, as 'we're doing research' and 'we're weighing stomach contents', is reminiscent of performance art.

Surely the IWC will bring Japan to book, and curtaiul these barbaric activities.

[Sakamoto Ryoma]

The oceans are so contaminated with PCB's and Mercury at present that eating anything that comes from it is like eating out of a toilet; especially animals at the top of the food chain where the toxins bio-accumulate in the highest concentrations (whales, dolphins, blue-fin tuna, etc.)

It is a national disgrace that Japan foists meat that is basically toxic waste on its own populace in the form of school lunches and meals at public facilities such as old age homes and hospitals as a means of subsidizing its national policy on whaling. This is nothing less than a repeat of the Minamata disaster perpetrated by Chisso chemical and abetted by the national bureaucracy in Japan.

Whaling should be stopped on public health grounds alone.

Sakamoto

[Mitsubishi calls it a day.]

Mitsubishi's current investment in extinction.

Makes you want to boycott anything made by M'bishi doesn't it? Or perhaps even anything made in Japan? You find out the extent of these rapacious fishing fleets (Japan, Taiwan, China) absolutely wiping out everything and it makes you want to boycott anything from those countries too. There is a huge worldwide problem. Sushi trains in Tokyo to Shark fin soup in Hong Kong. Don't get me started on Traditional Chinese medicine and what goes on there. Absolute tradgedy...All those idiots who think it is all for ratings & TV - get a grip. SS has been going down there well before Animal Planet came along. if you can get some financial support for something you are passionate about and are doing anyway - then great, right??

We need to not only stop whaling, but all ocean harvesting/over fishing etc.

[John S MCCRAY]

This is not necessarily a funny subject but it I am laughing so loud right now!
I am seeing Radical Left Wind Zealots supporting economic growth, and calling for warships in support of law, and not defending the muslim terrorist Somali pirates, supporting the idea of nationalism through action and image, defending the Allied position in WW2. Peer acknowledged research papers, haha just like the true global warming data papers ones should have been published - I lets see all the data!
Wow you guys are coming around. Give me a moment...... I'm so proud.... hmmm this is all to much

[Triskel Music]

What Hideyoshi fails to demonstrate is that he has an understanding of the balance of the oceans which is threatened by the over-fishing practised by the worlds richer nations, in particular Japan, who's dietary protein intake consists of 80% seafood. With 127mill people, there is significant cause for alarm there. With so many species threatened and endangered, there is only one logical course of action that will not lead to the total collapse of the marine food chain. If we continue at this rate the oceans will be full of jellyfish, and very little else. There must be an intelligent and dramatic reduction of fishing quotas world wide.
Economics and moral rights form no part of the argument for conserving the World's Oceans future. Plain and simple.
I find it interesting that Hideyoshi has not directly replied to my comments. I believe he has no argument to counter these irrefutable truths.
He doesn't have to worry so long as he has enough money in a few years time to pay the exorbitantly over-inflated price of frozen bluefin tuna from Mitsubishi's current investment in extinction.
Good Luck.

[jimmy]

Robert K Thornquist MD

You sure sound uneducated and a real twit. People like you do not help anything and cause the worlds problem. Nice attitude. Try growing up - or is that too hard?

[Hideyoshi Toyotomi]

I officially tire of your idiocy.

You have rejected fact, reason and logic. You have instead sought a sense of self-satisfaction in emotional, illogical and ill-founded sentimentality with which there can be no reasoning.

I only ask that when you criticise others for killing animals, that you remain aware of the profound hypocrisy of your position. The distinction you make between the killing of cetaceans and domesticated livestock does not stand up to logical analysis.

Further, as you grant yourself a sense of environmental superiority, remember that there is no greater destroyer of the environment than your-good-selves. You are reponsible for more pollution and environmental devastation than anyone else on the planet. Just keep that somewhere in the back of your minds as you shed those enlightened tears for the poor, defenceless, innocent whales.

Enough.

All the best,

Hideyoshi.
xoxo

[Robert K Thornquist MD]

Too bad the Japanese are so anti-gun. they should post a sniper on board and take out that bloated doofous on the Bridge of the Sea Shitphard. It's amazing that he hasn't been harpooned yet! They actually videotaped an act of war (ramming) last season, it's a shame that they didn't sink (ironically I'm sure that the whalers would've pulled their sorry soggy butts out of the ocean). I had a friend bring me some whale meat from Japan (looked like minke), not my cup of tea but I got to try it. What the Japanese are doing IS LEGAL, PW is the transgressor here.

[Tai Elliot]

It would be good if whale wars wasn't necessary at all. i.e No whaling and therefore no need to try to stop them. Their new govt sure seems keen to keep the industry limping along. Sure makes you wonder who the hell is making decisions in Tokyo. Even though their economy is going backwards, they continue to pour money they dont have into this industry. No wonder that country is messed up.

[Donna Piland]

I absolutely support Captain Paul Watson, the Sea Sheperd Conservation Society, and the crew of the Steve Irwin in their battle to defend helpless whales from this cruel and needless slaughter. For far too long, greedy whalers have been making an all too one sided war on whales, while the media remained silent. The whales did not declare the war, and the Sea Shepherds are only trying to end the slaughter. It's the whalers, who kill only for profit, who are in the wrong here.
"Whale Wars" has shown us how the Sea Shepherds have endured hardships in freezing climates, and willingly put their lives on the line for their convictions. It gives me hope for the future of the planet when I see them fearlessly going head on against a far more powerful enemy. An enemy backed by big money, out to make more loot at any cost.
Sea Shepherd has only lots of heart, and one ship, to battle a fleet of bigger, faster ships. Oh brave new world, that has such people in it! Their courage in the face of overwhelming odds is awe inspiring. If only more people stopped simply feeling helpless and overwhelmed as one species after another is destroyed for the sake of "progress," and took a stand.
Critics complain that Sea Shepherd's tactics are too radical? I wonder what these critics have done to help protect the whales? I think the Sea Sheperds are doing exactly the right thing. Let their critics bash away. The fact is, the issue of ending whaling is once again in the headlines, and it wouldn't be without Sea Sheperd. I'm thrilled to see another season of "Whale Wars" is in the works. "Animal Planet" must continue to tell Sea Shepherd's story and keep people aware that this bloody business is still thriving.
Without "Whale Wars," we wouldn't even be having this debate. The killing of helpless whales would have continued, shrouded in deafening, deadly silence. Kudos to "Animal Planet" for having the courage to show this despite some angry attacks.
And as happy as I am to know that Sea Shepherd is still out there, taking on the whalers, my guess is that the whales are a good deal happier. As for the critics, let them whine. "Whale Wars" has brought renewed support for a cause too long forgotten. I can hardly wait to see the next season.
Go Sea Shepherd!
No Retreat, No Surrender!

[Dan Akroyd]

Look Hideyoshi,

It is like pulling teeth with you. As you are obviously biased and sympathetic to the Japanese. No amount of arguing will get anywhere with you. Even if facts are presented, you will twist and wriggle and come up with a counter everytime.

We think it is amazing you think the whaling fleet have every right to harvest whales from a whale sanctuary thousands of miles away from Japan AND have an armed escort so that they can do it without any hassles. Talk about audacity! Perhaps we could fish in Japanese waters or Japanese EEZ's etc with an armed escort. Would Japan just watch?

You go on about Minke whales. But fail to mention Fin whales and other whales harvested in the northern Pacific hunt (some of these are threatened / Endangered). The fact of the matter is, Japan does what she wants and does not comply to any international agreements or regulations. Try to tell Japan off and she cries like a spoilt brat.

Drawing a WWII comparison is just for the purposes of showing what action Japan actually responds to. We are not saying Japan needs another nuke or 2. However, you seem to think the anti-whaling ships should be torpedoed. That sort of comment will of course rile people up and get them saying it's the whaling fleet that needs to be torpedoed. You silly goose. You've come full circle.

[Hideyoshi Toyotomi]

Oh dear... why is it I get the feeling my point isn't getting through...

Not easy to reason with fanatical zealots I suppose. Sigh.

1. The commercial viability of Japan's whaling program is irrelevant to any discussion on the moral legitimacy of whaling. But thank you for your concern nonetheless.

2. The issue of WWII need not be raised in the context of whaling. The two issues are not related.

3. Minke whales are not endangered.

4. Minke whales are not endangered.

(Humpback whales are likely to be removed from the US list of endangered species in the near future. Just so you know.)

5. The popularity of whale meat in Japan is but a minor consideration. The issue here is people forcing their arbitrary and sentimental beliefs upon others and feeling themselves to be taking the moral high ground in doing so.

6. It does not take a great deal of courage to harpoon a whale with modern equipment, granted. But nor does it take a great deal of courage to slaughter cows, chickens, sheep, pigs etc. I believe the hunting of [unarmed] wild animals with high powered rifles for sport is a popular pursuit in the USA. Practiced by your presidential candidates, no less. The behaviour of a courageous heroes...?

7. It takes little courage to harrass and assault the merchant navy of a country committed to peace and the rule of international law. I admit, that Sea Shepherd is allowed to get away with its behaviour is the fault of Japan for refusing to protect its citizens and assets with military force. It is my hope that Japan changes its policy in this regard to conform with international norms.

8. The killing of domesticated animals is not more morally acceptable than the killing of wild animals. Intensive farming practices that are popular in the USA and other countries are inherently inhumane and cruel. Also, they are carbon intensive and degrade the environment. Whales, on the other hand, live lives of great freedom and pollute very little. Think of them as environmentally-friendly and free-range meat. When you think about it, it is the moral meat.

[Man Slaughter]

Ok noble Samurai,

I may be emotive but is there any other option..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43DuLcBFxoY

We are talking about farming and interfering with delicate ocean systems, not killing domesticated animals bred for that reason.

Yes whaling stopped here 30 years ago and luckily whale numbers have increased since.

And sure; the concept of cowardice and courage comes into this. Lets take one brave Samurai, arm him with a sword or harpoon plonk him in ocean sans the big boat. Now in the sake of fairness lets arm the whale too, maybe strap a large harpoon to the nose or a machete to the tail.

Let them trash around for a bit; if our heroic samurai survives the ordeal and slays the whale we could say he fought and won a courageous fight. On the other hand with his big boat and harpoon = courageous, NO. The job the Sea Shepherd and co are doing = courageous, YES.

I fact I have heard some rumors of the Sea Shepherd arming whales for just this reason. Who can forget the many farmers that died the last time Bovines got hold of guns...

[Matthew Williams]

I am very glad to see Sea Shepherd upping the stakes with use of new interceptor boat the Agi Gil. I think they have quite a few new tricks up their sleeves too but we will have to wait to see how those tricks are deployed. This may prove to be the most interesting year yet. I hope the Ady Gil handles the ice well... which is a concern as it is a smaller boat with minimal crew for repair work if something goes wrong.

[Triskel Music]

Interesting emotive comments on both sides.

Stick to the facts boys.

The ICR hasn't produced a single peer acknowledged research paper or article since they resumed commercial whaling under the guise of research. Less than 5% of the Japanese population eat Whale meat.

Whales and other endangered and overfished marine life are integral parts of the food chain. Cows and chickens are not. They are separate at best. A pathological and environmental threat at worst.

Japan is interested in maintaining a presence in the Southern Ocean so that when the 2025 official International assignment of Antarctic territory takes place. Nations that have research stations in Antarctica are maintaining them in order to claim territory that is enormously rich in natural resources.

Now, Tuna. Have a look at Mitsubishi's investment in extinction.....

http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/revealed-the-bid-to-corner-worlds-bluefin-tuna-market-1695479.html

[Bill Murray]

my dear Hideyoshi Toyotomi,

How condescending can you get?

Do you know about the great shame you bring to your people and your country? The lost decade continues in Japan (zero economic growth) and yet they continue to waste money and for what? How much whale meat is in the deep freeze unused and unwanted. How much whale meat ends up as dog food in Japan? This whole whale thing is so a bunch of old folk can have an exciting voyage twice a year (northern & southern pacific hunts) just like the old days when there was a whaling industry (blubber, oil, meat, bone etc). Unfortunalety Japanese men live a long time, so there lots of WW2 and post WW2 "heroes" still around with pull in the [corrupt] govt.

Times up boys. Use the whaling money on your own country to actually help your ailing economy. Too bad freedom of speech doesnt exist in Japan and hence most Japanese dont even know this goes on.

BM

[Sean D]

It's all for ratings. These guys are incapable of stopping any whaling and the only real drama is seeing how far they push their luck. Soon someone is going to get hurt. I'm anti-whaling but this is just another TV show. I don't give them any money anymore when I realized how stupid they are. I think Japan will only change from within.. Let's keep the issues in the news, but sending untrained people down to antartica to ram boats in a 30-40 year old boat with a paper-thin hull is just stupid.. Paul Watson needs to get a real job.

[Hideyoshi Toyotomi]

My dear Daniel,

Unfortunately, you have an overly emotional approach to the issue of whaling.

Courage or cowardice is not a factor. At all. It is a petty insult you include in your argument to add legitimacy to an otherwise baseless point of view.

You see, sir, humans kill animals and whales are animals. Of course, we make exception for species that are endangered. But (un?)fortunately for some species of whale, they are not endangered and are thus fit for sustainable harvesting. Such as the minke.

You also say the killing of whales is pointless. The same can easily be said of the slaughter of cows and pigs and chickens and fish. Where is your compassion and concern for these creatures?

Daniel-san, are you American or perhaps Australian? If so, then by that very fact you are one of the greatest environmental vandals on the planet. I wonder if your sudden (your country happily harvested whales as recently as the 1970s) concern for the creatures isn't a product of some underlying guilt in this regard.

Hmm?

[Dan Slaughter]

Fair enough Mr Toyotomi I shouldn't have called you a coward.

But can't you see the pointless killing these creatures or support of this killing is a cowardly act.

A nearby military vessel would not need to use force but should act a good enough deterrent for the so-called 'research' ships. Kevin 07 would do well to honor his election promises in this regard. 'A well placed torpedo' sounds a little like sinking the Rainbow Warrior in 85 doesn't it mate and we all know who was in the wrong there.

Your confusion with my 'logic' probable comes from the fact that I am being sarcastic. To spell it out for you I was comparing Japanese 'research' vessels with the somali pirates, both illegal (e.g. whaling inside protection zones) yet at least the Somalis don't act under the guise of 'research'.

Ha maybe thats a good idea Somali pirates could paint Research on the side on their boats and they would become legit.

[Somali Pirate]

What I can't believe is that Japan is sending two extra ships (Coast Guard, Navy?) to keep an eye on the activists. What sort of cost is this entire whaling operation costing? A lot more than money. Hugely damaging to Japans international image. Huge cost to their credibility. Remember, just recently they were caught exceeding their blue-fin tuna quotas massively and keeping it secret. Moral of the story: You can't trust a word they say. Get out of the Southern Ocean you savages (WWII ring a bell?).

[OHYeah 1945]

Nice Comment Hideyoshi Toyotomi [not].

Perhaps the Enola Gay or Bockscar should pay another visit to Japan? The only way to stop you lot is direct action. Otherwise the whole saving face thing keeps you going at any cost. Huge cost to your countries image and reputation. Sad Really. Nice to see you trawling around leaving vile propaganda.

[Hideyoshi Toyotomi]

Daniel-san, keep your pants on sweetheart! No need for the name calling.

By your "logic", it is somehow more acceptable to conduct violent piracy for personal financial gain than to conduct scientific research on whales? Curious.

And how is it that you came to the conclusion that Japan's research whaling is illegal? The international legal community would be fascinated to hear of your discovery I'm sure!

But you and I have one thing in common - an eager anticipation of the day a war ship joins the fray down there. Afterall, it's high time the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force dispatched the eco-terrorists to the seabed with a well-placed torpedo.