TCA: ‘Whale Wars’ on the high seas

Rancid butter is plentiful aboard the Sea Shepherd, the ship of an organization of the same name devoted to stopping illegal whaling. They need it for chucking at the Japanese whaling boats to ruin their haul.

The crew members, present for the Animal Planet session Thursday during the Television Critics Assn.'s Press Tour, are the stars of a new series called “Whales Wars," premiering in November. They said they weren’t afraid to put their lives on the line to protect the whales. Capt. Paul Watson says that attitude is changing minds in places like Norway and Japan, where whaling is still a common practice.

“When they see people willing to risk their lives to protect them, they think about what they’re doing,” he said.

Kim McCoy, who serves as a quartermaster on the ship, said that as a result of the group’s aggressive and unconventional tactics, she feels “the market for whale products is diminishing.” But illegal whaling continues in part because “a lot of it is customary for them. And I think [it’s also] not wanting to be told what to do.”

Second mate Paul Hammarstedt said that he got involved with the group because of its effectiveness. “Once we show up, the killing stops,” he said.

“We’d love to be put out of business,” McCoy said.

--Denise Martin

(Photo courtesy Animal Planet)

Comments

[Denny Clark]

In watching "Whale Wars" episode "Ladies First Education" it became apparent of the insanity of some people involved in a very worthwhile cause that undermines the importance and the very reason the average person becomes disillusioned with worthy causes whether you agree with them or not.
The first was a statement by one of the crew members that "whales are more important to the eco system than man".Without the usual retoric of "show me a whale that can build a hospital or do an open heart transplant",I sure dont see how a whale could go out and save various endangered species as man does.
Second was a statement that "there are only 33 people that care about the whales and they are on the boat". Amazing how soon they forget all the people who work hard and not only support thier families but also continue to support the crew and equipment needed to save these majestic creatures.
Helping species unable to help themselves is important and goes without saying,but when fanatics become involved it and common sense is lost, it just hurts everyone and especially the cause.
A return to common sense