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<!-- Sea Shepherd was founded in 1981. A predecessor organization called Earth Force Society was founded in 1977. See http://www.seashepherd.org/about-sscs.html .-->
{{Infobox organization
| name = Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
| logo = ]<br />Logo<br />]<br />Flag
| type = Public charity (USA); registered charity (UK)
| founded_date = {{start date and age|1977}}
| founder = ]
| location = ], USA<!-- this parameter modifies "Headquarters" --><br />
], ], Australia
| origins =
| key_people =
| area_served = Global
| product =
| focus = ]
| method = ]
| revenue =
| endowment =
| num_volunteers =
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}}
The '''Sea Shepherd Conservation Society''' ('''SSCS''') is a ], ] organization based in ] on ], in the United States.<ref>{{cite news|title=Friday Harbor, Wash., Activist Elicits Dual Images of Hero, Foe|first=Jim|last=Lynch|newspaper=]|date=March 21, 2004}}</ref>

Sea Shepherd uses ] tactics to protect ]. The organization was founded in 1977 under the name Earth Force Society by ], a former member of ], after a dispute with that organization over what Watson saw as its lack of more aggressive intervention.<ref name="National Geographic">{{cite web |last=Heller |first=Peter |title=The Whale Warriors: Whaling in the Antarctic Seas |date=May 2006|work=] |url=http://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/0605/features/whales.html |accessdate=February 10, 2007}}</ref> The group has a strong focus on ] to spread its message via the media. In 2008, ] began filming the weekly series '']'' based on the group's encounters with the ] in the ], a development which brought the group much publicity.

Sea Shepherd currently operates the vessels {{MY|Steve Irwin}}, the {{MY|Bob Barker}}, the {{MY|Sam Simon}} (donated and named after ], co-founder of '']'') and the {{MV|Brigitte Bardot}}. Operations have included ] and disabling whaling vessels at harbor, intervening in Canadian and Namibian seal hunts,<ref>{{cite news|title='Eco-pirate' Paul Watson is in danger of losing his boat|publisher=The Observer|first=John|last=Vidal|date=July 30, 2011|accessdate=December 1, 2011|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/jul/31/eco-pirate-paul-watson-flagship|location=London}}</ref> shining ] into the eyes of whalers,<ref>{{cite news|title=Street Fight on the High Seas|publisher=]|date=January 12, 2010|url=http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/newsdesk/2010/01/sea-shepherd.html|accessdate=October 19, 2010}}</ref><ref name="HARDLINE">{{cite news|title=Hardline warrior in war to save the whale| publisher=]| date= January 11, 2010|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10619393|accessdate=December 21, 2013}}</ref> throwing bottles of foul-smelling ] onto vessels at sea,<ref name="HARDLINE"/> boarding of whaling vessels while at sea, and seizure and destruction of ]s at sea. Sea Shepherd claims that their aggressive actions are necessary, as the international community has shown itself unwilling or unable to stop species-endangering whaling and fishing practices.<ref name="The New Yorker 2007-11-05">{{cite news|title=Neptune's Navy|last=Khatchadourian|first=Raffi|work=The New Yorker|date=November 5, 2007|url=http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2007/11/05/071105fa_fact_khatchadourian|accessdate=December 21, 2013}}</ref>

Sea Shepherd has received support for its tactics against fishing, whaling, and seal hunting from many celebrities, such as musicians and TV personalities. The ] of Sea Shepherd have been opposed, even by those who denounce whaling, such as ]<ref name="Greenpeace"/> and the governments of Australia and New Zealand.<ref name="TimesOnline">{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article1358479.ece|title=Whalers aid in Antarctic rescue of environmentalists|last=Parry|first=Lloyd|newspaper=]|location=London|date=February 9, 2007|accessdate=June 8, 2009|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629141048/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article1358479.ece|archivedate=June 29, 2011}}</ref> The Japanese government have called them ].<ref name='Telegraph 2009-04-17'>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/5166346/Paul-Watson-Sea-Shepherd-eco-warrior-fighting-to-stop-whaling-and-seal-hunts.html |title=Paul Watson: Sea Shepherd eco-warrior fighting to stop whaling and seal hunts |accessdate=December 21, 2013 |date=April 17, 2009 |publisher=Telegraph.co.uk | location=London}}</ref> However, in March 2014 the ] ruled the Japanese whaling program in the Southern Ocean was not, as claimed, for scientific purposes, and ordered Japan to cease operations.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-03-31/ijc-japan-whaling-southern-ocean-scientific-research/5357416 |title=Japan ordered to immediately stop whaling in Antarctic as International Court of Justice rules program was not carried out for scientific purposes |work= |publisher=ABC News |location=Australia |date=March 31, 2014 |deadurl=no |archivedate=March 31, 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140331143408/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-03-31/ijc-japan-whaling-southern-ocean-scientific-research/5357416 }}</ref>

Paul Watson and American members of Sea Shepherd are currently prohibited by US courts from approaching or harassing Japanese whalers.<ref>http://www.afp.com/en/news/topstories/group-defiant-over-us-ban-tackling-japan-whalers</ref>

==History==
<!--Please do NOT simply reiterate their list of actions here. In fact, all such details are to be provided in ] instead. This section should mainly discuss the development in size, scope, notability etc... of the group -->
{{Main article|Sea Shepherd Conservation Society operations}}
The predecessor organization of Sea Shepherd, the "Earth Force Society", was formed in 1977, after its founder, ] was ousted from the board of ] for disagreements over his ] activism which clashed with their pacifist nature.<ref name='Guardian'>{{cite news | first=John | last=Vidal | title=Greenpeace fights sea battle with rival anti-whaling ship | date=January 2, 2006 | publisher= The Guardian |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2006/jan/02/whaling.activists | accessdate =May 1, 2010 | location=London}}</ref> Watson soon left Greenpeace. Initially without funding and with only a small group of supporters, in 1978 Watson convinced ], head of the Fund for Animals to fund Watson's first vessel, the ''Sea Shepherd''.<ref name="The New Yorker 2007-11-05"/>

The first direct action undertaken by Sea Shepherd was against Canadian ] in the Gulf of St. Lawrence in March 1979.<ref>{{cite news
| title = Environmentalists Jailed After Painting Baby Seals Red
| newspaper = Ocala Star-Banner
| date = March 11, 1979
| page = 2A
| url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=1iwTAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ugUEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5044,2964856&dq=sea-shepherd
}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
| title = Seal-hunt protesters fear more trouble
| newspaper = The Spokesman-Review
| date = March 12, 1979
| page = 3
| url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=78kRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8O0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=7152,6911778&dq=sea-shepherd
}}</ref> Also in 1979, the group made headlines when, for the first time, they rammed a whaling vessel,<ref>{{cite web|publisher=The Age |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=51sQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=zpIDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5728,1161703&dq=sea-shepherd+sierra |title=Conservationist Admits Ramming 'Whaler' |accessdate=July 31, 2009 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> the notorious pirate whaling vessel ''Sierra''.<ref name="Nagtzaam"/> Such acts continued with Sea Shepherd claiming responsibility for damaging or sinking multiple whaling ships, through sabotage or ramming. The group has attempted to intervene against Russian, Spanish, Norwegian, Icelandic, Makah, Faroese, and Japanese whalers in multiple campaigns around the globe.<ref name="National Geographic"/><ref name="The New Yorker 2007-11-05"/> Setting a pattern that the group would keep up in later years, the ], though the first ''Sea Shepherd'' was impounded, and lost. Watson states he used the money gained from selling the story rights to fund his next vessel.<ref name="The New Yorker 2007-11-05"/>

After having spent the 1980s undertaking a variety of controversial and dangerous operations in support of various marine conservation aims, in the 1990s the group has been described as having undertaken a shift in their public attitude.<ref name="The New Yorker 2007-11-05"/> Having previously argued primarily from an ] viewpoint, from the 1990s, Watson's group now also started ascribing themselves ] enforcement powers, using its interpretation of maritime and conservation law, to describe themselves as an anti-] agency.<ref name="The New Yorker 2007-11-05"/><ref name='Hollywood Today 2009-06-09'>{{cite news | first=Darrah | last=Le Montre | title=Whale Wars' Sea Shepherd Nets Anthony Kiedis and Rick Rubin's Support | date=June 9, 2009 | publisher= Hollywood Today |url=http://www.hollywoodtoday.net/2009/06/09/whale-wars-sea-shepherd-nets-anthony-kiedis-and-rick-rubins-support/ | accessdate =July 30, 2009 }}</ref> In some cases in the 2000s, they cooperated with official government efforts against maritime poaching, such as in Costa Rican waters, though the agreements often did not last long before ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Watson to whalers: We will never surrender|author=Manami Okazaki|newspaper=]|date=February 9, 2010|page=12|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2010/02/09/issues/watson-to-whalers-we-will-never-surrender/}}</ref>

Starting in September 2010, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society has positioned a crew in ] to monitor and report their annual dolphin drive hunt.{{Citation needed|date=May 2012}}

==Organization==
].]]
Sea Shepherd is a non-government and non-profit environmental organization and in the United States has a ] tax exempt status. 83.2% of the organization's revenue is spent on its programs, while 16.7% of revenue is spent on administrative and fundraising.<ref>{{cite web|title=Charity Navigator Rating&nbsp;– Sea Shepherd Conservation Society|work=Charity Navigator.org|url=http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=5784|accessdate =May 31, 2012}}</ref> It is supported by private and corporate donations, lectures by Watson, internet advertising,<ref name="The New Yorker 2007-11-05"/> and grants. The group is operated by volunteers and a small number of paid staff.<ref name="The New Yorker 2007-11-05"/> Watson says he is committed to keeping his organization small, and does not believe in spending money on fund-raising or recruitment.<ref name="The New Yorker 2007-11-05"/>

Sea Shepherd is governed by a ], including Watson. The organization has several boards of advisers, each addressing an area of expertise. The Scientific, Technical, and Conservation Advisory Board includes ] founder ] and Horst Klienschmidt, a former Deputy Chair of the International Whaling Commission (2006). The Legal and Law Enforcement Advisory Board includes ], a former Australian Minister of the Environment and Heritage (2004–07) whom whaling groups had accused of having inappropriate and close ties with the organization.<ref>{{cite news| title=Campbell denies eco-terrorism | author= Perpitch, Nicolas | publisher= Perth Now| date= December 14, 2006|url=http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/campbell-denies-eco-terrorism/story-e6frg13u-1111112693891| accessdate=December 21, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| title= Japanese whalers attack Campbell's links| agency= Australian Associated Press| date= December 15, 2006|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Japanese-whalers-attack-Campbells-links/2006/12/15/1165685868434.html|accessdate =January 10, 2010 | work=The Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref> The Animal Welfare, Humane and Animal Rights Advisory Board includes animal rights philosopher ]. The Media and Arts Advisory Board includes several major Hollywood stars. There is a Photography Advisory Board and a Financial and Management Advisory Board.<ref>{{cite web|title=Who We Are |publisher=Sea Shepherd Conservation Society |url=http://www.seashepherd.org/who-we-are/ |accessdate=September 20, 2009 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20090830114857/http://www.seashepherd.org:80/who-we-are/ |archivedate=August 30, 2009 }}</ref>

==Activism==
{{main article|Sea Shepherd Conservation Society operations}}
Sea Shepherd engages in conventional ]s and ]s to protect marine wildlife. Sea Shepherd operations have included interdiction against ], ] poaching and ], ], and ].<ref name="National Geographic"/><ref name="Australia condemns Japanese whalers">{{cite news| title= Australia condemns bloody killing of whale and calf by Japanese fleet| publisher= Times Newspapers Ltd.|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article3325580.ece| date= February 8, 2008|accessdate=January 10, 2010 | location=London | first=Paul | last=Larter}}</ref> The group has been active in intervening against fishing and poaching in the South Pacific, the Mediterranean, and in waters around the ].

According to its mission statement, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society "uses innovative ] tactics to investigate, document, and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas".<ref>{{cite web | title = Sea Shepherd&nbsp;– Who We Are | publisher = Sea Shepherd Conservation Society |url=http://www.seashepherd.org/who-we-are/ | accessdate =July 29, 2009}}</ref> Those actions have included scuttling and ] commercial whaling vessels at harbor, using ]s to blow holes in ship hulls,<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/5166346/Paul-Watson-Sea-Shepherd-eco-warrior-fighting-to-stop-whaling-and-seal-hunts.html | location=London | work=The Daily Telegraph | title=Paul Watson: Sea Shepherd eco-warrior fighting to stop whaling and seal hunts | date=April 17, 2009}}</ref> ] other vessels, throwing glass bottles of ] on the decks of vessels at sea, boarding of whaling vessels while at sea, and seizure and destruction of ]s at sea. As of 2009, Paul Watson has said that the organization has sunk ten whaling ships while also destroying millions of dollars worth of equipment.<ref>{{cite news|last=Woodham |first=Kerre|title=Lucky ocean crash|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10619295|accessdate=June 5, 2010|newspaper=The New Zealand Herald|date=January 10, 2010}}</ref> Their practice of attacking and sinking other ships has led to reports of injuries to other sailors as well as the Sea Shepherd crew, including concussions and complications from chemical attacks.<ref name="acid">{{cite news|title=Whaling acid attack terrorist act: Japan|agency=Reuters |work= The Sydney Morning Herald|date=February 9, 2007|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/Whaling-acid-attack-terrorist-act-Japan/2007/02/09/1170524300133.html|accessdate=February 11, 2007}}</ref><ref name="Darby">{{cite news
| title= Sea Shepherd activists attack Japanese whaler| date= March 3, 2008| last= Darby| first = Andrew| newspaper= The Sydney Morning Herald|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/whale-watch/sea-shepherd-activists-attack-japanese-whaler/2008/03/03/1204402325470.html| accessdate=June 4, 2009}}</ref>

Watson considers the actions of Sea Shepherd to be against criminal operations and has called the group an anti-poaching organization.<ref name="Hollywood Today 2009-06-09"/> Critics claim that Sea Shepherd's actions constitute violations of international law,<ref>{{cite news | title = Japan Summons Australian, Dutch Ambassadors Over Whaling Clash | last = Biggs | first = Stuart | publisher = Bloomberg News | date = March 4, 2008 |url=http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601101&sid=aEoBPqiTHEgg&refer=japan |accessdate=January 10, 2010}}</ref> while Watson has stated that Sea Shepherd believes that their actions constitute an attempt to enforce international conservation laws and international ] under the ] adopted by the United Nations.<ref>{{cite news | title = Champion of seas faces attempted murder case | last = Campbell | first = Duncan | newspaper = The Guardian | date =June 3, 2002 |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2002/jun/03/fish.food| accessdate=January 10, 2010 | location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
| title = Greenpeace fights sea battle with rival anti-whaling ship
| last = Vidal | first = John
| publisher = The Guardian
| date = January 2, 2006
| url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2006/jan/02/whaling.activists
| accessdate = June 8, 2009
| location=London
}}</ref> Australia has declared Japan's hunt in the ] to be illegal, and federal court judge Jim Allsop has stated "there is no practical mechanism by which orders of this court can be enforced".<ref name="new scientist 2008-01-15">{{cite news
| title = Australia rules Japanese whaling illegal
| last = Young | first = Emma
| publisher = New Scientist
| date = January 15, 2008
| url = http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn13185-australia-rules-japanese-whaling-illegal.html
| accessdate = June 8, 2009
}}</ref> The lack of official enforcement mechanisms in that law prompted the Society to adopt, without official sanction, what it sees as a law enforcement mission. A 2008 academic paper by researchers at ] in ], ] concluded that the group "may be best categorized as a vigilante group, because they say they are seeking to enforce a legal status quo because of states' and the international community's inabilities or unwillingness to do so".<ref name="Nagtzaam">{{cite journal | title = Vigilantes on the High Seas?: The Sea Shepherds and Political Violence | last1 = Nagtzaam | first1 = Gerry | last2 = Lentini | first2 = Pete | journal = Terrorism and Political Violence | volume = 20 | issue = 1 | date = January 2008| pages = 110–133 | doi = 10.1080/09546550701723658 | issn = 0954-6553 |url=http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/279937011-9747435/content~db=all~content=a789728401}}</ref>

Watson left ] in 1977 after being expelled from the board of directors due to his confrontational methods.<ref>{{cite news | title = Spotlight on Greenpeace rebel | last = Summers | first = Chris | publisher = BBC News | date = April 30, 2002 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/1938213.stm|accessdate=January 10, 2010 }}</ref> Since then, Greenpeace has criticized Sea Shepherd for the group's tactics,<ref>{{cite news| title= Greenpeace fights sea battle with rival anti-whaling ship| last= Vidal| first= John| publisher= The Guardian | date= January 2, 2006|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2006/jan/02/whaling.activists|accessdate=January 10, 2010 | location=London}}</ref> particularly regarding its interaction with whaling ships while at sea. The rival environmental group maintains Sea Shepherd is a violent organization whose tactics may endanger the lives of fishermen and whalers.<ref>{{cite news| title= Green ships in deadly duel with whalers| last= McKie| first= Robin| publisher= The Guardian| date= January 13, 2008|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/jan/13/whaling.antarctica| accessdate=June 11, 2009 | location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| title = Cape man fights whalers| last= Fraser| first= Doug| work= Cape Cod Times|date= April 9, 2008|url=http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080409/NEWS/804090347| accessdate=June 11, 2009}}</ref> Greenpeace has called Watson a violent extremist and will no longer comment on his activities.<ref name='Telegraph 2009-04-17'/> Greenpeace is also critical of the group on its website and state: "By making it easy to paint ] forces as dangerous, piratical terrorists, Sea Shepherd could undermine the forces within Japan which could actually bring whaling to an end".<ref name="Greenpeace">{{cite web|publisher=]|title=Paul Watson, Sea Shepherd and Greenpeace: some facts|url=http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/en/news-and-blogs/news/paul-watson-sea-shepherd-and|accessdate=December 21, 2013|date=December 17, 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100901064525/http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/en/news-and-blogs/news/paul-watson-sea-shepherd-and|archivedate=September 1, 2010}}</ref> Both groups protest the Japanese whale hunts in the Southern Ocean but Greenpeace has a policy to not assist Sea Shepherd in finding the whalers. In his 2009 book, ''Whaling in Japan'', Jun Morikawa states that Sea Shepherd's confrontational tactics have actually strengthened Japan's resolve to continue with its whaling program. According to Morikawa, Sea Shepherd's activities against Japan's whaling ships have allowed the Japanese government to rally domestic support for the program from Japanese who were otherwise ambivalent about the practice of hunting and eating whales.<ref>Kingston, Jeff, "", '']'', April 25, 2010, p. 11.</ref>

Sea Shepherd has been criticized and sometimes physically attacked by people in several of the countries they protest against. In March 1995, a mob of Canadian seal hunters stormed the hotel where members were staying. They fled while the mob ransacked their room.<ref>{{cite news| title= Seal Fishermen Attack Group| last= Sheridan|first= Dick| publisher= NY Daily News|date= March 17, 1995|url= http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/1995/03/17/1995-03-17_seal_fishermen_attack_group.html|accessdate= June 27, 2009| location=New York}}</ref> In November 1998, ] seized an inflatable boat belonging to the group and threw rocks at the Sea Shepherd's ''Sirenian'' in response to protests over their whale hunt.<ref>{{cite news|title=National News Briefs; Whale Hunt Protesters Are Arrested by Police|date=November 2, 1998|url=http://www.nytimes.com/1998/11/02/us/national-news-briefs-whale-hunt-protesters-are-arrested-by-police.html|work=The New York Times|page=19|accessdate=July 13, 2009}}</ref> In 2005, 11 Sea Shepherd crew were involved in an altercation with sealers while on the ice. The sealers were not charged with any crime, but the activists were arrested and later convicted for approaching too close to the hunt.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10118434|title=Seal defenders attacked|date=April 3, 2005|work=]|accessdate=September 25, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Sealers scuffle with protesters: 'I hit one guy with my fist to defend myself:' ship's captain|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|date=April 1, 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Anti-sealing activist opts to pay fine rather than face jail|newspaper=The Canadian Press|date=April 3, 2006}}</ref> In 2008, fishermen in the French islands of ] cut the ] lines of the ''Farley Mowat'' after hearing Watson make disparaging comments about the deaths of four seal hunters.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/st-pierre-fishermen-chase-anti-sealing-ship-from-harbour-1.755062|title=St-Pierre fishermen chase anti-sealing ship from harbour|date=April 4, 2008|publisher=CBC News|accessdate=December 21, 2013}}</ref> In February 2010, pro-whaling demonstrators gathered outside the Australian Embassy in Tokyo to protest the group. A political activist said that Sea Shepherd's actions were "absolutely racial discrimination against Japanese people".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/ns_asia/2010-02-23/189947704299.html|title=Japanese Whaling Advocates Gather in Tokyo |date=February 23, 2010|publisher=New Tang Dynasty Television|accessdate=February 24, 2010}}</ref> In response, Sea Shepherd stated that they also oppose whaling in the Faroe Islands, sealing in Canada, etc. In response to the events of the sinking of the {{MY|Ady Gil}} in January 2010, ], whose firm handles public relations on behalf of the ], accused Sea Shepherd of being "hostile eco-terrorists".<ref name="HARDLINE"/> In March 2014 the ] ruled Japan's whaling program was not for scientific purposes. The Court ordered that Japan "revoke any extant authorization, permit or licence to kill, take or treat whales" and refrain from granting any further permits."<ref name="outcome 2014">{{citation |contribution=The Court finds that Japan’s whaling programme in the Antarctic (JARPA II) is not in accordance with three provisions of the Schedule to the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling |title=Whaling in the Antarctic (Australia v. Japan: New Zealand intervening) |publisher=International Court of Justice |place=The Hague, Netherlands |date=March 31, 2014 |contribution-url=http://www.icj-cij.org/docket/files/148/18162.pdf |format=PDF }}</ref>

==Public relations==
] facilitated the purchase of the {{MY|Bob Barker}}, pictured here docked in ], ].]]
The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society has received attention from the press and been called "media savvy".<ref name="National Geographic"/><ref name='Montreal Mirror 1997-06-05'>{{cite web|url=http://www.montrealmirror.com/ARCHIVES/1997/060597/news1.html |title=Live from jail |accessdate=August 1, 2009|last=Preville|first=Philip|date=June 5, 1997|work=]}}</ref> The group has worked with journalists and has made statements through press releases to spread its message during various campaigns.<ref name='Seattle Times 1998-11-03'>{{cite news|url=http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19981103&slug=2781232|title=Lead Stuntman In Anti-Whaling Drama Is One Seasoned Actor|accessdate=August 1, 2009|last=Lacitis|first=Erik|date=November 3, 1998|work=The Seattle Times}}</ref><ref name='The Age 2006-01-14'>{{cite news|first=Geoff|last=Strong|title=Sophisticated media machine blows whalers out of the water|date=January 14, 2006|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/sophisticated-media-machine-blows-whalers-out-of-the-water/2006/01/13/1137118970346.html|work=The Age|accessdate=August 1, 2009| location=Melbourne}}</ref>

Watson's public relations savvy is shown in an episode of ''Whale Wars'' when he creates an international "media storm"<ref name="Animal Planet 103">{{cite episode|title=International Incidents R Us|url=http://animal.discovery.com/tv/whale-wars/episode/season-1.html|series=Whale Wars|network=Animal Planet|airdate=2008-11-14|season=1|number=3}}</ref> after two crewmembers are detained on a Japanese whaling vessel. In his book, ''Earthforce!'', Watson advises readers to make up facts and figures when they need to, and to deliver them to reporters confidently.<ref name="The New Yorker 2007-11-05"/> He also states that the "truth is irrelevant" due to the nature of mass media.<ref>Paul Watson. 1993. ''Earthforce! An Earth Warrior's Guide to Strategy''. La Caňada, CA: Chaco Press, p. 42.</ref> In response to criticism that he manipulates the media, Watson has stated: "What we do is provide the media with the kind of stories they can't resist... and this is how we bring attention to what's happening to the whales, the seals, the sharks and the other marine conservation campaigns we're involved in."<ref name='Telegraph 2009-04-17'/>

Sea Shepherd has also used satellite uplinks, webcams, and internet blogging during its operations in the ], and has invited the media to ride along.<ref> Accessed 090810 {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> In 2006, representatives from ] and '']'' magazine, along with documentary filmmakers, accompanied the group.<ref name="National Geographic"/> In a television series entitled '']'', ], Inc. documented Sea Shepherd's 2008/09 Antarctic campaign against Japanese whalers, following events on the ''Steve Irwin''.<ref name='Telegraph 2009-04-17'/> The program premiered on November 7, 2008, on Discovery's ] network.

Sea Shepherd has received financial contributions from celebrities and businessmen such as entrepreneur ], television personality ], and ], as well as other celebrities.<ref name="The New Yorker 2007-11-05"/><ref name="The New Yorker 2007-11-05"/><ref name='Hollywood Today 2009-06-09'/> ], ], and ] have joined the group during protests. Actors including ], ], ], ] and ] have supported the group through contributions,<ref name='Telegraph 2009-04-17'/> while ] has also been mentioned as supporting the group.<ref name="DOWNED">{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/article6982236.ece|title=Ady Gil downed by Japanese whalers|date=January 10, 2010|work=]|accessdate=January 10, 2010 | location=London | first=Peter | last=Millar}}</ref> Actress and model ] is an active spokesperson for the group, has participated in several campaigns, served on the Board of Directors and is a close friend of founder Paul Watson. In 2007, actor ] conceived and directed a music video of the ] song "]", intended to raise awareness of the whale hunts taking place each year off the coast of his native Australia. Although Ledger died before the video could be completed, others finished it in his honor and debuted the video online in August 2009. Proceeds from ] sales of the video in its first month of release were donated to Sea Shepherd.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wearethemasses.com/news/modest-mouse-king-rat-directed-by-heath-ledger/ |title=Modest Mouse "King Rat" Directed by Heath Ledger &#124 |publisher=Wearethemasses.com |accessdate=January 9, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20100915201653/http://www.wearethemasses.com:80/news/modest-mouse-king-rat-directed-by-heath-ledger/ |archivedate=September 15, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://media.theage.com.au/entertainment/red-carpet/heath-ledgers-graphic-animation-665258.html|title=Heath Ledger's graphic animation|date=August 5, 2009|agency=Associated Press|publisher=The Age|accessdate=January 10, 2010|location=Melbourne}}</ref>

From the music industry, ] of the ], ], ], and the groups ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ] have financially supported Sea Shepherd.<ref name='Hollywood Today 2009-06-09'/> Architects vocalist Sam Carter is also one of Sea Shepherd's British ambassadors. Giacomo "Josh" Giorgi, vocalist of now-defunct Italian hardcore punk band, ''To Kill'' is the bosun's mate aboard the MY ''Steve Irwin''.<ref>http://www.seashepherd.org/campaigns/operation-divine-wind/operation-divine-wind/steve-irwin-crew-23</ref> In 2009, professional surfer ] joined a ]/Sea Shepherd partnership featuring a fund-raising clothing line, including board shorts designed by Slater.<ref>{{cite web | title = Kelly Slater Teams Up With Sea Shepherd | last = Bassett | first = Deborah | publisher = Surfer magazine |url=http://surfermag.com/features/onlineexclusives/slater_joins_sea_shepherd/ | accessdate =June 8, 2009}}</ref>
In 2013 alt-metal band ] started supporting Sea Shepherd in Europe through the videos "Guinea Pigs" (2013) and "Zero Tolerance" (2014), featuring images from Sea Shepherd documentaries filmed in Taiji and other missions.

The ] cosmetics company joined with Sea Shepherd to raise awareness about the practice of ] in 2008. Lush produced 'Shark Fin Soap' (punning on ']'); all sale proceeds were directed to Sea Shepherd.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7595410.stm|title=Artist to be hung on shark hooks |date=September 3, 2008|publisher=BBC News|accessdate=January 10, 2010}}</ref> To launch the soap and awareness campaign a performance artist ] herself, using hooks in her flesh, in a Lush shopfront window in London.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article1643682.ece|title=Shark protester hooked |date=September 3, 2008|work=The Sun|accessdate=January 10, 2010|location=London}}</ref>

==Governmental response==
], ]]]
In testimony on "The Threat of ]" given to a US congressional subcommittee in 2002, Sea Shepherd was the first group mentioned by an FBI official for having attacked commercial fishing operations by cutting drift nets.<ref name=fbi>{{cite web|url=https://www.fbi.gov/news/testimony/the-threat-of-eco-terrorism|title=Federal Bureau of Investigation&nbsp;– Congressional Testimony|publisher=Federal Bureau of Investigation|date=February 12, 2002|accessdate=December 21, 2013}}</ref> An earlier Canadian intelligence report on "]" stated that "Watson and his supporters have been involved in a number of militant actions against whale hunting, driftnet fishing, seal hunting and other related issues" and mentions "activities against logging operations in Canada".<ref name=csis>{{cite web|url=http://www.csis-scrs.gc.ca/pblctns/cmmntr/cm74-eng.asp |title=Commentary No. 74: Single Issue Terrorism |publisher=Canadian Security Intelligence Service|date=April 25, 2008 |accessdate=January 9, 2010}}</ref> In 2007, ], then the ] and a vigorous critic of Japan's whaling, once opposed Sea Shepherd's tactics, saying that it really put the cause of conservation backwards.<ref name="TimesOnline" /> Due to the 2008 operations against Canadian seal hunters, ], ], called Watson a terrorist and said that Sea Shepherd was not welcome in the province.<ref name='CTV.ca 2008-04-14'>{{cite news | title=Sealing activists bailed out with bag of toonies | date=April 14, 2008 | publisher= ]|url=http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/print/CTVNews/20080413/farley_protest_080414/20080414/?hub=CanadaAM&subhub=PrintStory | accessdate =January 10, 2010 }}</ref> The group has been accused of ] by the Japanese government.<ref name='Telegraph 2009-04-17'/>

Sea Shepherd has based many of its operations out of Australia with foreign crew members being able to travel in and out of the country on tourist ].<ref name="visa">{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/national/whale-activist-hits-visa-hurdle-20091004-ghwm.html|title=Whale activist hits visa hurdle|last=Darby|first=Andrew|date=May 10, 2009|work=The Age|location=Hobart|accessdate=January 10, 2010}}</ref> ] and the former Greens Senator ], have endorsed and supported the Society in various ways, including advocacy within the Australian government and public endorsement of the group.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.seashepherd.org/news-and-media/2009/02/23/greens-welcome-steve-irwins-safe-return-to-hobart-381 |title=Greens Welcome Steve Irwin's Safe Return to Hobart |publisher=The Tasmanian Greens |date=February 21, 2009|accessdate=December 21, 2013}}</ref> However, Nationals Party Senator ] has opposed granting Sea Shepherd tax-exempt status stating that "Criminals should not get tax concessions&nbsp;– if you break the law, then donations to your organisation should not be tax deductible".<ref name="Taylor">{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/joyce-hails-tax-break-bar-on-charity-crims-20120111-1pvfl.html | work=] | date=January 12, 2012|title=Joyce hails tax break bar on charity 'crims'|first=Lenore|last=Taylor|accessdate=May 10, 2013}}</ref>

When the ''Steve Irwin'' returned to ], ] in February 2009, Australian Federal Police seized film footage and the ship's logs, reportedly prompted by complaints from Japan.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=Perth Now|url=http://tvnz.co.nz/world-news/aust-federal-govt-distances-itself-raid-2498033|title=Aust federal govt distances itself from raid|date=February 22, 2009|accessdate=December 21, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/outposts/2009/10/whale-wars.html|title=Whale wars saga begins with Sea Shepherd's Paul Watson under investigation|last=Thomas|first=Pete|date=October 5, 2009|publisher=The Los Angeles Times, Outposts|accessdate=January 10, 2010}}</ref> Brown demanded that the Australian Prime Minister, ], order their immediate return, but a spokesman for the Home Affairs Minister said it was a federal police matter.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://tvnz.co.nz/world-news/aust-federal-govt-distances-itself-raid-2498033|title=Aust federal govt distances itself from raid |date=February 22, 2009|agency=Australian Associated Press|publisher=Television New Zealand|accessdate=January 10, 2010}}</ref>
]
In October 2009, The Australian Immigration Department ruled that Watson and his First Officer, Peter Hammarstedt, must satisfy new good-character requirements to obtain business visas, requiring them to provide police references from the governments of the United States, Canada and Norway. Watson criticized what he considered a submission to Japanese pressure by the ].<ref name="visa"/> The Australian government responded by rejecting the idea that it was in some way delaying Watson, and on October 20, 2009 issued visas to Watson and Hammarstedt.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.globalvisas.com/news/australian_immigration_denies_delaying_sea_shepherd_s_visa_1730.html|title=Australian immigration denies delaying Sea Shepherd's visa&nbsp;– Immigration News|last=Clifford|first=Liam|date=October 19, 2009|publisher=Global Visas|accessdate=January 10, 2010}}</ref>

] said to ] the ] sent a letter of support for Sea Shepherd's volunteers accompanied by a wrathful, scowling statue of the deity ],<ref name='Telegraph 2009-04-17'/> which expresses compassion and determination in overcoming obstacles. In 2010 during a visit to Japan, the Dalai Lama said that while he agrees with the goal of stopping Japan from hunting whales, they should stop using violent methods to achieve that goal.<ref name="AFP20100619">{{cite news|url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gpBJbWnbsHg7_QArJhQKkoClRsog|title=Dalai Lama criticises anti-whaling protesters|agency=]|publisher=]|date=June 18, 2010|accessdate=June 27, 2012}}</ref>

The ships of the fleet have flown the flags of different nations and the opinion of several governments that the vessels are engaged in inappropriate activities has several times led to registration issues for Sea Shepherd vessels.<ref name="NORSK">&nbsp;– '']'', published January 8, 2010. (Norwegian)</ref><ref name="Mohawk Traditional Council 2009-02-13">{{cite web|url=http://www.mohawktraditionalcouncil.org/documents/SSCSLet_2009_sig.doc|title=Five Nations Confederacy Flag Flying Proud on Earth's Oceans|last=Stuart|first=Myiow|date=February 13, 2009|publisher=Mohawk Traditional Council|accessdate=September 21, 2009}}</ref> Canada, Belize, UK and Togo have revoked the registrations of various vessels.<ref name="OKADA">{{cite news|url=http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/3879821|title=Detained antiwhaling activist in good health: Okada|date=February 19, 2010|work=] International|accessdate=February 22, 2010}}</ref><ref name="The Sydney Morning Herald 2007-01-06">{{cite news|title=Buccaneer a badge of honour for whaling opponent|last=Darby|first=Andrew|newspaper=]|date=January 6, 2007|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/buccaneer-a-badge-of-honour-for-whaling-opponent/2007/01/05/1167777279081.html}}</ref><ref name="theage">, ], January 30, 2007</ref> Both the '']'' and '']'' ships now sail under Dutch flag leading to direct complaints by the Japanese government towards Dutch ambassadors. The Netherlands consequently considered revoking the registrations for both vessels but finally decided not to do so.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20100206a6.html|title=Dutch bill would hit Sea Shepherd|date=February 6, 2010|work=The Japan Times|accessdate=February 6, 2010}}</ref>

Officials in Japan have discussed revoking the group's tax exempt status with their counterparts in the United States.<ref name="HP20110103">{{Cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/03/wikileaks-sea-shepherd-an_n_803543.html| title=WikiLeaks: Sea Shepherd, Anti-Whaling Group, Tax Exempt Status Revocation Discussed By U.S., Japan Officials | accessdate=January 3, 2011 |first = Jay|last=Alabaster| publisher = The Huffington Post| date= January 3, 2011}}</ref><ref name="TA20110104">{{Cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/japan-us-plot-to-sink-activists/story-fn59niix-1225981257615| title=WikiLeaks cables reveal Japan, US 'plot' to sink activists| accessdate=January 3, 2011 |first = Sid|last=Maher| publisher = The Australian| date= January 4, 2011}}</ref><ref name="WSJ20110103">{{Cite news|url=http://blogs.wsj.com/japanrealtime/2011/01/03/wikileaks-japan-whale-diplomacy/| title=WikiLeaks Japan: Whale Diplomacy| accessdate=January 3, 2011 |first = Yoree|last=Koh| publisher = The Wallstreet Journal| date= January 3, 2011}}</ref>

In December 2011, the ] (ICR) and ] Kaisha Ltd, the two Japanese organizations which operate Japan's whaling program, sued Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) in U.S. federal district court in ]. The suit requested an injunction to stop Sea Shepherd's operations against Japanese whalers. The suit was filed in Seattle because Sea Shepherd is based in the state of Washington.<ref>{{cite news|agency=]|title=Sea Shepherd sued in U.S. by whalers|newspaper=]|date=December 10, 2011|page=2|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20111210a8.html|accessdate=December 12, 2011}}</ref> The federal court denied the ICR's preliminary injunction against SSCS.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=]|title=Judge won't stop anti-whaling activists|date=February 16, 2012|url=http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2012/02/16/Judge-wont-stop-anti-whaling-activists/UPI-56661329445366/?spt=hs&or=tn|accessdate=March 27, 2012|first=Richard|last=Jones}}</ref> The ICR and Kyodo Senpaku appealed and, on December 17, 2012, the ] issued an injunction against Paul Watson, Sea Shepherd and any party acting in concert with them from physically attacking any person or vessel of the ICR and requiring them to stay at least {{convert|500|yd|m|0|abbr=on}} from their vessels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2012/12/17/12-35266.pdf|title=Appeal from the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington Richard A. Jones, District Judge, Presiding|first=Molly|last=Dwyer|publisher=United States Court of Appeals|date=December 17, 2012|accessdate=December 18, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Group defiant over US ban on tackling Japan whalers|url=http://www.afp.com/en/news/topstories/group-defiant-over-us-ban-tackling-japan-whalers|date=December 19, 2012|accessdate=February 27, 2013|publisher=]}}</ref> After the court ruling, Paul Watson stepped down and ] succeeded his role as the leader of SSCS.<ref>{{cite news|title='Whale Wars' TV star-activist resigns after court injunction|url=http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/08/us/whale-wars-captain-resigns/index.html?hpt=en_c2|date=January 9, 2013|accessdate=February 27, 2013|publisher=]|first=Michael|last=Martinez}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Australia orders Japanese whalers to stay away|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/feb/01/australia-japanese-whalers-stay-away|date=February 1, 2013|accessdate=February 27, 2013|publisher=]|first=Justin|last=McCurry|location=London}}</ref> Sea Shepherd appealed to the US Supreme Court to have the injunction set aside, but the appeal was rejected.<ref>{{cite web|title=US Supreme Court rejects Sea Shepherd bid|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1737280/US-Supreme-Court-rejects-Sea-Shepherd-bid|date=February 15, 2013|accessdate=February 27, 2013|publisher=]}}</ref> On February 26, 2013, the Court of Appeals maintained the injunction, stating that SSCS's activities were "the very embodiment of piracy".<ref>{{cite news|title=US court brands whale activists Sea Shepherd 'pirates'|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21589352|date=February 26, 2013|accessdate=February 27, 2013|publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/feb/27/sea-shepherd-pirates-us-court|publisher=]|date=February 27, 2013|accessdate=February 28, 2013|title=Sea Shepherd conservation group declared 'pirates' in US court ruling|first=Alan|last=Yuhas|location=London}}</ref> This reversed a previous decision by ], who was removed as trial judge for abuse of discretion.<ref>{{cite news|title=Court Orders Injunction Against ‘Piracy’ by Anti-Whaling Group|url=http://www.metnews.com/articles/2013/shep022713.htm|date=February 27, 2013|newspaper=Metropolitan News-Enterprise}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=‘We’re not pirates,’ anti-whaling sailor Paul Watson tells Seattle court|url=http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2022206889_seashepherd1xml.html|date=November 6, 2013|newspaper=]}}</ref>

In 2013, ], the Foreign Minister of Australia, told the press club of Japan, "We do not, and will never, condone reckless, dangerous, unlawful behaviour. And where it occurs on the high seas, we will unreservedly condemn it. The fact that the Sea Shepherd visits Australian ports or some of the Sea Shepherd fleet might be registered in Australia is not indicative in any way of the Australian government’s support for the organisation. And we will continue to comply fully with our international legal obligations with regard to safety at sea".<ref>http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/oct/18/greg-hunt-and-julie-bishop-at-odds-over-whaling-monitoring</ref>
In March 2012, reacting to Paul Watson's allegation that Maltese politicians were bribed by the ] industry, Prime Minister of ] ] announced that the government would initiate libel proceedings against the Sea Shepherd founder.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=]|title=Government initiates libel proceedings against Sea Shepherd founder|date=March 6, 2012|url=http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/national/Government-initiates-libel-proceedings-against-Sea-Shepherd-founder-20120306|accessdate=March 27, 2012|first=Jurgen|last=Balzan}}</ref>

In May 2012, Watson was detained by German authorities after he arrived at the Frankfurt Airport based on a request from the government of Costa Rica. The charge stemmed from an altercation in 2002 in which Sea Shepherd contends that the other vessel was shark finning in Guatemalan waters. Members of the other involved ship said that Sea Shepherd was trying to kill them.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/14/paul-watson-arrested_n_1513694.html | title=Paul Watson Arrested: Sea Shepherd Says Founder Arrested In Germany | work=The Huffington Post | date=May 14, 2012 | agency=Associated Press | accessdate=May 29, 2012}}</ref> Watson was charged with violating navigational regulations.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/16/germany-detains-activist-captain-connected-with-whale-wars/ |title=Germany Detains Activist 'Whale Wars' Captain | work=The New York Times | date=May 16, 2012 | accessdate=May 29, 2012 | author=Slivka, Kelly}}</ref> The conflict took place during filming for the documentary '']''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sea Shepherd appeals to German gov't over arrest|url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/05/15/3242011/sea-shepherd-appeals-to-german.html#storylink=rss#storylink=cpy|publisher=]|accessdate=May 15, 2012|date=May 15, 2012|author=]}}</ref> Watson subsequently skipped bail and went into hiding at the end of July.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hopper|first=Tristin|title=Canadian-born Sea Shepherd boss Paul Watson skips bail in Germany for 'unknown destination'|url=http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/07/25/canadian-born-anti-whaling-crusader-skips-bail-in-germany-for-unknown-destination/|accessdate=August 4, 2012|newspaper=National Post|date=July 25, 2012}}</ref>
Watson's lawyer has confirmed that he has fled the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.seashepherd.org/images/stories/news/2012/news_120811-Q%26A-PW-lawyer.pdf|title=Letter from Paul Watson's lawyer|format=PDF|last=Wallasch|first=Oliver|accessdate=August 17, 2012}}</ref> The Costa Rican government requested the ] (Interpol) to issue a ] (an arrest request to member countries), which was granted by Interpol.<ref>{{cite news|title=Interpol issues Watson Red Notice|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120810b1.html|date=August 10, 2012|newspaper=]|agency=]|accessdate=August 17, 2012}}</ref>

==Vessels==
{{Main article|Neptune's Navy}}
].]]
], ] December 2012]]
Sea Shepherd refer to the ships it has operated as ]. The society operates four ships, the MY ''Steve Irwin'', the MY ''Bob Barker'', the MY ''Sam Simon'', and the MV ''Brigitte Bardot'' as well as smaller vessels such as ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/04/18/2546449.htm|title=Sea Shepherd eyes new ship|date=April 8, 2009|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|accessdate=January 10, 2010}}</ref><ref name=smh20090625>{{Cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/environment/whale-watch/spaceship-boosts-antiwhaling-force-20090625-cy7v.html|title='Spaceship' boosts anti-whaling force|author=Darby, Andrew |publisher=]|date=June 26, 2009|accessdate=September 29, 2009}}</ref>

The ''Steve Irwin'' was obtained in 2007 and originally called the ''Robert Hunter''. It was renamed in honor of '']'' star ].<ref name='Herald Sun 2007-12-05'>{{cite news | first=Sarah | last=Wotherspoon | title=Protest ship renamed to honor Croc Hunter Steve Irwin | date=December 5, 2007 |url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22871246-2862,00.html | work =Herald Sun | accessdate =July 14, 2009 }}</ref> His widow, ], gave her support to Sea Shepherd, saying: "Whales have always been in Steve's heart and in 2006 he was investigating the possibility of joining the Sea Shepherd on part of its journey to defend these beautiful animals."<ref name="Shipping Times 2007-12-06">{{cite news|url=http://www.shippingtimes.co.uk/item998_steve_irwin.htm|title=Sea Shepherd vessel named in honor of Steve Irwin|date=December 6, 2007|work=Shipping Times|accessdate=September 21, 2009 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080625044438/http://www.shippingtimes.co.uk/item998_steve_irwin.htm |archivedate = June 25, 2008}}</ref> The other ship, the 1200 ton ''Bob Barker'', was named after famous television game-show host and animal activist ], who made the purchase in Ghana of the retired Norwegian whaling vessel possible with a donation of US$5&nbsp;million.<ref>{{Cite episode |title=Rachel Maddow: Bob Barker on saving the whales|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/#34738854 |series=] |network=MSNBC |airdate=2010-01-06}}</ref> In February 2010, the ''Bob Barker'' collided with the Japanese whaling vessel ''Yushin Maru No. 3'', tearing a gash in the hull of the ''Bob Barker''.<ref> Environment News Service</ref>

The group also formerly operated the '']'' (impounded by the Canadian government, with Sea Shepherd having stated that they have no intention of paying the legal fines and berthage fees to recover their now obsolete vessel) and the ''Ady Gil'', formerly known as the ''Earthrace'' (sunk after a collision with the {{MV|Shōnan Maru 2}} whaling security vessel in early 2010)<ref name="whalewars1">{{cite web|title=The Crash That Made Headlines|url=http://animal.discovery.com/videos/whale-wars-the-crash-that-made-headlines.html |work=Whale Wars|publisher=Animal Planet|accessdate=October 26, 2010}}</ref> as well as a number of earlier vessels.

Sea Shepherd acquired the ''Ocean 7 Adventurer'' for its 2010/11 campaign against Japanese whaling in the Antarctic.<ref>{{cite news|last=Darby|first=Andrew|title=Ady Gil and whalers both at fault for collision: inquiry|url=http://www.smh.com.au/environment/whale-watch/ady-gil--and-whalers-both-at-fault-for-collision-inquiry-20101118-17y8u.html|accessdate=November 18, 2010|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=November 18, 2010}}</ref> In November 2010, mayor Brad Pettitt of ], christened the vessel ''Gojira'' with Fremantle as its home town, making this the first Sea Shepherd ship registered in Australia, with an Australian crew. The ''Gojira'' was renamed {{MV|Brigitte Bardot}} in May 2011 after complaints of copyright infringement by the owners of the "Gojira" copyright.<ref>http://www.ecorazzi.com/2011/05/26/sea-shepherd-renames-vessel-after-actress-brigitte-bardot/</ref>

For the 2011/12 Antarctic campaign, the organization acquired non-weaponized ] to assist in their surveillance of the whaling ships.<ref>{{cite news|last=Reuters|title=Drones deployed against Japan's whaling fleet: inquiry|url=http://news.mindprocessors.com/technology-news/drones-deployed-against-japans-whaling-fleet/}}</ref>

In July 2012 ], a co-creator of '']'', was reported to donate money to purchase the fourth vessel, a former German ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/environment/whale-watch/simpsons-cocreator-backs-antiwhaling-bid-20120702-21bsa.html|title=Simpsons co-creator backs anti-whaling bid|publisher=]|date=July 2, 2012|accessdate=July 9, 2012|first=Andrew|last=Darby}}</ref> The actual ship however turned out to be a former Japanese weather survey vessel, now called the MY ''Sam Simon''.

On October 18, 2014, ], the actor, unveiled Sea Shepherd’s newest vessel, R/V Martin Sheen, named in his honor,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.seashepherd.org/news-and-media/2014/10/18/martin-sheen-unveils-sea-shepherds-newest-vessel-rv-martin-sheen-named-in-his-honor-1642|title=Martin Sheen Unveils Sea Shepherd’s Newest Vessel, R/V Martin Sheen, Named in his Honor|publisher=]|date=October 18, 2014|accessdate=January 7, 2015}}</ref> and captained by Oona Layolle of France. The name of this vessel carries the prefix of R/V because it will be engaged in direct action as a research vessel.

In January 2015 two decommissioned, 30 knot, ] were spotted flying the Sea Shepherd flag in Annapolis Yacht Basin.<ref>http://www.capitalgazette.com/news/ph-ac-cn-whaling-boats--0109-20150109,0,5731336.story</ref> In June 2015, Sea Shepherd revealed on their website that they had, in fact, purchased these vessels. One will be named ''{{MY|Farley Mowat}}'', after an earlier vessel that Sea Shepherd retired in 2008, and the other will be named ''{{MY|Jules Verne}}'', after the author of the novel ].<ref>http://www.seashepherd.org/news-and-media/2015/06/01/sea-shepherd-welcomes-the-farley-mowat-and-the-jules-verne-to-its-fleet-1697</ref><ref>http://www.marinelog.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=9254:two-former-uscg-island-class-cutters-bought-by-sea-shepherd&Itemid=230</ref>

==Books written by members==

* Laura Dakin, "Cookin' Up a Storm: Stories and Recipes from Sea Shepherd's Anti-Whaling Campaigns" (March 16, 2015; Book Publishing Company). ISBN 978-1570673122
* Raffaella Tolicetti, "Think! Eat! Act!: A Sea Shepherd Chef's Vegan Cookbook" (July 24, 2014; Microcosm Publishing). ISBN 9781621066668
* Laurens de Groot, "Hunting the Hunters: At war with the whalers" (January 2, 2014; Adlard Coles). ISBN 978-1472903648.
* Rik Scarce, ''Eco-Warriors: Understanding the Radical Environmental Movement,'' second revised ed. (1990; Left Coast Press, 2005), Ch. 6. ISBN 978-1-59874-028-8
* Paul Watson, ''Seal Wars: Twenty-five Years in the Front Lines with the Harp Seals'' (2002; Firefly Books, 2003). ISBN 978-1-55297-751-4
* Paul Watson, ''Ocean Warrior: My Battle to End the Illegal Slaughter on the High Seas'' (1994; Key Porter Books, 1996). ISBN 978-1-55013-599-2
* David B. Morris, ''Earth Warrior: Overboard with Paul Watson and the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society'' (1995; Golden, CO: Fulcrum Publishing). ISBN 1-55591-203-6
* Paul Watson, ''Earthforce! An Earth Warrior's Guide to Strategy'' (1993; Los Angeles: Chaco Press). ISBN 0-9616019-5-7
* Paul Watson, "Sea Shepherd : My Fight For Whales And Seals" (1980; W. W. Norton and Company). ISBN 978-0393335804

==See also==
* ], animal rights activist who has been involved in direct actions with the group
* ], member of the advisory board who served on the ''Sea Shepherd''
* ], skipper of the ''Ady Gil''

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Sea Shepherd Conservation Society}}
*

{{SSCS|state=expanded}}
{{whaling}}
{{Greenpeace}}
{{Animal rights}}

]

Revision as of 04:51, 15 August 2016

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