Statement On Sea Shepher’s Ady Gil Attack

The recent news regarding the crew of the Sea Shepherd is just another example of the allegiance I have to a group of people fighting on behalf of one of my most personal issues – our animals. The protection and conservation of our planets whales is something I will never stay silent on. Included are some of the videos as well as reports on the latest clash. As always, it’s up to you to form your own conclusions on who is at fault. The key issue with me remains; the action of my friends and extended family within the crew of the Sea Shepherd vs. the inaction of those who have sat back and allowed the brutality and harm to our whales is a debate I’ll never back down on. While often it may seem I take a more spiritual and idealistic position on animal issues, make no mistake, I am fully educated and aware of the dominating laws at hand here. Whaling in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary is illegal. The harpoon vessel – the Yushin Maru, has been whaling in that territory for a solid amount of time. There is no question about the fact that the actions of the Japanese whaling fleet in the Whale Sanctuary not only break the law, but continue to obstruct countless other laws the longer they stay and the more whales they kill. The Sea Shepherds unconventional methods of madness are aimed only at those who harm and brutally murder for no reason. Let me make this extremely clear – the crew is well aware of the risks involved in their participation on board – they fight on despite it because their work has nothing to do with them – they are in it for the cause. Protecting the welfare of those who can not is paramount. With that – I continue to stand by them and their continued work and efforts.

JL, 1/09/10

Australia Tells Japan: Stop Whaling
Paul Watson: Sea Shepherd’s Stern ‘Warrior’ Defies Japanese Whalers