Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

Fish are friends, not food! Truly heroic organisation that focuses on helping the oceans.

An organisation that has lost sight of finding a balance between supporting fishing communities and our oceans. Harassing peoples livelihoods while not looking for solutions to problems doesn't help anyone. Key members need to start using their heads.

After watching the Netflix documentary “Of Fish and Foe”, I lost all respect for Sea Shepherd and decided not to donate. They appeared so vindictive, petty and bullying in their ridiculous fight against the last salmon fishing company in a small corner of Scotland.

Brought T shirts as we are proud to war them .watched all youtube videos as we are animal rights in the uk..we come acroos the sea Shepherd we are mow glued amazing kind hearted passionate people i like !! God knows what those innocent whales /dolphins would have to endure without these strong minded and faithful fighters would do ..every dolfin whales and gish should be able to swim freely there whole life ! Without treats ..like the Japanese on others on the hunt makes me crazy !! ...keep up the good work guys ..total respect ! .

Walking the Walk...Sea Shepherd goes all out to save our oceans and planet.

I have been blown away by Sea Shepherds efforts to save our oceans both internationally! We now also have a local chapter and I'm thoroughly impressed with their efforts to create a presence in my hometown doing out reach educating people at all kinds of events - my favorite being their volunteers going to after school programs to teach children about what they can do to help keep the oceans clean and safe.

Tremendous efforts seen by all volunteers and crew! They have my full support.

The shepherds live their ideals every single day, all day long. They've saved so many animals' lives without harming any humans- and in many cases being harmed themselves. Instead of standing by and just film atrocities, they stand between the innocent and their offenders, risking life and liberty in the process. They go big and play for all the marbles because as the Captain says, if the oceans die, we die.

Whenever I consider volunteering or donating to a charity, I usually like to look at an organizations financial health and possible liabilities. And this organization is under significant financial strain because of several legal issues.

As of November 6th, 2013 this organization remains under a supreme court upheld injunction and is still in court over two lawsuits in Washington state, one of which involves an allegation of breach of contract that could be quite costly.

This organization has already settled with one of the parties that alleged improprieties over the management of the "MY Ady Gil", Pete Bethune, costing the group half a million dollars. And the owner of the vessel, Ady Gil, is currently suing for five million in damages.

Then there are the costly blunders that drained the organization's coffers, like the loss of a quarter million Euros in bail Paul Watson had paid in bail to German Authorities after his arrest and the legal costs the organization was ordered to pay back when it sued to gain charity status in Australia.

In regards to standard expenditures, over 6.1 million dollars had been spent on Operation Waltzing Matilda alone according to the group's 900 Form for Year 2010, which the organization alleged saved 528 whales due to a failure in Japan reaching their quota.

The campaign report issued on March 8, 2010 on their web site stated the operation was to save endangered whale species. But the vast majority of whales taken by Japan in the Southern Ocean Whaling Sanctuary are Antarctic Minke Whales, as stipulated by the special catch permit records issued by the IWC and this is not an endangered species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

The costs are therefore not associated to the saving of "endangered" whales, nor is it associated to acts meant to stop an illegal activity according to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, whose February 12th, 2013 opinion clearly stated that Japan's activities conform to international law.

Having received no legal mandate to police and enforce Australian law, I believe it would be misleading for this organization to solicit funds in order to perform these acts.

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is one of the very few non profits that fights to save our oceans and marine eco-system. At a time when millions of sharks, tuna and other fish stocks are plundered by humans, endangered whales and dolphins massacred in the name of culture, and marine eco-systems destroyed by bottom trawlers, Sea Shepherd has effectively fought to protect the Oceans and it's creatures. If Oceans die, we die. Our planet will become just like a bare planet such as Mars. Even with governments, politicians, and those who look to profit by exploiting all the planet's resources trying to stop Sea Shepherd, they have done a great job standing up to it and protecting our Oceans for future generations. Great job Sea Shepherd and I hope you will get the recognition well deserved.

They have been called "prates", "Eco-terrerists" and 'violent", according to Martin L. King, "You cannot commit an act of violence against a non-sentient object". So if you damage a non- sentient machine that is used for the inhumane and illegal killing of an innocent, living creature, that is not violent. Sea Shepherd has never actually injured or killed anybody so they are not violent, or terrorists. Calling them "pirates" would also be incorrect. According to the UN World Charter for Nature, any individual, or organization has the right to enforce international conservation laws.

In my opinion, they one of the most direct environmental/animal rights organizations out there. Most organizations make a lot of noise, but do very little to help their cause. Sea Shepherd is the only organization who is physically stopping Japanese whaling in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary (they saved 932 whales last whaling season). They are the only ones who are helping the park rangers of the Galapagos Islands, they were the ones who ending whaling in Norway, Iceland, and Spain. They were the ones who (without hurting or killing anybody) scuttled the Sierra, a pirate whaling ship responsible for killing more than 25,000 whales. They are also one of the few organizations doing something about whaling in the Faroe Islands. I believe they are also the only organization doing things to end the seal slaughter in Namibia (I could be wrong).

They are doing many things that other people and organizations are just to scared to do or don't want to spend the money to do.

A lot of non profits make a lot more noise but don't actually do much. These are the real MCCoy out there to create awareness about dolphins being slaughtered - sharks, pollution, whales etc. they are trying to stop the senseless destruction of our oceans and seas to insure the health of our planet and greater good. While a lot of charities specifically focus on one small issue as sea turtles or biodiversity they cover it all.

For some one like myself who does quite a bit if traveling and reading up on environmental issues it is pretty clear to me why this type of org is needed. In Greece the med is all but dead the fishing industry practically whipped out by over fishing. The deeper water need Sicily is still good for fishing but for how much longer?

Change is needed and action is needed.

Sea Shepherd is doing an excellent job protecting what "should be" a lwhale sanctuary. Japan is violating
this by illegal whaling in these waters. If it weren't for Sea Shepherd, no one would be protecting these beautiful whales. And if Japan ceased this illegal activity. They could move on to better things.

US Court calling Capt. Watson a pirate when they are just upholding the law? Unfortunate and blind.
Courts can have blinders on--I think the US court has blinders on in this case. Or money influencing them?!

Sea Shepherd has been declared "modern day pirates" by the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals.
http://www.courtlistener.com/ca9/5d9d/inst-of-cetacean-research-v-sea-shepherd-consv-opi/

We are unhappy that Sea Shepherd feels it necessary to have Bridget Bardot painted with breasts toppling over her suit on the boat that "bares" her name. It has nothing to do with saving the whales and undermines their respectability. Steve Irwin is not depicted in a pair of Speedos with testicles dangling underneath, and it would serve Sea Shepherd well to cover the cleavage on Ms. Bardot

Sea Shepherd has saved thousands of lives and preserves the balance of the ocean in its unique role as guardian at sea from illegal whaling/shark vessels. This society alone fills a huge void for action in the protection of sea lifeas well as education to the public about all the unknown killing of whales and sharks.

I am a proud volunteer for this group and there is no other group in this world that does more or has had a higher impact on saving our oceans. Paul Watson is a true leader and has risked his life many times to protect what we as humans have destroyed. Ever since joining this group my eyes have been opened as to how bad things are. NEVER forget SSCS is a conservation society NOT an animal rights group. We NEVER stop any legal activities going on in the oceans only the ILEGAL ones... When it comes to saving our planet for future generations this is the ONLY group I will donate my hard earned money to let alone my time. I have personaly been on campaign with them and I would do it again., This group has the most passionate people volunteering for them I have ever met... Every one of us is willing to die for our beliefs in what we do... Saving the ocean is a dangerous job and every one of us is up to the task to try... Never condone what you do not understand...

What organization is doing more to stop the Japanese whaling industry? I suppose one could say that the great civil rights leaders broke laws also, or faced trumped up charges in order to obstruct their action.

In response to the reviewer "Kurt W" that posted on July/27/2012: Paul's running from the law is not as black-and-white as it seems. If you have been following this organization, you will realize that the charges are trumped up and wholly based on politico-commercial agendas of a few erring nations with blatant disregard for the environment. There is very specific video evidence supporting him and Sea Shepherd, despite which these nations' governments issued notices just to slow this organization work and bog them down around court cases. I am glad he is fighting those false charges and spending time where it will be most impactful. Would you rather he spend months circling courts arguing against baseless cases, or in the oceans as creatures are being mindlessly slaughtered, and worst - having parts hacked-off and left to die?

When I clicked the news tab for Sea Shepherd on this site, the articles are all about Paul Watson, the president of Sea Shepherd, being arrested and held in Germany for extradition to Costa Rica and jumping bail in Germany because another country, Japan, also requested extradition from Germany. It appears the leader of this group is a wanted man in at least three different countries and is running from the law. His whereabouts are "unknown" at this time. This is not the behavior I expect to see from the leader of a 4 star charity. I will not be donating to Sea Shepherd. I thought Charity Navigator only gave high ratings to reputable organizations, it seems I was wrong. Perhaps you should rethink this one.

This in my opinion, is the greatest charity in terms of action. Right now they are the only people down there saving whales and are the greatest contributors to the preservation of wildlife.

I recently read of the Sea Shepherd scout vessel "Brigitte Bardot" being damaged and forced to retreat from their bold efforts to save the whales from the cruel and inhumane hapoons of the Japanese fleet. My heart goes out to the many whales that will be slaughtered yet again this year. I immediately went online and made a donation in hopes that others will do the same in an effort to get this vessel back to the urgent mission of saving our last remaining whales. After reading of the 4 star rating by Charity Navigator, I am even more committed to supporting the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and their bold mission on the seas.

A really superb example of how a grassroots activist-orientated charity and organisation should be run. Minimal paid staff and large numbers of passionate and extremely dedicated and loyal unpaid volunteers both on land and as crews aboard their ocean going fleet of 3 conservation ships. No mass mailing or paid street collections from Sea Shepherd - this group has grown exponentially by reputation and by delivering actual results for marine wildlife worldwide.

Although this site doesn't have the SSCS's 2010 Form 990 yet, it shows that Mr Watson's salary increased to $121,000, that is a 26% increase even though their revenue went down. I wonder how many of their donors got a 26% raise?

This organization is by far the most inspiring and heroic that I've come across. I can rest in peace of mind knowing that my money is going directly to this organizations many successful campaigns and I encourage anyone looking into this organization to offer your full support to their just mission and help them to reach their goal of ridding the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary as well as the world of poachers and other sadistic barbarians.

I'm so glad that I support an organization that keeps 80+% of their money in program expense. That puts me at ease to know that my contribution will go directly to saving the lives or whales & marine life. It make me feel good that my donor dollars are not mindlessly wasted on administrative & fundraising expense. I believe in this organization and I will continue to support.
Go Sea Shepherd!

Words and observation aren't enough and the people of SSCS understand that. We need to support the people that are willing to risk everything to save the creatures of our oceans.

I can not, in good conscience, offer support to a group that has such reckless disregard for the law. I realize that they disagree with many of the laws against which they protest, but in my view they go too far in their direct action campaigns and have litttle to show but inflated claims of 'whales saved' based upon unrealized quotas. They say they are willing to put______________(fill in blank) on trial, but do they?

Their ship, Farley Mowat was taken from them during a seal protest and the Captain and First mate arrested. Not only did they suffer the loss of the ship and incur over $45,000 in fines for the convicted crew, they didn't even bother to attend their trials. Sealing did not go on trial.

Their ship, Ady Gil, was destroyed in part by their own negligence and its captain later was arrested for an illegal boarding of a whaling vessel and stood trial in Japan. Despite the loss of a $1.5 million dollar boat and $500K in legal fees, whaling did not go on trial. Pete Bethune was on trial for criminal actions; nothing more.

At this very moment in Scotland, July 2011, the Steve Irwin is being held on $1.4 million bond for actions stemming from last year's tuna campaign. SSCS is being sued for damage to property. Once again, donors are asked to pony up and bail them out. Will tuna fishing go on trial? Doubtful. Will SSCS bother to attend this trial? What have they to lose, it's not their money-it's yours. Spend your money with an organization that doesn't waste it.

The men of the Sea Shepard are risking their lives for something they believe in, and is the right thing to do. The Japanese are the bad guys, not the men of the Sea Shepard.

What I don't understand is why there is not a world organization to stop this slaughter of our marine life!

I am so proud of Sea Shepherds and support them wholeheartedly. They are the only organization who is going out there to physically stop the killing of oceanic wildlife.
Let's look at the facts first: the whalers, dolphin hunters, shark finners etc are brutally killing oceanic wildlife. And Sea Shepherds are out there trying to stop this.

Now lets look at the opinions: WHO are the terrorists? A) the fishermen and whalers? or B) Sea Shepherds who are fighting for the lives of these animals.
There is no correct answer, but I am definetly saying my answer as A.
If you want to call SS "eco terrorists" then fine, I am still going to stand proud and support them, as will thousands of other individuals!

Donations to this organization will eventually be responsible for the deaths of either it's own members or for the deaths of Japanese nautical workers. They break maritime law and fabricate laws to say the Japanese are breaking them. They do not follow fundamental maritime standards and have attacked a burning vessel (which they started) and continued to attack after a "mayday" call was sent. Please donate to this "charity" if you have a proclivity for financially supporting piracy and terrorism.

The Sea Shepherd Society does not share or sell their members' info with any other organization. They are rated 5 Stars by Charity Navigator because almost all of your donation goes to saving whales, dolphins & other marine life. They do not waste $ sending address labels & calendars. Unlike Greenpeace which spends a great deal of their budget on promotions & big salaries, but does little actually stop the slaughter of whales.

The Sea Shepherds annually go to the Antarctic Marine Sanctuary & physically prevent the harpooning (a 20 min. agonizing death by drowning) of whales, which are slaughtered & sold as gourmet food in Japanese supermarkets; a billion dollar industry. The Sea Shepherds use non-violent, legal methods which can be seen on the Animal Planet channel's series WHALE WARS.

The Sea Shepherds are also preventing the hacking death of thousands of dolphins in a cove of a Japanese island called Taji. The dolphins are herded into The Cove (an award winning documentary show this in a film by the same name) by fishing nets & then thousands of the dolphins are hacked to death with knives.

This May the Sea Shepherds will go to the Danish Faeroe islands to try to prevent "the grind", where middle class Danes herd pilot whales & dolphins into a cover, where they entertain themselves by hacking entire pods & families to death with machetes, knives & swords... all for 'sport'.

The Sea Shepherd Society is the ONLY organization that is physically stopping the slaughter of intelligent sea mammals.

Dollar for dollar, Sea Shepherd does more than ANY other organization to help protect marine wildlife. Sea Shepherd's budget is close to $100 million dollars per year less than both Greenpeace & WWF(World Wildlife Fund), yet Sea Shepherd has saved almost 2,000 whales in 5-6 years, while Greenpeace has saved ZERO. Sea Shepherd has volunteers in Taiji, Japan trying to save the dolphins from being slaughtered, while WWF is nowhere to be found.

I have barely been following this group for 1 year, a dear fellow surfer pal of over 10yrs I have told me about what they are doing to help whales and others in the world oceans. I have seen every video about the oceans in the past 3 months, from The Cove, to films about sharks from Nat Geo to the Whale wars and the list had gone on. I applaud this group for everything they have done, I totally live by the same quote that Capt Watson does, I don't do what I do for the animals for humans, I do it to help animals and I care less what humans think of me. These guy's are great and they have many many volunteers. Many people call this group terrorists, but how can Japan get away with Killing whales in a Sanctuary? What would happen if me myself went to the Congo and chopped off some gorilla hands to sell, or went to africa to hunt rino for Ivory I would be arrested on the spot, but these Japanese that are funded by the Govt of Japan can go into a protected part of the world and steal and rape and murder the ocean. How does that work ? I have noticed by checking there financials that Capt Paul Watson pays himself a super low salary of 80K a year and I'm sure they guy works over 100hrs a week most of the year compared to many others that fun so called non profits. Gotta LUV this guy and his crew !

At last, an advocacy group that does something real and assertive with donations by directly taking action against despoilers of the world's oceans and wildlife. Where many environmental groups continue the tired practice of asking governments and businesses nicely, as if beggars, Sea Shepherd has the courage to take direct action without causing arm to the evildoers. I am proud to be a member, and am trying to become one of the crew members on an upcoming campaign. Paul Watson is a true hero.