As whalers from Japan continue their assault on minke whales in the turbulent Southern Ocean, the crew of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is feeling snubbed. Its Merry Christmas wish to the whalers and their families, reportedly issued via radio, went unanswered.
This is not surprising. Capt. Paul Watson and his crew aboard the Steve Irwin are perceived as terrorists by Japan, which is conducting annual hunts despite a moratorium on commercial whaling (using a "lethal research" loophole) and widespread global opposition.
I followed this story for the past two years while an employee at the Los Angeles Times' (here's my last LAT post on the issue), and this latest announcement by Sea Shepherd is merely a PR ploy, but you can't fault Watson for trying to keep the story of his cause in the news.
The Christmas message, posted on the Sea Shepherd website: “Shonan Maru No. 2, Shonan Maru No. 2, this is the whale conservation and protection ship Steve Irwin. This is a message from the captain and crew of the Steve Irwin to the captain and crew of the Shonan Maru No. 2. As much of the rest of the world enjoys Christmas dinner and the companionship of friends and family in the comfort of their homes, our two crews are in the heavy seas of the Southern Ocean intent on two opposing missions. You, to protect the whalers from us and we, to protect the whales from you."We may be enemies, but on this day, perhaps we can stop and reflect that despite our opposition on the high seas, we are all human beings, and all of us would rather be somewhere else if not for our duties and responsibilities.
"Therefore we on the Steve Irwin would like to express our best wishes for your safety and health. We share the dangers of this unfortunate conflict in these remote and hostile seas and for that reason we share many of the same concerns.
"We wish you all the best for this Christmas day and we share with you the hope that no one is harmed over the next few months as we each pursue our objectives, duties and responsibilities.”
There was no response from the whalers.
Expect this segment to appear on the Animal Planet's third season of "Whale Wars" when airing begins late next spring. Do not expect Watson and company to wish the whalers a Happy New Year.
-- Pete Thomas
Photo: The Shonan Maru No 2 pursues Sea Shepherd's Steve Irwin. Credit: Barbara Veiga/Sea Shepherd
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