Sea Shepherd E-Newsletter
Defending Ocean Wildlife Worldwide

In This Issue

Operation Migaloo a Success!

Captain Watson Survives Shooting Attempt

Seal Demonstrations this Weekend

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News & Commentary

Sea Shepherd Honored by the International Whaling Commission

Illegal Whaling in the Antarctic Whale Sanctuary- The Numbers

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March 13, 2008

Dear Roger,

As the whaling season draws to a close, so does our Whale Defense Campaign, Operation Migaloo. After numerous confrontations with the Japanese whalers over the course of many weeks, we were able to keep the spot light on Japan's illegal whaling program and in so doing, saved nearly 500 whales from their deadly harpoons. As our ship returns to Melbourne, we are satisfied knowing we have saved so many lives, and feel remorse for the ones we couldn't. Now we prepare for our Seal Defense Campaign, and hope that our efforts for the whales have not been in vain.

Operatio Migaloo a Success- 500 Whales Saved!

Steve Irwin returning to Melbourne

For more than five weeks since January 12th, Sea Shepherd has successfully prevented the Japanese whaling fleet from murdering any whales. By our estimate, that means nearly 500 Piked whales have been spared this season, half of the Japanese quota. And, no humpbacks were killed at all. This makes Operation Migaloo the longest and most successful Whale Defense Campaign in our history.

Near the end of our fuel reserves, we have left the Japanese whaling fleet in the midst of a huge Antarctic winter storm and are returning to Melbourne. We're expected to arrive this weekend, and will be dockside by March 17th at Wharf 3 in the Docklands. Come visit to show your support!

Click here to read updates on Operation Migaloo

Captain Watson Survives Shooting Attempt

Captain Watson inspects bullet On March 7th in the Southern Ocean during a confrontation with the Japanese whaling fleet, Captain Watson was watching his crew throw rancid butter canisters at the whalers when he felt a thud in his chest. Moments later, he inspected his kevlar vest and discovered he'd been shot just above the heart. Because of his vest and an anti-poaching metal badge underneath, Captain Watson sustained only minor injuries and is fine. The badge however was bent significantly.

Although the Japanese embassy initially reported that the whalers had fired warning shots at our ship, they quickly denied the claim once Sea Shepherd announced Captain Watson had been shot. They also claim the grenades the Japanese Coast Guard threw at the Steve Irwin, which caused minor injuries for two crewmembers, were "warning balls."

Click here to watch the video of the confrontation

To read Captain Watson's commentary on staying focused on the real issues, click here

Seal Demonstrations this Weekend!
March 15th is the International Day of Action for the Seals and demonstrations have been organized globally. To find out if there's a demonstration near you, click here!

This Whale Defense Campaign, Operation Migaloo, has been one of the most successful Sea Shepherd campaigns for the whales in our 30 year history. We intend to maintain our momentum for ocean wildlife straight through into our next campaign for the Canadian harp seals, which is only possible with the continued support of our friends around the world. Thank you for helping to make it happen.

For the Oceans,

Captain Paul Watson

Founder and President

______________________________________

email: captainwatson@seashepherd.org

telephone: +1 (360) 370-5650

fax: +1 (360) 370-5651

website: www.seashepherd.org

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