the map village street editors

Japanese whalers have set sail for Antarctic waters in their biggest campaign since the international moratorium on commercial whaling was launched over 20 years ago. They aim to take more than 1,000 whales, including endangered fin whales and threatened humpbacks. An inspiring story is about to unfold as the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society goes in to bat for the whales. Literally. Founded by Paul Watson 30 years ago to protect the world’s marine life, the Sea Shepherds are known for their combative interventions: one of their signature tactics is ramming vessels (a big dent in the hull of the vessel, the Robert Hunter, attests to this) and they have sunk their fair share of whaling boats. Watson founded the hands-on activist group after being dissatisfied with the non-interventionist stance of Greenpeace. Sea Shepherd campaigns are conducted legally as citizen law enforcement and include action against seal-clubbing, dolphin kills and poaching in the Galapagos Islands. The vessels are crewed by a mixed bag of volunteers and the organisation’s supporters include Martin Sheen, the Dalai Lama and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. A crew of 30-something sets sail from Melbourne on the Robert Hunter for Antarctica next week. Follow their journey, be inspired, grant a wish. Photo credit: Paul Taggart/World Picture News