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The Sea Shepherd
By: Tanya S
Age: 15
Hyderabad, India
     The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society directly intervenes against whalers in the high seas across the world, and its strategy has been described by Cambridge as 'aggressive non-violent direct action'. Their focus lies in campaigning for all marine life who are endangered by criminal enterprises worldwide who engage in illegal and unregulated fishing methods. They've taken action while partnering with governments to defend whales, dolphins, seals, sharks, penguins, turtles, fish, krill, and aquatic birds. The SSCS assists governments in the "detection and capture" of multiple criminal enterprises that endanger the ocean's ecosystem. Their legal chapter focuses on "enforcing, strengthening and developing protective laws". Through their volunteer program and their association with the government, Sea Shepherd is able to take innovative and confrontational actions which benefit marine life. 

       Ecosystems are composed of many plants and animals who share a habitat and rely on each other in food webs. Over a quarter of marine life inhabit coral reefs: sharks, fish, crustaceans, and microorganisms are particularly abundant in these areas. Other habitats include kelp forests, mangroves, brine pools, salt marshes, and even sandy coves. All of these ecosystems are vulnerable to illegal fishing, habitat destruction, and exploitation. A crucial aspect of the Sea Shepherd mission is to protect habitats and offer sustainable alternatives to unsupportable practices. 

     By working with law enforcement agencies such as INTERPOL, the SSCS provides resources and volunteers who will investigate and enforce the UN's mandates on natural conservation. This dynamic and powerful approach has proven successful in many instances as recently as July 2021. On the 6th, illegal fishing vessels were intercepted off the coast of Peru on their way to be prosecuted in court. Simultaneously, a long-term project to protect the dolphins of the Amazon began on the 7th. Countries such as Sierra Leone, Gambia, Australia, Gabon, and others have joined forces with this organization, allowing their areas of operation to expand further. 

     What I find most impressive about the organization is its transparency with the public. Though it's a public charity-based organization, it consistently makes an effort to allow viewers to understand its objectives, approaches, and history. Their website is both informational and interesting, with all forms of media available. Videos from their raids and captains' logs of each encounter have persuaded me of this organization's authenticity.  

     Till date, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society has taken the required measures to combat unethical and harmful practices such as these. This global organization has expanded to many corners of the sea and engage in all kinds of conservation. They host beach cleanups, awareness campaigns, produce ethically made souvenirs and gifts in order to raise money for legal services and investigative research. Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is a leader in environmental conservation. 

Bibliography


Shepherd , Sea. “Anti-Poaching & Research: Treasured Islands.” Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, 25 Mar. 2021, seashepherd.org/treasured-islands/
​

Tabrizi, Ali, director. Seaspiracy, Netflix, 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Q5CXN7soQg.
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  • Home
  • My Story
  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
    • Anniversary Edition (5 year)
    • Bald Eagle >
      • Photo Gallery - Bald Eagle (Fall 2017)
    • Climate Change
    • Common Sense Advocacy
    • Conversations on Conservation I
    • Conversations on Conservation II
    • Conversations on Conservation - Part III
    • Conversations on Conservation: Part IV
    • Conversations on Conservations: Part V
    • Conversations on Conservation: Part VI
    • Coral Reef >
      • Photo Gallery: Coral Reef (Spring 2016)
    • Ecology, Economics and Evolution
    • Elephant
    • Flying Fox
    • Gopher Tortoise, Eastern Indigo Snake and Gopher Frog >
      • Photo Gallery: Gopher Tortoise (Spring 2019)
    • Honeybee >
      • A Day in the Life of a Honey Bee
      • Nature at Work
      • Colony Collapse Disorder
      • Photo Gallery: Honeybee (Winter 2014)
    • Invasive Species
    • Lion
    • Monarch Butterfly
    • Native Orchids >
      • Photo Gallery - Orchids (Winter 2017)
    • Pitcher Plant Moth, Happy-Face Spider & Ogre-Faced Spider
    • Tiger >
      • Photo Gallery: Tiger ( Fall 2015)
    • Water
  • How can you help?
  • More...
    • Contact
    • Feedback
    • Bibliography