Can the Vigilantes of Marine Conservation Change Their Tack?
Last January, the flagship of Sea Shepherds Conservation Society (SSCS), the Steve Irwin, adorned with the notorious Jolly Roger-esk flag, was patrolling the high seas for unlawful fishing. The Shepherds came across six Chinese fishing vessels in the South Indian Ocean, using illegal driftnets. When one of the vessels detected the Steve Irwin approaching, they abandoned their driftnet and fled. By gathering evidence, reporting it to the Government of China, and herding the fishing fleet back into Chinese Ports, Sea Shepherds were able to shut down illegal activity without aggression…read more