Top of page 2 of The Mockery states: PIRATES, NO MATTER HOW GOOD HEARTED SHOULD NOT BE THE POLICE OF THE HIGH SEAS. (Tomorrow in Talking Point). This is my pre-emptive reply. The definition of a pirate is someone who attacks and robs a ship at sea. It is immensely frustrating to hear this word bandied about in relation to organisations like Sea Shepherd. Sea Shepherds founder, Captain Paul Watson, is a highly intelligent individual who knows the law (especially as it pertains to ships at sea) inside out. He, and his crews, abide by these international laws to the letter, yet still get referred to as pirates. The ILLEGAL fishers from countries such as Nigeria, Japan and Korea (to name just a few) who ignore international laws and plunder (another good pirate word) the oceans for profit, attract no such labels. Little wonder then that Captain Watson decided to embrace the intended insult. He will tell you that, if defending the oceans wildlife from the illegal slaughtering of billions of creatures each year because of the inaction of governments (corrupt or otherwise), makes him a pirate, then so be it. How easy it is to sit in our cosy houses and criticise and condemn a pro-active organisation that is actually doing something positive for the planet. How easy it is to label these groups pirates or eco-terrorists. How much harder it must be to get off that couch and do some factual research into these groups and the issues they are fighting. Or, heaven forbid, get out there and help! So, the next time you delight in the increased sightings of whales frolicking off our coasts, you can thank one group of dedicated, selfless people - the Sea Shepherd Pirates. seashepherd.org.au/news-and-media/2014/12/18/sea-shepherd-intercepts-toothfish-poachers-in-the-southern-ocean-1639
Posted on: Mon, 12 Jan 2015 23:53:56 +0000