Bob Barker in action during a previous campaign
Antarctica, Galapagos and Kimberley Campaign Presentation
This Friday, three key voices for Sea Shepherd Conservation Society will present an overview of the organisation’s most integrated and innovative campaigns – Antarctica, the Galapagos and Kimberley Miinimbi campaigns.
Former Greens Leader and Operation Kimberley Miinimbi Leader, Bob Brown, M/Y Bob Barker Captain Peter Hammarstedt, and Sea Shepherd Australian Director Jeff Hansen will each share their unique perspectives on the social, strategic and political importance that these marine conservation campaigns play, regionally and globally; the amazing feats of each, as well as they challenges that still lie ahead.
There will also be an introduction to the Galapagos and Kimberley Miinimbi films, which are being shown at the Sea Shepherd Hobart fundraiser later that evening (at the State Cinema). There will also be an update of Sea Shepherd’s current Antarctic whale defence campaign, titled “Operation Zero Tolerance”.
BACKGROUND
Galapagos
Since 2000, Sea Shepherd has maintained a strong, positive presence in the Galapagos Islands. From patrolling the Marine Reserve stopping illegal fishing activities, to busting shark finners, to educating the local youth, Sea Shepherd carries out its mission of promoting ocean conservation using a wide range of methods and actions.
The Galapagos is our line in the sand. If humanity cannot protect such a unique and diverse ecosystem, we will not be able to protect any ecosystem. The Galapagos is a challenge and battlefield for the effort to halt human greed and destruction. These Enchanted Isles are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and this means all of us have a responsibility to help protect them from illegal exploitation.
The Sea Shepherd Galapagos office has been in operation since 2006 and is working in close cooperation with the Ecuadorian authorities. The various projects cover enforcement, education, patrol, legislation, and litigation.
Operation Kimberley Miinimbi
The same humpback whales that are being targeted by the Japanese whalers face a new threat, a gas hub in a place called James Price Point in Western Australia. It is the world’s largest humpback whale nursery.
Woodside and the West Australian Government want to drill and dredge up to six kilometres out to sea, with a jetty several kilometres long right through the middle of it. This would mean turbidity from dredging, oil spills, industrial discharges, noise, light and vessel strikes, affecting whales, dolphins, turtles, dugongs and fish.
It has taken over three decades for the Western Australian humpback population to bounce back from the brink of extinction due to whaling. The worlds’ largest humpback nursery is on the line.
Sea Shepherd Hobart Fundraiser – Film Screening at State Cinema
On Friday November 30, Sea Shepherd will show two spectacular films: The Galapagos and Operation Kimberley Miinimbi. As well as the screening, there will be a Q&A and speeches by Former Greens leader and Operation Kimberley Miinimbi campaign leader Bob Brown, M/Y Bob Barker Captain Peter Hammarstedt and Australian Director Jeff Hansen.
Money raised will contribute directly to this year’s Antarctic Campaign, Operation Zero Tolerance. Captain Peter Hammarstedt will also be covering where the campaign is to date.
State Cinema,
375 Elizabeth Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000
Tickets are $25 at the door.
ABOUT SEA SHEPHERD
Established in 1977, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) is an international non-profit, marine wildlife conservation organization. Our mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world’s oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species.
Sea Shepherd uses innovative direct-action tactics to investigate, document, and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas. By safeguarding the biodiversity of our delicately-balanced ocean ecosystems, Sea Shepherd works to ensure their survival for future generations.
