Peter Whish-Wilson: Greens welcome Sea Shepherd to Launceston

Today Australian Greens Spokesperson for Whaling, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, welcomed the Steve Irwin to Launceston where the Sea Shepherd flagship will spend three weeks in dry-dock.

The Launceston based Senator made international news earlier this week briefly meeting Japanese Prime Minister Abe and passing on a letter from Sea Shepherd founder Paul Watson personally urging Abe to reconsider Japan’s plans to return to whaling in the Southern Ocean.

“I hope Shinzo Abe will change his mind on the return of Japanese harpoon boats to the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary but if he doesn’t the services of Launceston’s dry-dock will mean the Steve Irwin is ready to defend whales this coming summer and beyond,” said Senator Whish-Wilson.

“I welcome the Steve Irwin to Launceston and urge the community to show their care and support for the whales of our oceans by backing the Sea Shepherd crew with food donations and moral support while they are here in northern Tasmania.

“An overwhelming majority of Australians want the slaughter of whales in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary permanently stopped and it is satisfying that the marine service industries of Launceston can play some role in achieving that goal,” Senator Whish-Wilson concluded.
Australian Greens spokesperson on whaling, Peter Whish-Wilson