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Michael d'Estries

Sea Shepherd declares victory in 'Whale Wars'

Anti-whaling organization celebrates as Japan cuts hunting season short.

Sun, Feb 20 2011 at 11:15 PM EST
 13

sea shepherd Photo courtesy of Sea Shepherd
By all accounts, it appears that season four of Animal Planet's hit reality series, "Whale Wars," will have a rare happy ending.
 
The Japanese whaling industry on Friday announced that it was recalling its fleet from the Southern Ocean due to harassment by the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Such a decision marks the first time that activists have been successful in cutting the hunting season short. 
 
Naturally, members of the Sea Shepherd were thrilled, going so far as to declare the event VSO Day or Victory in the Southern Ocean Day.
 
“The Nisshin Maru made a significant course change immediately after the Japanese government made it official that the whaling fleet has been recalled,” said Captain Alex Cornelissen from the Bob Barker. “She looks like she’s going home!”
 
Japan’s Fisheries Minister, Michihiko Kano, clearly regretted the decision to end the season early, but left the door open on the fleet returning again next year. “It’s becoming difficult to secure the safety of the fleet,” he said. “From the point of view of securing the safety of the lives, properties and research vessels, we have no choice but to bring the research to an end. It’s regrettable that we received such obstruction. We need to do it in a way which we won’t be obstructed from now on.”
 
In terms of the whales, estimates from the Sea Shepherd indicate that Japan was able to fulfill perhaps 10-15 percent of its kill quota.
 
“We think they’ve only managed to kill between 30 and 100 whales, so out of a quota of 985, I think we’ve saved about 90 percent of the whales or even more, and that’s pretty good,” said Cornelissen.
 
The Sea Shepherd ships Steve Irwin, Bob Barker and Gojira will remain in the Southern Ocean to escort the Japanese ships northward. “We will not leave the whale sanctuary until the last whaling ship has departed,” said Gojira captain Locky MacLean.
 
As for "Whale Wars," series executive producer Jason Carey told the NY Post that the recent events are likely to be "the finale of our season."
 
"[Sea Shepherd captain] Paul Watson has always said to us, 'I'm probably the only reality star that's trying to put himself out of the business in TV," Carey says, adding that if Japan ceases whaling, "then that's exactly what he would do. I don't think we'd have a series next year."
 
Fans can look forward to reliving this year's action on Animal Planet sometime in June. Here's hoping — for the sake of the whales — that this year's happy season finale will also be a series finale.
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anonymous
Joel V 03/21/2011 01:01 AM

I am glad to hear that the Sea Shepherd was victorious! It is good that some people actually stick up for what they believe in. I never missed a show of Whale Wars. I am a customer and employee of DISH Network, so I was always caught up in HD. As happy as I am that the whaling season is over, I know that there will be more next year. Hopefully the Sea Shepherd will be acting again, because I want to keep up with them.

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anonymous
Steve 03/18/2011 21:51 PM

I would like to think Japans problems with waves are created by the Whales. They won't be fishing for a while. Payback is a *****

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anonymous
Bruce Rubino 03/15/2011 20:34 PM

This is sad to say but i must voice my thoughts. I have seen the Japs kill whales Dolphins Sharks and other creatures from our ocean and take take take from the sea. Is it karma that the ocean reacted back and became angry at them for continuing to harvest whales that the sea turned and gave them a wrath. I truly hope the Japs stop the whaling.
In Behalf of Good time Boating we all thank you Sea Shepard
.... More

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anonymous
Bruce Rubino (Captain) 02/24/2011 07:12 AM

You all are amazing. I as the owner of some vassals and a captain my self. I commend you Paul. Both my company and my self will continue to support you in donations and faith in you and all you do .One of the companies I own is a boat charter company, We only hire people that are in favor of your cause. My intentions are to have every employer donate a small part of the pay they receive from Good Time Boating to your cause and I as the owner will do my part to donate as I have done in private.... More

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anonymous
Karen 02/23/2011 22:25 PM

To Captain Paul Watson and the entire crew, you guys are awesome and GOD Bless each of you. You are putting your lives on the line for these amazing creatures. Unfortunatly, I don't trust the Japanese. If they can't get what they want from one source, they will search for in another place or maybe another species.
GOD Bless the whales and all GOD'S Creatures.

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anonymous
Rigo Cisneros 02/22/2011 22:02 PM

I wish I could do more than donate a few bucks. They still have other waters to protect. Don't forget about Iceland.
God bless everyone at the Sea Shepard organization.
Every whale saved...

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anonymous
Bruce Rubino ( Good time boating) 02/22/2011 14:41 PM

Hello and thank you for your reply to the issue that the Japs are going to stop the Whaling. It had been a long fight and lots of work. THe sea Shepard crew are brave and wonderful people that are doing this task. I grew up the tough way in the streets on NYC and im an animal lover. My hand to you Plul Watson , and your crew too. I thank you and so do my staff. You have done a great thing .
Bruce Rubino ( Goodtime Boating)

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anonymous
JPMAC26 02/22/2011 14:23 PM

I've been following them on TV and online for a couple of years now. I am truly glad to hear they have turned towards home. I pray they stay there and the end of whaling has become norm. Thank you to all the people that donate your time, sweet, tears, joy, and lives to those who cannot defend themselves!!

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anonymous
Rob C 02/22/2011 11:45 AM

I cannot believe the Japanese are caving in because of a bunch of terrorists. Hopefully they will be back next year and deal a final crushing blow to the sea shepherd scum.

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anonymous
Steve 11/08/2011 11:34 AM

i guess as an open forum they have to print all reply s. Is that Rob C-Head

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anonymous
Pamela Campbell 02/21/2011 15:49 PM

The Sea Shepherd crew risk their lives for what they believe in. How many of us can make that claim?
Truly inspiring news about the hunt ending early. Perhaps this brutal business if finally over.

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anonymous
Kudos 02/21/2011 14:27 PM

You GO!!
Whats next?

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anonymous
Bruce Rubino ( Good Time Boating) 02/21/2011 13:55 PM

I am in support of the sea Shepard and the cause they are providing. Our company donates to them and its a great cause. We all should donate to them . I and my company thank you for your efforts and would like ot do more to help out . We hope the Dutch Gov. helps you also
Thank you
Bruce Rubino & GTB

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