Sea Shepherd/Operation Leviathan 2006-07: Defending the Whales of Antarctica

Japan will begin illegally killing over 1,000 whales again this fall and Sea Shepherd will be there to protect them.

Japan's Killing Fleet

In December 2006 & January 2007, the Japanese whaling fleet will begin to illegally kill 1,000 whales in the Antarctic Whale Sanctuary. Fifty of these whales will be endangered humpbacks and another fifty will be endangered fin whales. Although the Japanese claim research as their motivation, the only research they are undertaking is product development and marketing of whale meat – to turn their illicit whale flesh into dog food, cosmetics, and sushi dishes they make huge profits.

The killing of these whales is a gross violation of numerous international treaties and regulations including the U.N. World Charter for Nature and the Antarctic Territorial Treaty – commercial whaling is outlawed and it is illegal to hunt endangered species in an international whale sanctuary.

It is more important than ever that we act now.

Operation Leviathan: The Plan for 2006
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society has embarked on Operation Leviathan: a campaign to raise funds for a new vessel to return to Antarctica in December to defend the whales. In order for us to be effective, we must have a ship that can match the speed of the Japanese whaling fleet and enforce international conservation law.

Our goal for this effort is $3 million to be raised in cash and pledges so that we can purchase a ship similar to the one pictured above. This is a huge undertaking for us considering our annual budget ($1.4M) and our time constraints - but one that will meet with great success if we all participate.

We are more determined than ever to defend these whales which deserve to live their lives wild and free. We believe that the heritage of future generations should include the magnificent and intelligent whales and that the delicately balanced ecosystems that we enjoy are preserved for future generations.

The whales are counting on us for protection . . .
We are counting on you to get us there.

HELP US REACH OUR GOAL TO SAVE THE WHALES! OPERATION LEVIATHAN GOAL: $3,000,000

As of September 18, 2006: $1,254,582

Source: Japan will begin illegally killing over 1,000 whales again this fall and Sea Shepherd will be there to protect them
Author: Sea Shepherd

Other EVANA-articles about this topic:
Japanese Pirate Whalers Preparing for Departure for Antarctica (en)

Japanese Whalers Murder 35 Piked Whales (en)

Annual Dolphin Slaughter Begins in Japan (en)

Japan Dolphin Day (en)

Japan: Stop the dolphin slaughter (en)