The Sea ShePheRdS

Of all the environmental organisations who aim to protect the world’s oceans, none have been more active, more determined and more controversial than the SSCS. We talk to Samir, the organisation’s representative in Bahrain…

ThE Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) shot to fame following an Animal Planet documentary series called Whale Wars, which chronicled the organisation’s ongoing battle against illegal activities in the whaling industry. According to their charter, their 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.”

Their founder, Paul Watson, was a former council member of Greenpeace, but he was voted out for his aggressive stance on environmental protection that was not in line with Greenpeace’s peaceful protest ideology. After leaving Greenpeace, Watson founded the SSCS.

Their activities have not been without controversy, with numerous court cases and injunctions raised against them by various governments and organisations around the world.

Whether you agree with their tactics or not, you cannot argue against the fact that the SSCS sends a powerful message on ocean wildlife conservation, and their stance has gained massive support from ocean lovers around the world.

One such enthusiast has established a supporter’s group in Bahrain, and the only one in the Gulf so far. “My story with Sea Shepherd started three or four years ago, when I saw Whale Wars,” says Samir. “I contacted Sea Shepherd global and became certified as a supporters representative.”

However, the society is not officially registered as a charitable organisation in Bahrain as of yet. “We’re in touch with the relevant ministries to get approved, and Sea Shepherd global has sent the required letters to the Embassy of Bahrain in the US, but the process is long and complicated,” says Samir.

In the meantime, the group holds social gatherings, raises awareness on ocean conservation and participates in events to spread the word. “If anyone wants to find out more, they can check out the Facebook group, Sea Shepherd – BHN. Our main focus is on educating people on how to protect the oceans and their wildlife.”

And that’s something that we here at Hadag can fully support!