Report from Taiji: January 8

Blood fills the water around the gutting barge and a skiffThe dolphin hunter’s determination after 17 hunt-free days is a sight to behold. Today, four boats drove a pod of striped dolphins into the Cove while the other eight banger boats searched the seas for an additional catch. We were able to speak with a fisherman on top of Glenda’s Hill while the slaughter was happening and he informed us that there were 18 dolphins in the killing cove. After a count by our studying marine biologist, Nicole, this number was confirmed and the fisherman was proven to be honest. However, blatant disrespect is taking over in this sleepy little fishing village and the murder of these peaceful creatures is something that is being thrown in our faces.

Typically, the dolphin bodies are loaded onto the starboard side of the skiff, the side facing away from the Cove. Since the hunt has resumed, the bodies have been carried along the port side, in full view of every person standing at the Cove. The fishermen hold the disgraceful blue tarps, covering the act that is shaming their nation, yet laughing and pointing as they watch us watching them. A soul is lacking when a human can taunt another with the deceased body of an innocent.

There are a lot of different groups in Taiji at the moment and it’s great to see how many people care for this cause and the lives of these dolphins. Humans are born with a right to believe what they wish, embrace what they feel and live what they desire and when different groups and different individuals come together for one purpose there are bound to be opinions that don’t fall on the same page. Change for the greater good is a necessity, but the route to change is different for everyone. Where would this world be without different tactics, different opinions, and different roads toward enlightenment and achievement? None of us know which path will lead to success when it comes to stopping this dolphin slaughter and we each have the right to approach this issue the way we see fit. As long as we all simply focus on the bigger picture and put our energy into doing what we personally came here to do, a difference will be made.

Spread the word. Raise awareness. Speak out.

Dolphin Base: From the United States, dial 81-0735-59-3514 or send email to info@dolphinbase.co.jp

Private Space holds a sign stating that photography is not allowed at the F.U.
(click to read the sign)Here is your opportunity to become a Cove Guardian.  To join us in Taiji (voluntarily, and completely at your own cost and risk), write to us at coveguardian@seashepherd.org.  We will get back to you, but please be patient.  We cannot keep an eye on the Cove and answer e-mails at the same time.  Contributions to Sea Shepherd Conservation Society to keep our official presence here are needed and welcome.  These contributions cover the costs for transport, telephone, equipment, supplies, food, and lodging for the official Sea Shepherd representative.  We will remain here through the end of March and will return for the next season in September 2011.

Thank you to the citizens of Japan who are weighing these issues and beginning to take a stand to solve them.  Thank you to everyone who is on the frontlines of this war.  This is a war to save ourselves from ourselves.  Without your calling and writing Japanese embassies and your own governments, there will be no change.  Keep it up! Every time dolphins are pushed into the Cove, let them have it.  Every time there is blood in the water, let them have it.  Make good consumer choices.  Inform everyone you know about the tragedy here and how it is linked to the captive dolphin trade.  All who patronize a dolphin show have blood on their hands.

For the dolphins,
Libby Katsinis

Cove Guardians Tim Quick and Simon help Tim Burns of Save Japan Dolphins build a stone dolphin on the beach

The pro-slaughter reporter talks with one of the fishermen

Nicole, who will be assisting me during the next three months, will share her experiences while in Taiji on her blog.