Report from Taiji: November 10

The dolphins survived this day

Taiji harbor captive pensDespite the marine forecasts of near gale conditions for the seas off of Taiji, the greedy dolphin molesters left port this morning. Sure enough they found a pod of dolphins to terrorize. This time, the dolphins escaped and the Cove Guardians were treated with watching the antics of the molester’s boats as they scurried to and fro for a couple of hours. They were chasing phantom dolphins amid the white caps. We wonder how much fuel they burned today.

Of course though, they have been sitting back and counting all of the money they will receive for the large number of dolphins now trapped in the Taiji harbor pens. The molesters (and police) guard these pens day and night. They know that it would be a significant financial hit to lose these dolphins. Some of the dolphins who have been here awhile were shipped off today. They leave the small net pens for a future spent in concrete tanks.

We had to say good-bye to 6 Cove Guardians. Rex had to leave yesterday. Ryan, David, Luana, Mauricio, and Marcelo had to leave today. We are expecting more Cove Guardians to join us in the coming days.

While the Cove Guardians are here witnessing the horrific events, the folks on the front lines of this war are those who take the time to contact their own governments and the Japanese embassies and consulates in their countries. We know the Japanese government is feeling this pressure and it is this pressure that will help to end this insanity.

In additionthe carrot and the stick, continue to make good consumer choices. If Japanese corporations see enough of a loss of market share over this, they too will put pressure on their government.  This whole business is absurd. Japan has the history, academic institutions, technical savvy, and motivation to lead the world in marine conservation. Why does this government instead insist on making Japan the pariah of the modern world?

Keep it up for you are making the difference. Every time dolphins are pushed into the cove, let them have it. Every time there is blood in the water, let them have it.  Do not grow weary for you are being heard. Together we will see an end to the slaughter of whales and dolphins in Japan and by Japanese crews the world over.

It is unfortunate that the reputation of an entire nation is being tarnished by the evil and shameful deeds of a handful of men and women in Taiji. To join us (voluntarily, and completely at your own cost and risk) in Taiji, write to me at inform-us@seashepherd.org. I will get back to you, but please be patient. I cannot keep an eye on the Cove and answer email at the same time. Contributions to Sea Shepherd to keep our official presence here are needed and welcome. I am the current official Sea Shepherd representative and will be replaced by Michael Dalton when I leave on December 9, 2010.

For the Oceans,

Scott West
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

terrorizing the pod that got away

The Blog Log:
My daughter, Elora Malama West, has been with me here since day one and keeps a blog of her experiences.
Current Cove Guardians Tarah, and Rosie and Dinielle are also keeping blogs.
Future Cove Guardians Carolyn,  Steven,  Bob and Carrie and William have started blogs about their endeavors.
The Taiji Dolphin Action Group blog.