Sea Shepherd Launches Fifth Antarctic Whale Defense Campaign
Captain Paul Watson to arrive in Australia for final preparations for Operation Musashi
Friday Harbor, WA - Just days after reaffirming that they will head to the Southern Oceans alone to defend the whales in the Antarctic Whale Sanctuary, even after Greenpeace and the Australian government have backed out, Sea Shepherd begins its final preparations for departure. Sea Shepherd's flagship vessel, the Steve Irwin is in Brisbane, Australia and is scheduled to depart on the first of December.
Sea Shepherd's Founder and President, Captain Paul Watson will arrive in Australia next week to oversee the last minute preparations required for a 2 month journey to the Antarctic. Watson will be speaking at several events around the country shoring up the final support needed for the campaign. First stop will be Steve Irwin day at Australia Zoo, where he will join Terri Irwin in commemorating the late Steve Irwin on November 15th. Throughout the last couple of weeks in November, he'll also be appearing in Sydney, Perth, Gold Coast, Byron Bay and in Brisbane for a big send-off benefit concert hosted by musical performers the Red Paintings on November 21st at the Arena.
Ship's Manager, Benjamin Baldwin said, "It's been great having the ship moored here in the Brisbane River. We have nearly completed one of our most ambitious projects, the construction of a brand new helicopter deck, and enclosed hangar. The crew has been working hard all year to be prepared for our next Antarctic campaign. We do really need help from the people of Brisbane and all Australians. We experienced a great level of support in Melbourne and we're hoping Queenslander's can match the challenge!"
Animal Planet will once again come on board and document Sea Shepherd's campaign in the Southern Oceans for a second season of Whale Wars. The U.S. premiere of Whale Wars is this Friday November 7th on Animal Planet and the Canadian premiere is November 9th. International dates will be forthcoming after the first of the year.
"We look forward to having the camera crews from Animal Planet document our campaign once again this year," said Captain Watson. "By watching Whale Wars on Animal Planet, thousands of people will be able to join us in one of the most hostile, remote and beautiful place on earth. During Operation Musashi, we will once again do everything we can to defend the magnificent whales from the deadly harpoons of the whaling fleet. We will not stand by and watch whales die. We will once again intervene with the intent to shut down the whaling fleet - for good."
Wishlist items and final provisions needed as well as a full listing of Captain Watson's speaking events, can be found on Sea Shepherd's website at Seashepherd.org.
To arrange an in studio interview with Captain Watson in Australia or New Zealand during November
contact: Kristine Vasic at +61 3 9445-0323 or Media@seashepherd.org
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