TAB - actually several countries go to bat for Sea Shepherd. Switzerland and Australia are several that have allowed Sea Shepherd the right to sail. Also, in certain instances even the United States has supported their cause. His Holiness the Dalai Lama also expressed his support for Sea Shepherd.
To call them terrorists I think is a little misleading but they have been known to sensationalize the facts for media attention. The article I posted I would say is an example of that. I actually personally know their executive director whom is a lovely person. I sent her a letter regarding this article that I will post below.
Highwind, as for consuming whale meat. That action represents one of the most ecologically irresponsible things a person could do. Folks with an attitude that they can consume anything they would like - even if it is endangered - our the very people our children and our children's children will be able to thank when we leave them a dead ocean
_____________________________________________________________
Kim McCoy, Captain Paul Watson and Mr. Witner,
Since the age of five I have been an aquarist. What started as a passion for native aquatic animals evolved into a passion for freshwater and marine ecosystems. I have been a marine aquarist for well over ten years. During that time period I have kept a variety of marine organisms, (fish, corals, and various invertebrates.) Luckily prudent research, preparation, planning and ecological management of my aquarium systems allowed me to have in excess of a 90% success rate with the vast majority of these animals. Those that did perish were often stricken with internal parasites or bacterial infections that could have occurred in the wild as easily as the home aquarium.
I understand any prudent conservationists concern with the marine aquarium hobby. The vast majority of marine aquarium fish are captured from the wild and often sold to individuals with little knowledge or experience in keeping them healthy. Often marine aquarium fish end up in aquariums that are far too small and terribly mismanaged. For over seven years I have written for various marine aquarium publications working with aquarists around the U.S. to help them understand the real needs of captive fish. In some cases I feel I have been successful in progressing aquarists knowledge of the aquarium hobby; other times a stubborn never say never attitude likely resulted in a fish's demise. All of my articles have had a conservation theme and incorporated my experience as a scuba diver and coral reef educator to create an overall picture for my readers; hopefully making them understand the necessity of responsibility when starting a marine aquarium.
I am a member of Sea Shepherd and have been a financial contributer to your campaigns for several years. SSCS work in putting a damper of illegal Japanese Whaling and Bluefine Tuna Fishing is second to none. I am first a conservationist, then an aquarist and finally a scuba diver "“ in that order. So you may find it shocking that I am in great disagreement with Robert Witner's commentary, "œThe Dark Hobby." I have followed Mr. Witner "“ also known as Snorkel Bob "“ for several years. For years he has called for an end to the marine aquarium hobby "“ largely due to the depletion of Yellow Tang populations around Hawaii. Mr. Witner is correct that many Yellow Tangs are collected from Hawaii for sale to marine aquarists. He is horribly incorrect when he says 90% of all marine fish die in their first captive year. Many if not most of the marine aquarists I know are immensely dedicated to the health of their animals and often ardent marine conservationists. They do not view marine fish or any marine life as a worthless commodity that can simply be exploited and depleted. Like anything else in life the marine aquarium hobby is a learning process. As aquarists grow and mature they often find a deep appreciation of ocean life.
The marine aquarium hobby has been the single best conservation tool I have ever employed. I have had the pleasure of introducing young people at local schools to scuba diving and ocean conservation through dynamic presentations. Though, it was when a reef aquarium was erected in one of the schools that their imaginations and love of oceanic life truly took flight. This is a valuable asset to home aquariums. Not every person can travel to see a reef in the wild. To appreciate ocean life and make that connection an aquarium may be the only way.
Mr. Witner I understand your concern and believe me "“ I have the same concerns. For years I have supported a far more responsible marine aquarium hobby. I have supported the idea of legislation that requires marine aquarium hobbyists to undergo courses on how to properly set-up and manage their aquariums before legally being able to purchase livestock. I have also supported legislation to totally ban certain species for sale that are simply too difficult to keep in captivity. Although the reality is simple. Marine aquarium's impact is pale in comparison to the impact left by commercial fishing, climate change and a host of other issues. I feel that SSCS and you personally Mr. Witner are putting the wrong enemy in your cross hairs.
When people stop eating non-sustainable fish, quit polluting our oceans and atmosphere, and elect to only use renewable methods of energy creation "“ then perhaps we can start dissecting the ins and outs of the aquarium hobby. Though, right now when there are far more important battles to fight; why waste the time or resources to attack the one potential drain on marine ecosystems that has a silver lining? Aquariums open the aquatic world up to people who otherwise would never experience it. This fosters a love of the ocean and environment. Perhaps by fighting marine aquariums you are really fighting against the oceans?
-jeremy