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[Seattle Environmental Policy Examiner]

What's not to love about whales? The zen-like creatures of the deep are known to be intelligent, wise, and proficient at communicating with each other. Evidently, some cultures also consider them to be, well, sad to say tasty.

Just the thought of whales being harpooned for the dining pleasure of the Japanese elite under the thinly veiled guise of "research" is the driving force behind a new hit show on Animal Planet called "Whale Wars". It premiered in November of 2007 and just launched into the second season. This one promises to be more dramatic than ever, because the Sea Shepard fleet has been increased from one vessel, the Steve Irwin, to a total of three. The 2008-2009 season will include numerous confrontations with Japanese whaling ships, intense chases through ice, and several boat collisions.

Captain Paul Watson, founder of the Sea Shepard Conservation Society, and his crew are dedicated to stopping the Japanese whalers from killing the targeted Minke and endangered Fin whales and they are prepared to take aggressive action to accomplish their mission.

Are the Japanese legally entitled to kill them? That depends on who you ask. Watson and his organization, believe that killing whales in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary is illegal, even if Minke whales are not considered endangered. They understand the risks and dangers, but believe it is worth it to save as many whales as they can.


The documentary-style "Whale Wars" may be what some people consider eco-terrorism, but there are plenty of others who think the Sea Shepard's crew are heroes including, one can only speculate the whales.


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