Whale Wars' Paul Watson Video Interview — "Arrest Me or Shut Up" (& Calls Greenpeace Activists Cowards)

From his earlier days at Greenpeace to his current efforts with the show “Whale Wars” in Libyan waters, Paul Watson has focused on direct action that not only attracts eyes but gets results. In this short interview with NYTimes‘ Andy Revkin, Watson speaks about his strategy compared to current-day Greenpeace’s — intervening in illegal whaling, not protesting it (and doesn’t refrain from calling Greenpeace activists cowards!).

He also explains that he’s not breaking any laws or hurting anyone (but is saving whales and other endangered sea life), and says “When they call me an eco-terrorist, I say, look, ‘arrest me or shut up’, you know, I’m not wanted for anything.”

“You don’t walk down the street and see a woman being raped and do nothing,” Watson says. “And you don’t stand there and watch whales die and do nothing but hang banners and take pictures,” explaining why he and his crew intervene in relatively aggressive ways to stop extremely harmful illegal whaling in Antarctic waters and other fishing practices that endanger entire ocean species.

Watch the video below for more:

With growing support for Watson’s and his Sea Shepherd Conservation Society’s efforts and dwindling support and income for Japanese whalers, Watson and his crew were able to cut Japan’s Antarctic whaling season short earlier this year. Hopefully, they will see more successes like this around the world this year and in coming years as well.

Related Stories:

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  2. Michelle Rodriguez — Avatar and LOST Star — Joins Sea Shepherd [VIDEO]
  3. Greenpeace vs. Sea Shepherd: An Unfortunate Conflict
  4. Japanese Whaling & Ocean Battle Get U.S., Netherlands, Australia, & New Zealand’s Attention
  5. Whale-Sized Marshmallows Deployed to Thwart Japanese Whalers

4 thoughts on “Whale Wars' Paul Watson Video Interview — "Arrest Me or Shut Up" (& Calls Greenpeace Activists Cowards)”

  1. Cowards?? Greenpeace started out as a group of thoughtful, committed citizens who came together in 1971 to create Greenpeace. A handful of determined activists leased a small fishing vessel called the Phyllis Cormack, and set sail from Vancouver for Amchitka Island in Alaska. Their mission was to protest U.S. nuclear testing off the coast of Alaska. What an act of courage and defiance. They placed themselves in harm’s way (and continue to do the same today). Despite being intercepted by the U.S. Coast Guard, these daring activists sailed into history by bringing worldwide attention to the dangers of nuclear testing. That was 40 years ago, and they continue to make the world a better place. Committed activists and supporters have come together to ban commercial whaling, convince the world’s leaders to stop nuclear testing, protect Antarctica, stop arctic exploratory oil drilling and so much more. Cowards they are not. Greenpeace are heroes!

    1. i agree. apparently, Watson was an initial member of Greenpeace but has fallen out with them and their tactics over the years, though.

      believe me, i’m a huge fan of Greenpeace and think they are highly influential 😀

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