On June 3rd, 2011, Animal Planet’s popular series Whale Wars just may enter into its fourth and final season. The new ten-episode season continues to follow Captain Paul Watson and the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society as they attempt to stop the Japanese from whaling in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary.
Last year, when the Japanese whale meat processing ship – the Nisshin Maru – turned around and set its course back to its homeport in mid-February, Captain Paul Watson and the Sea Shepherds declared a cautious victory. The whalers’ actions not only signaled a possible victory for the Sea Shepherd, it also meant hundreds of whales’ lives in the Antarctic would be spared this year through an unprecedented cancellation of an entire nation’s whale hunt.
The new season promises to be full of the same high seas drama viewers have come to expect from the Sea Shepherds’ campaigns, including a new vessel that’s almost as fast but far bigger than the boat destroyed last year, a helicopter with a greater range and secret GPS devices.
Captain Alex Corneliessen joins the campaign to helm the Bob Barker, and Captain Lockhart Maclean takes command of the Sea Shepherds’ newest small vessel, the Gojira.
As Watson has said, “In order to save the whales, people have to be willing to risk their lives.” And, before this campaign, when a reporter asked pointedly if he really couldn’t stop whaling, he vehemently responded, “We can’t stop whaling? That’s what they once said about slavery, but it was stopped. So yes, we can stop whaling.”
Season 4 of Whale Wars begins Friday, June 3, 2011 at 9PM.
Visit: http://animal.discovery.com/tv/whale-wars/
Comments (36)
I highly doubt those sea hippies the sea shepards stopped them forever. The Japanese will most likely be out there again next season. Paul Watson is nothing but an eco terrorist.
written by k , May 14, 2011
written by k , May 14, 2011
i love this show i hope they keep it on for a long time i hope paul stops them short again
written by dg , May 14, 2011
written by dg , May 14, 2011
To mr. K that is correct, he is nothing but a eco terrorist or a eco freedom fighter. The only league of people that will save this planet from utter destruction. Go eco terrorism!!
written by Joel , May 14, 2011
written by Joel , May 14, 2011
I'd like to see Sea Shepard vs Pirates of Somalia!, lol!
written by dan kardas , May 15, 2011
written by dan kardas , May 15, 2011
Thank goodness there are people that will give their lives for such a wonderful cause! Please keep doing what works and stop it now. Thanks you so much for what you are doing!
written by whalelover , May 15, 2011
written by whalelover , May 15, 2011
I hope that this is the last season of "Whale Wars" and Animal Planet needs to yank the whole series permanently. The Sea Shepherds are setting very bad examples for our children. The Sea Shepherds need to pick up a Bible and read it and they'll realize then that they must love their enemies (the Japanese Whalers). It's even illegal to harass the other party by throwing acid, etc., at them. Those whalers had the God-given right to go out to the Southern Ocean to make their living. An animal does not have a soul, but a human does. The whalers will be back next season making their living. Please ignore the May 21st prediction; but each current and former Sea Shepherd member needs to ask the good Lord for forgiveness before it's everlasting too late. It's also dangerous to go on a vegan diet and illegal in many jurisdictions to put a child on a vegan diet.
written by Elysia Duke , May 20, 2011
written by Elysia Duke , May 20, 2011
They should shutdown Sea World next...
written by Mike , May 22, 2011
written by Mike , May 22, 2011
Animal planet is not doing the kids any good to let them see these gangsters/terrorists get away with their actions ........ guess this is why the kids see no problem with their criminal/mob/gangsta ways in society
written by Jack Kennedy , May 22, 2011
written by Jack Kennedy , May 22, 2011
Who the heck believes whalers need to kill hundreds of whales just to do some "research"
They are bunch of liars and doing it for the money,... always about money
@ elysia duke:
1) The sea shepherds is a GOOD example for the youth, These people actually DO something about what they think is wrong.
2 You don't have to love your enemy it's better to PRAY for your enemy.
3 Also how would you know if animals have a soul or not?
4 god giving right to hunt down animals? yea right... there are enough jobs on land for them to work and make a living, no need to disrupt life in sea and make it unbalanced by killing off to many fish/sharks/whales and what not.
5) and now you got off-topic talking about vegan diet WTF ???
written by roflmao , May 24, 2011
They are bunch of liars and doing it for the money,... always about money
@ elysia duke:
1) The sea shepherds is a GOOD example for the youth, These people actually DO something about what they think is wrong.
2 You don't have to love your enemy it's better to PRAY for your enemy.
3 Also how would you know if animals have a soul or not?
4 god giving right to hunt down animals? yea right... there are enough jobs on land for them to work and make a living, no need to disrupt life in sea and make it unbalanced by killing off to many fish/sharks/whales and what not.
5) and now you got off-topic talking about vegan diet WTF ???
written by roflmao , May 24, 2011
If I was that Japanese captain, I would arm my crew and fire up those sea hippies when they got close. I'd show them some Whale Wars.
written by FLipper , May 31, 2011
written by FLipper , May 31, 2011
you people are all nuts of course the whales have a soul and if you have ever seen them in the wild you would know that whale wars is a great show and i love it. The Japans should figure out another way to deal with their food habits not by killing those gentle animals, besides I think god has taken care of them for awhile anyway
written by weaver dl2001 , June 03, 2011
written by weaver dl2001 , June 03, 2011
We eat cows ,chickens and pigs they eat Whales let them eat what they want native Alaskans eat whale meat.
the Sea Shepherds are Pirates and should be stopped ..... go whalers
written by Whales are OK to eat , June 03, 2011
the Sea Shepherds are Pirates and should be stopped ..... go whalers
written by Whales are OK to eat , June 03, 2011
there are some real idiots out there,, for future info, Japanese signed an agreement to end whaling except in certain situations that include research,then they are supposed to be allowed the leftovers, ???? whatever, that was just their way of making sure they get what they want, it was a crooked loophole left open by bureaucratic idiots. when it comes to the whole religion entering the conversation as above, then you can look at it like this, maybe God is protecting the whales, look what happened recently in japan after all.
written by scott , June 03, 2011
written by scott , June 03, 2011
by the way we have a endless supply of meat, when we are discussing cows and such, but we do not have and endless supply of whales, then they are gone they are gone, and then the oceans will be out of balance and then we all die, i really don't want that, and when the governments of the world are stuck on stupid i will gladly support a group like the sea shepard that gets out there and does something about it and doesn't sit there with there thumb stuck up there butt like the rest of the world, especially here in America,,,,,,unfortunately.......plus scientists have now discovered that whales are one of the smartest species in the ocean, they have their own language and communications and raise families and try and protect their young when they are attacked, that is how the whale hunters harpoon the whales! they chase and follow a young whale or female until the large male comes to the rescue then they harpoon it, they feel pain and anguish just like us, check the recent scientific studies, and one could argue that if you can feel and love then you have a soul!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (added note, just because i stated earlier that cows are in endless supply doesn't mean that i think it is ok, i just mean that they aren't in danger of going extinct like whales)
written by scott , June 03, 2011
written by scott , June 03, 2011
I take the comments about slavery to be one of out a person out of touch with the real world slavery still exists in most of the world and even here in the United States
written by laughingman , June 06, 2011
written by laughingman , June 06, 2011
come on sea shepherds you can do it !
written by pooja , June 21, 2011
written by pooja , June 21, 2011
Hey watson you are doing a great job..i salute you and your entire team for the dedication and enthusiasm to protect and save the whale of antarctic...no matter what ever difficulties you face ,no matter what the Australian govt. or Japaneses media says don't stop the noble act of yours...being the more social and civilized living beings of this biotic planet "Earth " its our duty to protect it and fight if someone harms it....
I have seen the problems you face in sea..let Japanese say whatever they have to say but the entire world is with you and your team...So shepherds keep up the spirit and let the world know u stop...
written by Ashoo , June 23, 2011
I have seen the problems you face in sea..let Japanese say whatever they have to say but the entire world is with you and your team...So shepherds keep up the spirit and let the world know u stop...
written by Ashoo , June 23, 2011
ELYSIA DUKE... Its people like you that I hate. This isn't a christian network, its animal planet. I have my faith and I have kids and you bet that they watch it. To see gods beauty at work. People that are selfless and that will sacrifice everything to ensure my daughter gets to see a whale one day. You are an idiot. ANIMALS DONT HAVE SOULS???!! Are you high? Seriously, you wanna get yourself worked up, go hang out at the abortion clinic and advertise who couldve been the next president. Don't sit on here and bash people who live for gods glory.
written by mikey , June 24, 2011
written by mikey , June 24, 2011
Also elysia where the hell did the vegan part come from... Once again, you're an idiot. I can't believe u even consider yourself a woman of faith. Love the whalers? Honestly, look in the mirror, and say all of what u wrote to yourself...
written by mikey , June 24, 2011
written by mikey , June 24, 2011
I think that Paul Watson and the Sea Sheppard’s have more then a loose screw rolling around in their heads!!! I am a teacher at the college level and over the years that I have been teaching I found the best way to stop bad behavior is through teaching and education the public it is slow and pain staking but you get better results in the long run. I believe the Japanese whalers should stop whaling however that is part of the Japanese tradition and culture. To just take away culture or tradition would be like a person cutting off a hand, foot or blinding them self. No culture or person wants to be forced to do or not to do something. If the countries of the world really want to stop whaling then there should be a world wide navy to stop whaling not some knot heads that think they are doing something good. The only thing those yo-yos are doing is making the Japanese whalers more determined to do more whaling. With the money the Sea Sheppard’s get they should be education people in Japan and the world that whaling needs and should stop!!!!!
REMEMBER EDUCATION GOES ALONG WAY TO STOP WHALING!!! Not terrorism!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Take a hint Paul and educate people!!!! Do not bully them!!!!!!!
written by Your Daddy , June 24, 2011
REMEMBER EDUCATION GOES ALONG WAY TO STOP WHALING!!! Not terrorism!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Take a hint Paul and educate people!!!! Do not bully them!!!!!!!
written by Your Daddy , June 24, 2011
I understand what you're saying daddy (I wish you would have picked a different name, lol). But the Japanese signed the paper saying they wouldn't do it, and still they continue to. Think of it as if even after slavery had been abolished(which not racially, but culturally was apart of Americas dirty up-bringing) there were people out there trying to justify it saying "we're not slave drivers were just measuring the work ethic of humans." I'm not saying people don't do things that they say they won't, what I'm saying is that when a country or city or person signs, for lack of better wording, a peace treaty and then turns around and does exactly what they claimed and promised they wouldn't do its no longer an education factor its ignorance. Not to mention we don't have time to educate them, unless you want to start teaching kids about the extinction of whales.
written by mikey , June 25, 2011
written by mikey , June 25, 2011
It's too bad that trolls take up space on any hot button topic. Anyone with brain cells realises that Captain Watson was addressing the topic of slavery figuratively. The slavery that exists in our world today is ILLEGAL. Addressing Elysia Duke, I am guessing you're about 12 and your so called friends made you write what you did on a dare. You can be led around by the nose like cattle. Every great cause creates applause and anger. The worst thing mankind can do is nothing or debate or in the case of trolls inflame and then do nothing
written by Izzy , June 25, 2011
written by Izzy , June 25, 2011
Anyone who thinks the Japanese are doing research with the whales they catch should see the movie "The Cove". What happens in this documentary is an annual event. It took an earthquake, tsunami and a nuclear disaster to delay the massacre that happens in this village
written by Izzy , June 25, 2011
written by Izzy , June 25, 2011
the whales are beautiful and without them the ocean is doomed. Wake up people paul and his crew are fighting for our planet!
written by flo , June 26, 2011
written by flo , June 26, 2011
why cant we all just eat candy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
written by derrik rose , July 01, 2011
written by derrik rose , July 01, 2011
Every episode I watch seems to confirm more and more that the sea Shepard crew is made up of a bunch idiots. The simplest tasks seem to be a challenge for them, why on earth would you just watch the tow rope drag under the boat and not hook it as soon as it was in reach. No, they just watched bouy go by the bow and the rope fall the prop. I was raised around boats, the last thing you do is stand around and watch something like that happen, give hook to cameraman at least, he seemed to be at the right place to hook it. And they lack the ability to make good decisions in a desperate situation. Why would you hide behind an iceberg when your ship is 5 hours away, limp towards the ship and close the gap with the broken vessel or ditch it and all get on the one good zodiac and take it back to the ship. Some ones going to get killed out there just for being stupid.
written by Mark , July 02, 2011
written by Mark , July 02, 2011
Its real easy to speculate what's going wrong from the comfort of your own home mark. If you were listening you'd know that the weather is well under 20 below and not to mention at the pace there working I'm sure the great wisdom of mark who sits on his computer in a heated home doing nothing worthwhile for the better good of anything doesn't kick in. Also they're volunteers. Most of them weren't raised on daddy's boat like you were. I know absolutely nothing about what they're doing with their so-called easy tasks but I've tried to contact them to give it a whirl. I've got kids but, I don't know about you but anyone willing to risk their life for my daughter or son to see such a majestic beauty is a hero in my book. But hey, you go ahead and type all of your great wisdom and knowledge about how dumb they are, or how smart you are, cuz in the end you're still sitting at mommy and daddy's computer just typing. Wasting space. And time. Good luck with daddys boat and I hope your next father-son fishing trip is a blast. Don't forget your diapers, and make sure you get some sandwiches from mommy. Oh and I almost forgot, don't forget the sunblock, can't have our little mark getting a sunburn.
written by mikey , July 03, 2011
written by mikey , July 03, 2011
Mikey, I did run "daddy's boat" from the age of 9 and I work outside for a living all year long. And I live in the north east US. What is it you do for a living? It seems that every problem they run into is self inflicted. I understand that they are volunteers which makes what they are doing more dangerous for everyone involved. Even the captans lack the experience to run the ship. Whales are majestic animals and the Japanese are depleting the oceans of it's nature resources (which is what whales and other sea life are, anyone that thinks of animals as more than that is very simple minded) but there's got be a better way to spend the 5 million dollars of donated money to stop the Japanese then have these idiots chase ships around ocean throwing rotten butter at them and getting them selves killed in the process.
written by Mark , July 03, 2011
written by Mark , July 03, 2011
I live in north carolina and do everything from hunting to fishing and hiking to climbing all year round. I'm an extreme nature enthusiast beyond all of that, and for you to say whales are just a resource is simple minded. You obviously have absolutely no appreciation for nature or any of its inhabitants, and that's fine. But to attempt to mandate or suggest how 5 million dollars should be spent elsewhere is ridiculous. The money was donated to the cause. They didn't rob a toys for tots foundation or skimp off jerrys kids. It was donated for this purpose. Also their tactics can't be that bad since no whales were harvested during the campaign this year. I'm sorry for taking pot shots at you in the first comment but this topic is very important to me, and all other people who can appreciate nature. All in all though I really wish you'd look at this from a different perspective. I know you're a professional as to what you said and that's awesome, I'm jealous, but these are people who have regular jobs that donate their time with their families, risk there lives and use there own funding to ensure that my kids will get to see some of natures marvels. Like I said I understand that from a professional view this is completely foolish and outlandish but from someone who would do the same given the chance its incredibly inspiring.
written by mikey , July 03, 2011
written by mikey , July 03, 2011
It is their right to take a certain number of whales yearly. It has been that way for many years. Now, what is it gona take for these idiots to stop? Captain Dumb Azz is going to end up killing one of his crew members in their mission to stop legal activity. Animal planet should not keep paying them money to film their poppyc**k missions. Shame on you animal planet.
written by Capt. Dumb Azz , July 24, 2011
written by Capt. Dumb Azz , July 24, 2011
Hey captain dumb azz... Nice name by the way... Suits you perfectly! Read the facts, the Japanese are impeding on a treaty that they themselves signed which put a ban on international whaling. You're saying its their right? Well maybe the Japanese whalers could violate the humanitarian treaty and pay you a visit. Maybe start a new tradition for the year. You my friend are as useful as a screen door on a submarine. Here's a thought... When whale wars is on, don't watch it. No ones forced you to sit down and endure it. Its just like any television show on these days.
written by mikey , August 08, 2011
written by mikey , August 08, 2011
Con artist? It takes money to run an operation. Let's see YOU run one without it. All funds are via WILLING "donation". Not one person on Earth has to give a single dime unless they believe what the japanese are doing is wrong. Note: Millions of people are donating! Are they ALL conned? Millions? Really? (Including a growing list of high profile celebrities who have their elite lawyers check the Shepherds out before donating). The only "eco-terrorists" here are the ones HARMING the ecosystem! The whalers!
written by info145 , August 10, 2011
written by info145 , August 10, 2011
I tuned into a couple more episodes and it's pretty clear now that the Sea Shepard crew are basically acting like terrorists. Then to find out that the acid bottles (the ”rotten butter”) that they are shooting from air powered cannons is caustic and can do real harm to someone not mention the damage the containers can do makes me more disgusted at their behavior. Shame on Animal Planet for airing this. Whales are still hunted in Alaska, what are the Japanese doing different than the US. It’s OK for the US but not Japan?
written by mark , August 16, 2011
written by mark , August 16, 2011
what is the new song of the whale wars in the advertising of 2011? Please help..
written by Been , November 23, 2011
written by Been , November 23, 2011
Fantastic series!
Well done animal planet for bringing this to a broader audience.
The Sea Shepherds demonstrate that people can rise above their own selfish, self interest of profit and human centric thinking, to give hope that humanity can co-exist within the ecosystem without obliterating everything thoughtlessly or greedily.
The positive morality this demonstrates is laudable, and a great example of non-violent action in practice.
I'm also very happy to see some countries, namely Australia and to an extent Chile are prepared to defend the moratorium; and I say shame on any country who isn't actively trying to stop whaling in the rouge nations that actively whale or intend to resume whaling.
The world is better for the support and actions of all those involved, to whatever extent, in eradication of the cruel and unsustainable practice of whaling.
I have no doubt that the sheer determination and support for a moratorium will result in a final end to whaling and the sooner the rogue nations realize they cannot win against the continued moral, political, and active pressure, the sooner the human race can hold it's head a little higher.
written by Jenny , April 06, 2012
Well done animal planet for bringing this to a broader audience.
The Sea Shepherds demonstrate that people can rise above their own selfish, self interest of profit and human centric thinking, to give hope that humanity can co-exist within the ecosystem without obliterating everything thoughtlessly or greedily.
The positive morality this demonstrates is laudable, and a great example of non-violent action in practice.
I'm also very happy to see some countries, namely Australia and to an extent Chile are prepared to defend the moratorium; and I say shame on any country who isn't actively trying to stop whaling in the rouge nations that actively whale or intend to resume whaling.
The world is better for the support and actions of all those involved, to whatever extent, in eradication of the cruel and unsustainable practice of whaling.
I have no doubt that the sheer determination and support for a moratorium will result in a final end to whaling and the sooner the rogue nations realize they cannot win against the continued moral, political, and active pressure, the sooner the human race can hold it's head a little higher.
written by Jenny , April 06, 2012
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written by B , May 13, 2011