WHO WE ARE AND OUR MISSIONSea Shepherd began its journey to become the most effective direct action marine conservation organisation with just one vessel. Our first ship was a British-registered fishing trawler and was aptly named Sea Shepherd. Her major action was ramming and damaging the outlaw pirate whaler the Sierra and the campaign to find and disable the Sierra was Sea Shepherd's first direct action.
While Sea Shepherd started in Canada, today we have operations all over the world. Sea Shepherd is a global movement made up of people, just like you, who care and believe that that we can make a difference. Sea Shepherd runs on the efforts of volunteers and the donations we receive from our supporters around the world.
Sea Shepherd’s current Mission Statement is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world’s oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species.
Sea Shepherd uses innovative direct-action tactics to investigate, document and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas. By safeguarding the biodiversity of our delicately balanced oceanic ecosystems and working to ensure their survival for future generations.
From the gentle giants of the sea to its smallest creatures, Sea Shepherd’s mission is to protect all marine wildlife species living in our oceans. Our campaigns have defended whales, dolphins, seals, sharks, penguins, turtles, fish, krill and aquatic birds from poaching, unsustainable fishing, habitat destruction, and exploitive captivity.