SEA SHEPHERD

Sea Shepherd was founded in 1977 by Captain Paul Watson in Vancouver, Canada, with the mission to protect and conserve all marine wildlife. Incorporated in Oregon in 1981 as the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, today the movement has independent entities in over 20 countries working together on direct-action campaigns around the world. Navigate our timeline on here.
Our Mission
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is the world’s most passionate and powerful protector of ocean life. We are on a mission to defend, conserve and protect the seas and marine wildlife like no organization can.

From its earliest years, Sea Shepherd has embraced the mandate of the United Nations World Charter for Nature to uphold international conservation laws. With the largest private navy on the planet, we collaborate with governments who share our ships and use their authority to intervene and enforce the law.

To save marine wildlife and ecosystems, we take more than a stand. We take action.

Our Approach
“The oceans are the last free place on the planet” – Paul Watson
paul imageWe are risk-takers. For over 40 years, we have grown from a small organization to a global movement of thousands of passionate volunteers from dozens of nations. What has never changed is our attitude.

We put ourselves on the front lines to expose the truth, save marine wildlife, conduct vital research and stop illegal activity through collaborative campaigns with communities and governments through lawful means and in accordance to international charters and declarations.

Our commitment has led us to protect marine wildlife—including endangered or threatened species—and their delicate habitats. We have cut illegal nets, cleaned vital ecosystems, shutdown illegal operations in contentious waters, and even delivered humanitarian supplies. We never stop because the survival of our ocean is a constant challenge. It is an enduring commitment and a long-term solution.

Life began in the ocean. We must Defend, Conserve and Protect it. Now and always.