June 29, 2023

We are delighted to announce the establishment of the Captain Paul Watson Foundation UK

“Because of a hostile takeover of the organization and movement I created, I am not allowed to represent Sea Shepherd or use the logos that I created and designed.

The renaming of Sea Shepherd UK allows us to continue the work we have been doing for over 42 years in the UK without being charged with trademark violations by those who now control the Sea Shepherd name,” said Captain Paul Watson.

The leadership of Sea Shepherd UK, now will be known as the ‘Captain Paul Watson Foundation UK’ remains unchanged, with the same loyal and committed directors, staff, coordinators, and volunteers.

“Rob Read will continue to lead the conservation campaigns and coalitions in the UK, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands just as he has done so brilliantly and efficiently for so many years,” said Captain Watson.

This exciting new chapter in our history maintains our independence in the UK to deliver our vital campaigns, while aligning us with the Captain Paul Watson Foundation USA, it’s growing chapters around the world, and enabling us to work with any like-minded NGOs including independent Sea Shepherd entities in France, Brazil, Hungary and elsewhere.

Our main campaign focus will be to achieve our founder’s original vision of ending all whale, dolphin and seal hunts, but we will defend any at-risk marine wildlife in UK waters and out into the North Sea, Scandinavia, North Atlantic – and one day in the Arctic if necessary.

We have crew already back in Iceland for the 3rd year opposing cruel commercial fin whaling, this time with Operation Paiakan. Our crew are also in the Faroe Islands on our 8th campaign year working to end the barbaric grindadrap hunts of pilot whales and dolphins.

Our established Ghostnet Campaign will benefit now being part of our new larger Dive Project bringing exciting collaborations and more divers onboard. 

Our Marine Debris Beach Cleans will continue to be managed by our army of dedicated volunteers – all of whom are passionate about restoring the ocean and our coastline for all wildlife. New campaigns for seabirds and sharks will be developed and we continue to be ready to react to any shooting or harassment of seals.

Our campaigns will continue to be solely for the benefit of marine animals who are our clients. Our investigations followed by action, whether that be physical or legal intervention.

We will never be subject to restrictive agreements with governments, our media and opinions never censored, and our crew will go where they are needed even if they are unwelcome.

“Our UK based charity will further develop our fleet of two boats (Spectre and Selkie) and 3 RIBs (Shadow, Ghost and Siren) with a longer-range patrol boat so we can be active year-round with your continued support!” said CPWF UK leader Rob Read.

Global CEO of the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, Omar Todd adds, “After months of planning, we are delighted to now be expanding Captain Paul Watson’s specific style and principles into the United Kingdom and look forward to working with the now new Captain Paul Watson Foundation UK charity with their already established resources long into the future. Direct Action is what the world needs and will continue to get in the United Kingdom.”

Captain Paul Watson first founded Sea Shepherd UK in December 1980 where he initiated seal defence campaigns in the Orkney islands, the Farne Islands and in the Irish Sea.

In 1983 Sea Shepherd UK initiated the first opposition to the brutally inhumane slaughter of pilot whales and dolphins in the Faroe Islands – and we continue this legacy of defending seals in Scotland, working to protect dolphins in the Faroe Islands, and now also campaigning against commercial fin whaling in Iceland.-

If you are in the UK and would like to donate to our campaigns, help fund our fleet, or join our crew – please contact us at [email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/CaptainPaulWatsonFoundationUK