Monthly Field Report
From the Gulf of California to the Faroe Islands, our crews spent June doing what they do best: protecting critically endangered wildlife, standing with conservation authorities, documenting the threats facing marine life, and building new ways for supporters everywhere to join the mission. Here is what happened.
Fleet & Onshore
Protecting the Vaquita
Sea Shepherd's permanent presence in the Upper Gulf of California held steady through June, with our crew working alongside the Mexican Navy to protect the world's last remaining vaquitas.
The mission reaches beyond patrols. This month the crew also supported the survey training that keeps data flowing on the vaquita, the monitoring work that tells us how many remain in these waters. Every net cleared from the seabed makes the refuge safer for the countless species that share it.
Vaquita Defense · Upper Gulf of California
Scorpion Reef
On Mexico's remote Scorpion Reef, the Sharkwater and Roger Payne continued joint patrols with Mexican authorities, helping safeguard one of the Gulf of Mexico's most important marine ecosystems.
These waters are breeding grounds for fish and nesting habitat for sea turtles. A steady presence on the water deters illegal fishing and supports the reef's long-term protection.
Scorpion Reef · 2026
Bringing the Mission Ashore
Sea Shepherd's work does not stop at the water's edge.
For World Oceans Day, 15 Sea Shepherd chapters ran coordinated beach and waterway cleanups across North America, removing thousands of kilos of trash while strengthening local communities and welcoming new supporters into the movement. More chapter-led cleanups are already planned for the second half of 2026.
World Oceans Day Cleanup · June 2026
Campaign Spotlight
The Faroe Islands
Last month we reported that two Sea Shepherd volunteers were arrested while documenting three grind hunts that killed 706 Atlantic white-sided dolphins. We are glad to share that both volunteers have since been released.
Our crews remain in the Faroe Islands, documenting every grind and gathering evidence from the front lines. Each hunt recorded becomes a permanent account of events that would otherwise go unseen beyond the islands.
The international attention around the arrests only sharpened the need to give supporters a real way to help. In response, we launched the Grind Action Toolkit, making it simple to contact decision makers, educate your community, and join the growing movement to #StopTheGrind.
Documenting The Grind · Faroe Islands
Tools for Ocean Defenders
New Ways to Help
June also brought the launch of the Krill Free Toolkit, another step in turning concern into action.
For years, Sea Shepherd has documented industrial krill fishing in the Antarctic waters where whales feed. Now supporters can push retailers and companies to pull krill products from their shelves, and can recognize the businesses choosing whale-friendly alternatives.
Support the Mission
Leave a Legacy
For nearly 50 years, Sea Shepherd has defended marine wildlife and protected the oceans, and our Shepherds Forever Society members help ensure this work continues for generations to come. Through our free FreeWill resource, creating or updating your will takes about 20 minutes, and your legacy can become a lasting promise to the oceans and the life they sustain.
Wear the Mission
Every purchase from the Sea Shepherd Store helps fund campaigns around the world. This month we are highlighting apparel inspired by our Faroe Islands campaign and the volunteers working to expose the grind.
Wear the Mission · Sea Shepherd Store
