Frontlines Update: July 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tools for Ocean Defenders

More Ways to Take Action

Protecting the ocean doesn't stop with the crews at sea. It also depends on people who contact decision-makers, engage businesses, share information, and help turn public concern into meaningful action.

We're expanding the ways supporters can get involved through online action toolkits. Our Faroe Islands Action Toolkit continues to provide resources to oppose the grind, while our new Antarctic Krill Toolkit offers an early look at a growing effort to reduce demand for products made with Antarctic krill.

This is just the beginning. We'll continue adding new resources, actions, and updates as these campaigns evolve, giving supporters practical ways to make an impact from wherever they are.

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

The Sea Shepherd Store is another way to support direct-action marine conservation. Every purchase helps fund campaigns to protect marine wildlife and defend the world's oceans.

From apparel and hats to drinkware, accessories, and mission-inspired gear, every order helps support the ships, crews, and campaign operations that make our work possible. Whether you're replacing an old favorite or picking up something new, you are helping keep the mission moving forward.