Sea Shepherd’s sole mission is to protect and conserve the world’s oceans and marine wildlife. We work to defend all marine wildlife, from whales and dolphins, to sharks and rays, to fish and krill, without exception.
Serving as the only fleet in the world whose sole purpose is to protect all marine wildlife, we are committed to the protection and enforcement of conservation law.
Our model of engagement provides unique, at sea resources to assist, serve and support developing coastal and island governments in the protection of their sovereign waters against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Sea Shepherd’s primary goal is to greatly enhance a government’s own capacity to patrol, monitor, and enforce their own laws.
Working under direct supervision and in complete partnership with host governments, Sea Shepherd provides fully-equipped vessels, professional crews, fuel, and other tools that enhance their ability to detect and deter IUU fishing.
Over the past five years, we assisted law enforcers from our partner governments as they arrested dozens of vessels resulting in numerous successful prosecutions. These efforts increased monetary recoveries for our partners, reduced subsequent maritime crimes, and helped restore fish populations.
During March 2021, five trawlers were arrested for illegal fishing as Sea Shepherd engaged in a new partnership with the government of Sierra Leone. During joint operations led by the government of Peru, specialized prosecutors on board the Sea Shepherd vessel Ocean Warrior encountered and apprehended multiple vessels fishing illegally in Peruvian waters. Gabon’s Minister of Fisheries participated in investigations led by Gabonese law enforcement on the Sea Shepherd vessel Bob Barker, and our Chairman Pritam Singh signed an agreement with the Government of Mexico to renew efforts to protect the critically endangered vaquita porpoise against the threats of illegal fishing. Liberian President Dr. George Manneh Weah awarded Sea Shepherd the highest military award given by the Ministry of National Defense and the Armed Forces of Liberia.
Around the world, Sea Shepherd is building new partnerships with national governments to stop illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in their sovereign waters and protect marine wildlife.
