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Updates from the Front Lines
Dear Friends,
The stakes have never been higher. As tensions rise in the Gulf of California, the survival of the vaquita and the well-being of all marine life is at risk. We do not have a moment to lose.
Be An Ocean Warrior
Protecting the oceans requires Sea Shepherd to maintain a steady presence in the waters threatened by illegal fishing activity. If we leave, the poachers win - and the vaquita disappear forever. It is not too late to save this species, but we need your help. Your monthly gift allows us the resources needed to keep our ships at sea, protecting marine wildlife, on a continuous basis.
Join today by visiting: bit.ly/2wdInGV
Operation Milagro
Shots were fired at Sea Shepherd’s M/V Sharpie early this month inside the critical zone of the Vaquita Refuge. This is the same area in which several live vaquitas were sighted last fall and where a dead vaquita entangled in a gillnet was discovered last March.
Poachers opened fire on the ship in an attempt to scare us off, but Sea Shepherd is not intimidated by criminals and will not back down. Our presence in these waters over the past six years has prevented the extinction of the vaquita, and we are not going anywhere.
Read the full story here: bit.ly/32wwTKH
Illegal gillnets are the primary threat to the survival of the vaquita, but these critically endangered porpoises are not the only species to fall victim to these deadly traps. Last weekend, Sea Shepherd crews rescued a humpback whale badly entangled in an illegal totoaba gillnet: bit.ly/2uC1oSO
We are happy we were able to save this whale, but this entanglement illustrates the enormity of the problem - and why Sea Shepherd must maintain a steady presence in the Upper Gulf of California to save the vaquita and protect all species placed at risk by illegal fishing.
Operation Treasured Islands - Revillagigedo
The M/V White Holly has embarked upon Operation Treasured Islands - Reviillagigedo, a scientific campaign aimed at studying and protecting the animals and ecosystems of the largest Marine Protected Area in North America - Mexico’s Revillagigedo Archipelago.
Marine Protected Areas provide a safe haven for marine life, allowing populations to thrive and flourish, enhancing the health of the oceans at large. This leg of the campaign is focused on the study of humpback whales and other cetaceans, and the monitoring of plankton, fish, and pelagic species within the protected waters of the marine park. Sea Shepherd will remain vigilant, monitoring the area for any signs of illegal fishing activity.
Learn more here: bit.ly/2PMqbev
New Sea Shepherd Website!
Sea Shepherd has launched a completely redesigned website! Optomized for a better user experience, this new site is sure to keep you updated on all the latest in Sea Shepherd news and events! Visit seashepherd.org today to take a look.
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