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Updates from the Front Lines

For over four decades, Sea Shepherd has fought to protect every living being in our oceans, from the smallest fish to the largest mammal. While we have made great strides defending our oceans, there is still so much more work to be done.

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Sea Shepherd Matching Gift Challenge!

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There are still a few days left to participate in our Matching Gift Challenge! <[link removed]> Thanks to the generous donation by a group of long-time supporters, every donation made until July 31st will be matched up to $ 150,000! These donations will help us continue our fight for the oceans by fueling our ships, feeding our crews, and providing necessary supplies for our campaigns around the world.

If you haven’t contributed, there is still time!

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Operation Jairo

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Our crew is in Nicaragua protecting one of the most endangered species in the world, the Hawksbill Sea Turtle. Since May 11th, a group of volunteers has patrolled the beaches each night, looking for nesting mothers. We have successfully recovered 413 sea turtle eggs, which are safely incubating in the hatchery, awaiting their birthdate.
This season we have noticed a significant decline in the number of nesting sea turtles. Padre Ramos is one of the largest nesting areas in the world for the Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Turtle. From May-August, dozens of Hawksbill mothers return to their original nesting location to lay their eggs, a tradition passed from generation to generation. Unfortunately, our crew has only spotted six sea turtles this season, a tragically low number.
Hawksbill Sea Turtles were poached for their beautiful shells to the point of endangerment in the 1900’s. Today they face many obstacles: climate change, pollution, coastal development, fishing lines, and poaching. Our mission is to protect every sea turtle we encounter to prevent this incredible species from extinction. With an estimated seven hundred nesting females remaining, every nest saved is critical.

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Operation Virus Hunter

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The crew aboard the R/V Martin Sheen are working alongside scientists and the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation on Operation Virus Hunter. <[link removed]> They continue to investigate and eradicate open-net salmon farms in the waters of British Columbia. These farms were introduced into the waters near Tofino, B.C. several decades ago. Since then, local wild Chinook salmon populations have rapidly declined due to sea lice infestations as well as Piscine Orthoreovirus (PRV) - a virus known to cause inflammatory disease in Atlantic salmon. This population decline has caused a ripple effect, threatening the surrounding ecosystems and communities that rely on this keystone species.
Southern resident orcas depend primarily on Chinook salmon for food and researchers believe dwindling stocks of the fish are a key factor behind the decline of this endangered population. In 1995, the population had reached a peak size of 98 individuals. As a result of the decline in chinook salmon, the population has now dropped to only 76 individuals, with less than 30 effective breeding members. Of the six babies that were born in December 2014 through 2016, three died. Not a single baby born in 2017 survived. Scientists predict that this population will go extinct if we do not take immediate action.
As salmon farms continue to leech parasites, pathogens, and pesticides, neither prey, nor predator stands a chance at survival. The easiest solution to restoring wild salmon populations and the species that depend on them for survival is to simply get fish farms out of our oceans. Sea Shepherd is dedicated to assisting First Nation members, scientists, and local community groups in gathering scientific evidence that proves the fish farm's harmful consequences on this extraordinary ecosystem.

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Sea of Shadows

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We are excited to announce that Sea of Shadows <[link removed]> is officially out in select theaters nationwide! The award-winning documentary was purchased by National Geographic following an astounding response from viewers at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. This film, directed by Richard Ladkani and produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, follows Sea Shepherd’s patrol vessels, investigative journalists, scientists, and military operatives on their quest to save the critically endangered vaquita porpoise in the Sea of Cortez.
“Sea of Shadows” reminds us just how fragile our ocean’s ecosystems are and the measures we must take in order to protect it. Sea Shepherd ships will return to the Sea of Cortez in September to further our efforts in saving the vaquita from extinction. With your help, we can ensure this important ecosystem thrives for generations to come.
Follow this link to find a theater near you: [link removed] <[link removed]>

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Shop Our eStore!

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It’s Shark Week! Sea Shepherd has been protecting sharks for over 40 years. In honor of these amazing predators, our E-store is having a special promotion on the “Extinction is Forever” women’s tank top, designed by artist Alyssa Marie. Use the code “sharkweek” to save 15% on this limited edition tank top and help us continue our fight! The promo code is good from 7/29-7/31, while supplies last.
Purchase yours today: bit.ly/2KRGnKo <[link removed]>

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We will continue to do whatever it takes to defend our oceans, and we are counting on you to stand with us.

For the oceans,
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Captain Paul Watson
Founder and Director
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society







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