A Win for Dolphins!

Court of International Trade bans import of fish from certain
New Zealand fisheries to protect the Māui dolphin

Dear John,

On November 29th, 2022, in a lawsuit brought jointly by Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and Sea Shepherd New Zealand, the United States Court of International Trade ordered a ban of imports of nine fish species caught off the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island. The ban specifically applies to set-net and trawl fisheries operating in Māui dolphin habitat. 

The Māui dolphin is found only in New Zealand waters and most recent estimates suggest between only 48 and 64 individual dolphins over the age of one year remain. Sea Shepherd brought its lawsuit against the United States Department of Commerce under the Marine Mammal Protection Act because set-net and trawl fisheries that overlap with Māui dolphin habitat result in injury and death to dolphins. The preliminary import ban will remain in place until the United States makes a valid finding that New Zealand’s regulatory program for the fisheries is comparable in effectiveness to the U.S. regulatory program or until the court case is fully resolved. Thank you to you, our supporters, for helping make this victory for the Māui dolphin a reality. 

Seahorse Through Panama Canal

Our newest ship, the Seahorse, has left drydock in Louisiana and is heading to Operation Milagro to help protect the Vaquita Porpoise. After getting multiple updates and new gear installed, the Seahorse will be a major game-change for our 9th year of protecting the Vaquita in partnership with the Mexican Navy. The ship’s ballast capacity will allow our crew to stay in the ZTA through inclement weather, and its 4-story height greatly will allow us to combat illegal fishing activity much more effectively. Check out this quick fun video of the Seahorse crossing the Panama Canal en route to Operation Milagro HERE.

Matching Gift Challenge

Endangered species the world over desperately need champions. To lead the charge on behalf of marine wildlife, our Board of Directors has established a Matching Gift Challenge. All donations up to $500,000 made by midnight on December 31st will be doubled by this generous pledge. Donate today to help keep our ships and crews on the front lines, going where others won’t, to protect the world’s most vulnerable ecosystems and species.

To our Direct Action Crew members and to those that have already donated to this challenge, we thank you for your continued dedication to protecting the world’s oceans and all of their inhabitants.

As we prepare for the holiday season, we at Sea Shepherd Conservation Society would like to thank you for your continuous support of our mission to help save precious marine wildlife. We hope you enjoy our Holiday Gift Guide and we wish you Happy Holidays!

Shop to support the oceans today at bit.ly/sscs2022holidaygiftguide

For the Oceans,

The Captains, Crews, and Staff
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society