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Hello guys,
Good to know that Greenpeace defends the whales and all of the Ocean's creatures. Wish we finally are able to stop all whaling activities in the near future!

Haven't any billionire donated an airplane to you, making it easier for you to find the whaling fleet?

Anyway, wish you good luck to find the fleet.

Personally, I try to do my little part of work. I wrote a letter to the editor for Sweden's major newspaper,regarding Japanese whaling in the SOS. If it's published I'll let you know!

Once again good luck to you all, and thanks Greenpeace for a wonderful and informing new website!

Ann

Hi again,
Just curious, but what happens to the sewage on the Esperanza? Are there any kind of cleaning system onboard?

Hullo
Any one on board?
I need to talk to someone about
blue whales...
Jaci

Hi there!
I really admire what you are all doing to protect our oceans. I hope you achieve everything you set out to do these next fourteen months!

I would love to be on the Esperanza with you all, but I am only fourteen so...

I was wondering if there are any oceanographers or marine biologist on board? Anyone that studies the oceans... If there are can you tell me more about your job?

Hey Ocean Defenders,

The Vancouver Greenpeace office, birthplace of this important organization, sends you well-wishes for the voyage ahead. Do all that you can to stop the death of whales, the pollution of our seas, the ravaging of sea mounts, and the desecration of marine ecosystems.

We send you lots of strength and courage for the fight ahead. You're doing incredible work!

Richard for the Greenpeace staff in the Vancouver, Canada office.

I just wanted to say good luck and fair winds to everyone! Thanks for being so awesome.
Much Love (especially to the electrician on board)

Hello again,
Just some words of encouragement for Greenpeace. The whales , the SOS and the Greenpeace campaign is featured in a full page article in a Swedish major newspaper today. It's the most important news item on the foreign news sides today!!!

Where are you docked in Cape Town? Would love to come and see the ship. If you have time out tonight, go to Zula on 194 Long Street.

Hi everyone on the Espy,

I wish you the greatest luck and endurance in finding the whaling fleet...

"From space, the planet is blue,
from space, the planet is the territory
not of the humans, but of the whale."
(Heathcote Williams, 1988, Whale Nation)

When Dr. Sylvia Earle (National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence) came to Singapore this year, I was amazed by her unbroken enthusiasm about the ocean and about her work to establish the US Marine Sanctuaries. The importance of creating and protecting marine reserves became more appearent than ever.
As a PADI scuba instructor, I am striving to help people to get to know the oceans better by getting up and close with Marine Life of diverse forms, trying to educate and inform the public about the importance to preserve.

You are truly making a difference every day and I wish one day, I can join your team to be a most active ocean defender.

ALL THE BEST WISHES FOR YOUR JOURNEY !!!
Sabine from Singapore

I just read the CNN article about this latest Greenpeace mission, getting under way today, and I cannot tell you enough how proud I am of you. You are fighting for one of the noblest causes in all the world. God bless and keep you; and God bless and save our cousins the whales.

Cheers,
Caniscandida, NYC

I wish you a very Good Luck for everything!
:-)

Good luck guys, we'll be thinking of you!

Hey! Congrats on the amazing voyage you are all on! You are doing some amazing things Greenpeace!As per usual..Go get them..

Could you guys provide HTML for video/photos/banners on the website for Ocean Defenders to post on blogs and networking sites?

Lets spread the word!

PEACE
J

From Andrew, on board the Esperanza: Hi all, sorry for not responding more quickly, but it has been pretty mad here on the Esperanza with all of the departure preparations. Now that we're out to sea things have calmed down for the moment (work wise, not weather wise unfortunately). Anyway, I'm taking the time to catch up on replies. I'll answer the previous comments in the order received.

Ann -
Thanks for the well whishes Ann. Good to see such a long time cyberactivist as yourself taking an interest in our project. Any suggestions, just send them along. Good luck with the letter to the editor. That gives me an idea - maybe I should post some advice for people who want to write their local media. I think I'll put that on my to do list. Glad to here that the paper ran a big story on the issue. Very cool.

As to your other questions:

Airplanes - We do have the helicopter on board. It will no doubt prove instrumental in searching out the whalers. Tuna fishing boats sometimes use ship based helicopters to look for schools of tuna, and I figure a giant factory ship has got to be easier to spot than some tuna fish.

Sewage - Maybe I should do a web feature on this since there seems to be some curiosity about the subject. The short answer from the chief engineer is that we meet US Coast Guard standards for a vessel of our size to discharge in port. So pretty clean I think.

Jaci -
At dinner today I asked Hana asked her what was the thing she is most looking forward to on our trip, and she said "to see whales, especially a blue whale". Of course it is pretty unlikely we will see one since there are so few left. Some websites with information about blue whales...

http://nmml.afsc.noaa.gov/education/cetaceans/blue1.htm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/wildfacts/factfiles/55.shtml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Whale

Kieron -
Thanks. We are doing some basic research during this trip, but we are not a dedicated research vessel. On this trip our job is more activism - defending the whales.

Sometimes Greenpeace lets scientists use our ships as research vessels though. Earlier this year I was on board the Arctic Sunrise, and at that time we were helping glaciologists research the effects of global warming on the Greenland ice sheet. And another time we had whale researchers on board. They spent almost all of their time staring out at sea looking for whales. When they spotted one they would record as much information about it as they could - including how it reacted to our ship being in the area. Some whales avoid ships, and others come over for a closer look.

Ryan -
Thanks for the invite, sorry we missed you. Most of us had a pretty quiet Saturday night since we knew we'd be putting to sea the next day. The Esperanza will return to Cape Town in a few months though, to work on oceans issues in Africa. Who knows? Maybe see you then.

Sabine -
Great to hear from a dive instructor. I'm a beginning diver myself (PADI open water certified), and hope to get more into it. I think one of the challenges we face is that most people think about the ocean in terms of its surface because that's all they ever see. But of course divers know better!

I'm sure you already know that PADI supports Project Aware. Here's an excerpt of their report on the most recent International Whaling Commission Meeting:

This year's meeting was notable because it highlighted the continuing schism between countries supporting a return to healthy whale populations (and therefore preserving the commercial whaling moratorium) and those that wish to return to commercial whaling. But the balance is slowly tipping in the favor of commercial whaling as, for the first time since the ban was enacted, the pro-whaling contingent holds a near majority.

One example is Japan's introduction of a new scientific whaling program that would more than double its annual catch of mike whales as well as adds humpback and fin whales to their catch list. This plan includes whaling in the Southern Ocean Sanctuary. In response, 63 scientists from 16 of the 30 national delegations signed a statement contesting the validity of Japan's proposal. Furthermore, an Australian resolution requesting that Japan either withdraw or switch to nonlethal methods passed 30 to 27.

What would be great is if you told your students about becoming an Ocean Defender - so that they know they cannot only look, they can also act. Together we can ensure healthy oceans for the future.

Caniscandida -
Hey we were on CNN already? Sweet. Thanks for the news.

JB -
Definitely a good idea, we'll get something for you to use soon. Thanks for thinking of it.

I was at the waterfront on Sunday and I saw you guys sail out. It gave me shivers and I wished I could go along. Anyhow I'm supporting you all the way - give 'em hell!

Hi guys,
Great to know so many of you on-board. Take care down there and get some great images to show the world whats going on. Sorry I cant be with you this time but I'll be joining the ship with a few special toys for much of the rest of the year so hopefully see some of you then ;-)
Good luck, we're all with you from afar.
gavin

Hey you guys,
I'm so excited for you all - wow what a journey this will be! We'll with you from our laptops and sending you good whale lovin vibes! Keep up the good work and I hope you get weather all the way. It should be an interesting three months!
-elaine

Attention John (big nose, big forehead and big aunty oli chin)We at Daventry Countryside Services extend our kind regards and solidarity to your expedition. We will be living every moment with you and the rest of the crew via our Ocean defenders web link. Most days are spent practicing blocking actions out on our massive uncharted country park reservoir. We the Rangers are rehearsing our boat drills mercilessly, shooting each other with super soakers filled with icy reservoir water, 7.5 hours per day. Suffice to say "nuff respec in da area home boy." The next question is : "How about some web log action from you!"
Peas and a nice cup of tea held at a compensationary angle to you and the crew.

Dewi Matt and Tony

Elaine - Yep, right about now I'd say "interesting" is a good word for it. On trips like these, there's a point where everyone on shore is going, "Oh, wow, it sounds so interesting, I wish I could be there", while everyone on the ship is thinking, "Ohhhh nooooo, its got far too interesting here, I wish I was back on land". :) Well, not really, but you can't help thinking these things sometimes.

Orcas off the New Zealand coast today - check out the photos here ... Maybe we should start a whale (and large dolphins?) sighting thread?

Sure, if people want it why not? Anyone who has whale sighting photos can also post them to the whales Flickr group - and you might also want to check out the nowhaling Flickr group.

Will be watching, thinking about you and doing what I can from England. Thanks for what YOU are doing for ALL OF US.

God bless you all for all you do.
A ray of hope in a sad, mad world.
Bon voyage.

hey there!

just wanted to say it's a wonderful thing you're doing and i admire you all for it!
i wish you lots of luck and a safe and productive journey!

and if you go through israel, let me know so i could go and greet you all in person :P

'allo 'allo,
Kate, send me your email address and we can exchange stories!!
Bob "Moby Dick" Downer

Hi Andrew,

Thanks for your info on Project Aware !
I certainly tell all my students to sign up as an ocean defender.
One question: I am also active on several online discussion boards and would like to share with everyone your great endevours. Am I allowed to share your weblog in my blog?

E.g. see 'http://www.care2.com/c2c/share/detail/13757'

(Care2 has over 5 Mio members - we should be able to motivate some of them...;-)))

Thanks for letting me know.

Cheers,
Sabine

Absolutely. Please feel free to:

Link to our weblog...
http://weblog.greenpeace.org/oceandefenders

Link to the Defending Our Oceans website...
http://oceans.greenpeace.org/

Link directly to the Ocean Defenders signup form...
http://oceans.greenpeace.org/en/ocean-defenders

Link directly to the Tell Your Government to Defend the Sanctuary cyberaction...

(More ways to take action coming soon, and feel free to link directly to them!)

You can even syndicate our weblog on your site using our RSS feed (as a sidebar or whatever). Here are two sites with tips on displaying RSS on webpages...
http://www.rss-specifications.com/displaying-rss-feeds.htm
http://jade.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/feed/index.php?s=build

No permission is needed to do any or all of the above. Just go for it! And thanks for helping spread the word.

It is a thrill to me to be able to vicariously go on this voyage with you through the BLOGS you write. On board the Arctic Sunrise is a RIB, the Billy Greene, which was donated to Greenpeace in memory of my son. Therefore I feel especially privileged to hear about her journey. You are all very brave and your dedication is inspiring. I wish you "godspeed"; be safe, and I hope your mission is successful.But of course it remains a very wonderful Greenpeace action no matter what. Best to you all, Robin
PS Thanks to your captain, Frank Kamd, for the note and photos he sent me of the Arctic Sunrise with the Billy Greene on her.

Good to hear from you, and thanks for the kind words.

We have been doing a lot of training over the past week so that drivers and crew can familiarize themselves with our main action tool - the boats. And the Billy Greene is a great one to work with.

A good boat makes all the difference down here. It gives us a better margin of safety, and let's us push it just that much more. So thanks for both the chance to do more, and the ability to do it more safely.

I am waiting patiently for an images gallery, is there going to be one?

Hey guy's can Andrew maybe put a link on the web page for a Christmas Card 'Defending the Oceans'
simillar to the one on global warming, then we can gain more support by sending this card out to friends.

Thanks for the idea Eric. You can never go wrong with holiday themed ecards. Someone was talking about making one. I'll check up on it, and let you know what is happening.

Hey guys,
Awesome work and I wish you every success. I am stoked to be part of it all , talking to everyday people everyday i Christchurch NZ as a GP Fronty there is so much support for you here.
Big howdy to Nolan Loveridge if he is still your 2nd engineer
Keep on keeping on crew--Respect!!

Mitä????
Nyt uimaan!!
Turkkilakki!!

Happy christmas from Thailand to JARI!! and for everybody else as well...Keep on good work!!!

timo

GO GREENPEACE!!! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK! YOU GUYS ARE SO BRAVE! we are getting great media coverage of what you are doing. Everyone is appalled & even Ian Campbell was sounding supportive on AM this morning.

All I can say is, it brings me to tears.

I am soo sad with what is happening. But I am so glad to support Greenpeace and you guys!!
What you are doing is just awesome. I just wish I could be there to help!
I have been watching news on TV and in the newspaper here. I am really proud of you people that are out there, and DOING it!
GO GREENPEACE!! Keep it up, no matter what!!
It is totally disgusting what still goes on, and someone has to try and "fix" it!!
Thank you sooo much for contributing your time and risking your lives.
We have just had a whale stranding in NZ of over 100 whales. It was awesome to see 300 + people help save them. Some died, (as you may be aware) but about 100 have been saved. They are now back at sea.

Look at we have done in NZ!! Just wonderful!!

I can't get my head around these people who want to kill these beautiful creatures, unnecessarily.

I also want to thank you for your daily postings on site. They are very interesting and informative.

All the best to everyone at Greenpeace (also readers!) for Christmas and New Year.

Thankyou so much for what you are doing!!
Angela.

Dear Nathan and All

Thank you so much for doing what you do. You're very special people. I get a lump in my throat every time I read about your brave efforts, and wish that I could do more. I can only offer you my support, and will continue to write and sign petitions and make donations whenever I can. I think my contributions can never be enough, but tell myself that every little helps!!

Thinking of you at Christmas out there on the coldest of ocean waves.
Julia
Southampton UK

Hi to you all,

What you are doing is so important and I wish you all good luck. Lots of small actions by many people can change the way we see the world and increase respect for our planet. I have supported Greenpeace in my own small way for a long time and wish you a safe, happy and peaceful New Year.

Best Wishes

Joyce

======

Andrew replies:

Absolutely Joyce. Although our first few days of peaceful action have gone very well, it is the collective power of voters and consumers all over the world that will make the most difference in the end. A happy New Year to you as well.

-- Andrew (on board the Esperanza)

emotional stuff.

i fully support your non-violent approach, but feel that there is possibly room for more direct action.

is there any way that military ship could get brought down to defend the sanctuary? this apporach seems to work with parks and national fishing waters.

====

Andrew replies:

Greenpeace is pushing for a network of marine sanctuaries all over the world, and that will be the main thrust of the Esperanza's work throughout 2006. We call it the Defending Our Oceans tour. You can follow it here on this weblog, and take part by becoming an Ocean Defender. We want to mobilize one million people by the tour's end to help us create these marine reserves.

I'm not sure what a military ship could do down here, since it is international waters. However, you raise a good point about the need for legally binding international marine agreements in general. For now, peaceful direct action, consumer pressure and international condemnation are our best tools. Out of those, I think consumer pressure will prove the most effective in the long term. For now, we're focusing on Gorton's in the US. If you live elsewhere, sign up as an Ocean Defender to get information and updates on how you can help.

Hi guys
Raechel here from the NZ office. You wouldnt be familiar with my name I am a newbie here! You guys have been witnessing some horrific things out there, my thoughts are with you as you try and stay focussed, with many emotions to deal with also. I am proud to be associated with such courageous, inspiring and brave people. What you are doing is amazing - and GP is the only organisation to have the intestinal fortitude, to do anything about it peacefully!

The NZ public have been ringing the office to say "you guys rock" - so the public are thinking of you also and sending you their best wishes.

Take care, keep up the fantastic work that you are doing.

Raechel

Have you thought about pulsing the whaler's ships radio signals to prevent communication between the spotters on the crows nest to the captain? If the spotters can't effectively let their captains know where the whales are, it should slow them down considerably. Or would interfering with their radio signals be a violation of an international maritime law of some kind?
And what about cutting their cables? Like when Mikey was on top of that dying whale before they blew him off with their water hoses - damaging their cables would surely slow them down too. It makes my blood boil to see this stuff going on - well done to all of you out there -
You are all doing an incredible job.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you...

Merry Christmas to you all, how do you celebrate it???

Gday, good on all of you for trying to stop the whalers. it's great to see good people out there and doing something about it, it's a boost after all the bad news and disgusting images of whales being shot with grenade tipped harpoons, heartening.
but what about some credit for and cooperation with the Farley Mowat,
quit the heavy PR work and do what's best for the whales.
good luck.

How about the Esperanza, it was a fire fighting vessel. Are the pumps etc. still on the ship? I think those would obscure the view for the harpoon aiming guy quite well in combination with a nozzle like in this picture: http://www.billmunsonboats.com/30fire_spray%20master.JPG.

This whole expedition sounds like David Bowie's song Heroes, which you guys are, and not just for one day.
Keep up the good work!

I remember watching footage of the whaling ships when I was at primary school and sitting in the hall crying, they were images I hoped I would never see again but when I clicked onto your site and those images were the same and my tears came flooding back. I am horrified that the mercilessness killing of these gentle giants continues. I wish you all the very best and hope you know how much support you have worldwide.
Best wishes to you all over Christmas and good luck for 2006...things can only get better!
All the best!!

Dear all onboard the Esperanza and the Arctic Sunrise,

you're doing exactly what I joined Greenepace for about 20 years ago:


Put words into action!



Merry Christmas!



Warm regards from Luxembourg,



Cary



P.S.: A special thought goes to the activists onboard the inflatables, putting their life at risk to save the whales.

To all of you on the Esperanza and Arctic Sunrise .... I wish you a blessed and safe Christmas. Thinking of you all. Michelle, Cape Town.

---
Andrew replies:

Wow, Cape Town. It seems like such a long time ago that we were there at the start of this trip. I think we'll pass through there later in the Defending Our Oceans tour. Hope we are allowed to have an open boat, and have you vist.

-- Andrew (onboard the Esperanza)

I live in hutchinson, ks and there was an article about a man I believe is on your ship being from Hutch. Just hoping all is going well, and you have amerry christmas!

Happy Xmas from Miami! Keep in touch!

-dave

Hey!

You guys rock!! If ever I can help out as your polar bear ambassador (I'm a veteran mascot actor), just give a holler! I'm based between NYC & Washington DC but work all over the world as a stuntman & bear impersonator- http://www.animatronicbear.com/commercials.html

Thanks!!
Matt

Kia ora everyone aboard Arctic Sunrise and Esperanza

Having attended 22 of the last 24 IWC meetings, and having sat through interminable hours of psuedo-science from our friends at the Cetacean Research Institute, I am full of admiration for your dedication and courage. You are taking the struggle to protect the whales of the Southern Ocean to an unprecedented level. May your days be filled with success and may you all return safely.

Kia kaha

Mike

THE WORLD IS LUCKY THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE LIKE YOU TRYING TO SAVE AND PRESERVE NATURE DESPITE ALL THE DIFFICULTIES
YOUR WEBSITE IS FINE BUT LOADING VERY SLOW - JUST A COMMENT
AGAIN, THANKS FOR DOING WHAT WE ALL SHOULD DO
HAPPY NEW YEAR WHEREVER YOU ARE
DIMITRIS FM ATHENS/GREECE

----

Andrew replies

Thanks for the feedback. I'll pass it on to our web techie types on shore. And thanks also for your support.

-- Andrew (onboard the Esperanza)

I know I'm entering this a bit late, but I want to wish you all the best of luck & happy holidays! I also want to say hi to Captain Frank, PoPaul, Barbara, Alain, & anyone else who was on the Arctic Sunrise for the Clean Energy Tour of the eastern coast of the US that is in this campaign. I'll never forget or regret my journey with you guys-you all are such wonderful people! I miss you guys (hell, you guys were my family for a week lol) & I'm proud of the noble work you are all undertaking! My prayers & thoughts are with you! Greenpeace, give those whaling bastards hell!

Hey, we got to stop these people, this is NOT right. The commitment and sacrifices by all may not be appeciated by the greater community on this earth, you guys are doing a the greatest job, you put into action what may of us can only put into words.

be safe

patrick m- johannesburg south africa

Hi Guys, 30th December, 2005
We have been sending emails to Japan all day, we are very proud of you all, keep up the great work and be safe, will send you tons of guardian angels to protect you all and the whales.

Mary-Ann Boardman
Wellington

andréas, je ne parle pas anglais mais je dirige une liste Française pour la connaissance des cétacés, que voici: http://fr.groups.yahoo.com/group/dolphinus/messages
je fait le maximun pour envoyer de l'information sur votre combat.
à tout l'équipage bravo pour votre courage. et heureuse année à vous. Andréas. 64000 PAU FRANCE

Hi guys,
Am sitting here eyes glued to my PC frantically analysing my Group IV WA humpback whale biopsy data (obtained in 2002-2003, humanely...PROPER scientific research!) and writing up my thesis as fast as possible. Am looking at unique subgroups, who is related to whom, and so on. And hoping to come up with a unique story that I hope we will be able to use as further ammunition in pressurising our government to do something against this abomination.
I've been checking for updates and weblogs from time to time and I can honestly say I have been through every single emotion possible while reading your entries...anger, sadness, tears, joy, relief, hope, pride but most of all endless admiration. What you guys are doing is fantastic and you are all our heroes here. I can't begin to imagine how hard it must be and although I would love to be there with you I don't think I could bear to witness the suffering inflicted on the whales, and wouldn't have the necessary self-control required... I would be likely to clamber aboard the Nisshin Maru and throttle someone!
It is really heart-warming to hear that what you are doing is having some effect. Believe me your efforts are really appreciated back home and our thoughts are with you.

I hope you have yourself some sort of a happy new year, keep safe and please keep up the good work and protect my babies!

Muriel:)

Thanks for all the great work and efforts! It is great to be a part of this and I hope for the best in the following pursuits.

Defense for the defenseless

We all appreciate the sacrifices and passions!

Happy New Year
Eric

g'day comrades,

just a very quick greeting from the weld valley in southern tasmania, have to be brief as i have to get back to finish building the 35m long pirate ship we are constructing on the forestry road. This road is supposed to access 2000ha of pristine wilderness, but we're not going to let it happen. See huon.org/weldvalley(for party invite)

I'm in a rush as our ships maiden voyage is on saturday. Also g'day to any crew who were with me in sunny Jansangpo, Ulsan, South Korea earlier in the year.

Come along to the party on saturday if your in the area!

for the planet and all it's creatures
ben

PS i am also defendant number 13 see gunns20.org

Well done to you all. We certainly need more people participating in this wonderful cause. Thank you so much.

Hi all
l support you, in your efforts to bring whaling to a stop. What these whalers are doing is barbaric, and insane. l am so glad that you are making a difference, and have the passion, commitment , and drive to do this. Well Done !
l wish all the world would sit up and takle notice, and realise, the worlds biggest assets ( nature) are not there to kill, and drive to extinction. My definition for humanity, has always been its compassion for animals, and all creatures, those which are totally reliant on us for their wellbeing, and survival. Compassion, is what defines us, as people.
Take Care of Yourselves, your safety is important.
Good Luck with your mission.

Hola a todos! Soy un periodista de Albacete (España) y estaría interesado en hablar con una paisana que se encuentra a bordo del Artic Sunrise, Maite Mompó. ¿Cómo lo hago?

HAPPY NEW YEAR and BEST WISHES for your actions to come. I give you an extra strenght(it can help)from the french Warehouse. Take care of yourselves. A special HELLO to ALAIN onboard the ESPERANZA from me(Le DRUIDE). PEACE. DRUIDE.

Dearest Friends,
I'm so in awe of what you're doing down there in the Southern Ocean. To read your words is heartbreaking, yet extraordinarily inspiring at the same time. I know you know the heartbreak and outrage firsthand, but please don't forget that you are encouraging and inspiring so many of us who aren't there.
We are with you in spirit. And so are the whales.
Remember they are working with you. Don't despair. There are some who will willingly make the sacrifice of giving up their lives in order to awaken humanity to their own insanity.
They love you, as you love them.
Let us also love and forgive those who cannot yet see their own madness. They too need our help. Send them love. Send the irresistible healing force of love, forgiveness and understanding - it is what they most need. When you are not too exhausted, send a beam of love from your heart, from the whales, to those ships that you shadow. Don't despair when they resume the hunt; it HAS made a difference. And all of us who are with you in spirit will be beaming that same love and peace to all of you there.
The Cetacean Nation is a fully sentient one. They know what they are doing. They so welcome your help. Don't despair.
Australian Peter Shenstone wrote 'The Legend of the Golden Dolphin' in which this declaration from the whales themselves comes:
"WE ARE NOMMO, WE COME IN PEACE TO SPEAK TRUTH AND DECLARE IMAGEWAR ON OGO - ANIMAL MAN".
Those Greenpeace pioneers on the Phyllis Cormack were the first to join the whales in an 'imagewar' on Ogo. That first footage of senseless slaughter was beamed around the world and changed everything. We've come a long way - yet it still goes on.
Which is why you are there. Don't despair. You may not be able to physically stop every slaughter, but do you realise that without you, that 'imagewar' could not be waged?
It is not about winning, but about bringing 'animal man' to his senses. This is something that your every action brings closer to being.
I wish you so much love - and sterkte.
Bless you all,
Love,
Alex

Hi guys, I have an idea for you to help save the whales in a new way. Animals are very intelligent and learn fast. I feed homeless cats and to let them know I am there I bang on a tin can. They soon learnt. Can you make a noise, sound, siren, sonar, a loud warning noise to scare the whales and dolphins off and warn them of danger? The sound must be consistent. I beleive this will start to work. Good luck. God Bless.

Hi - thank you for all you are doing - like so many I am in awe of your bravery and committment to the cause - take care of yourselves too - cheers

My thanks go out to every one of you on the Esperanza and Arctic Sunrise. Hopefully when I grow up whale hunting will already have come to an end. If not, you know where I hope to be-in a little inflatable between the harpoon and whale. Thank you so much for defending the oceans!

Hello Greenpeacers in the Southern Ocean

I'm really proud of the work you are doing and congratulate you on your strength and courage.

I'd also like to express my gratitude to all the land-based friends and families who are supporting the crew on board. Your anxiety, concern and interest are for a worthy cause!

Keep up the good work
Jacinda

Thankyou for all your very hard work in Antartica. My family and I have been following your progress since Christmas. We hope that you are all safe and well.
We talk about your work to all our friends and family,hoping to at least let more people know what a terrific job you are doing. Thank you again for persisting in doing a thankless job.

Thankyou for all your very hard work in Antartica. My family and I have been following your progress since Christmas. We hope that you are all safe and well.
We talk about your work to all our friends and family,hoping to at least let more people know what a terrific job you are doing. Thank you again for persisting in doing a thankless job.

YESSSS, I AM OUTRAGED!!!!
Japan should stop killing whales, scientific arguments for this are not legitimate! Greenpeace, why don't you trace all Japanese incoming whalehuntingships and follow with camera what happens with the contents of the boats??? If all cargo is sent to fishmarkets and so on, the reason for the hunt is obvious or not??? PLEASE continue this effort, Greenpeace and I am proud that the ship has a DUTCH flag. The Dutch can not always be proud of their colonial history, but this ship is doing something were RIGHTEOUS!!!!

It's fantastic to watch you guys on TV at the moment, sticking it to the Japanese whalers. I am rendered utterly speechless at the audacity with which the Japanese protest that their blatant commercial slaughter of whales is "research". I'm sure there is no need for me to harp on here about the merits or otherwise of Japanese whale research, but rest assured that given the opportunity I'd not for a split second think twice about dropping a very large bomb on the Institute of Cetacean Research. The Japanese must think the rest of the world is stupid beyond belief. Perhaps they're living by the adage that if you say something enough times people will believe it. Perhaps they've even convinced themselves.

So Esperanza and Arctic Sunrise - don't stop now! Your very presence in the Southern Ocean is bringing a vital awareness to this massively important issue.

And as the son of an Esperanza regular (Nolan) I'm pleased to see that you guys are still managing to do a reasonable job despite the old man's current absence from the ship...

Regards to all.

Good luck and safe sailing for the remainder of the campaign.

I have watched videos on both ICR and Greenpeace web sites and it is clear that your account of the collision is true.

A question though - what is the relationship between the Sea Shepard and Greenpeace's actions? Are they one and the same; just related or completely different?

Keith

Keith -

Thanks for your post. In answer to your question, our two organizations are separate. Although we are both working towards ending whaling in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary, we are doing so completely independently.

Is there an international agreement among the nations to share the products of the sea? Perhaps the world has looked at the angle of conservation all wrong. Some nations want to hunt whales , some don't. Those that hunt want to " maintain " a lifestyle. Those who want to save the whale , "exploit " it in the form of tourism.In this world of high tech ,why can't the whale population be divided into two groups. one half to be hunted the other for conservation. These two groups can be indentified genetically, and micro chipped. The whalers say that the whales are abundant. The rest of the world should not disagree so long as they are only allowed to hunt "their herd". Both sides , the whalers and the enviromentalist should be given two or three years to go to open waters to tag and microchip the whales. Once that is done, that whale becomes the property of that group, be it the killers, or the protectors. If a whaler kills a tagged whale belonging to the other party they have to be penalised. That way , the would be whale eater can kill as many as they like as long as it belongs to them. In years to come if they do not control their whale population. then they will drive their own herd to extinction. thereby they seal their own (whaling) fate.

I am not very eloquant. and hope I have eplained it in a way that you can understand.

To Beng Go posted 12 January. This is exactly the mentality of people who feel that is it ok to kill things in an absolutely excruitiatingly painful way with no regard for their natural right on this planet. I ask him how he thinks that several thousand species is an abundance of any creature living in an ocean larger than all the landmasses of this planet, when there are billions of human beings sucking its resources dry. Ask him how he would like to be shot several times with a device that exploided in his insides and to live through it for 30 minutes in pure agony and in absolute terror with no one to defend him. Its the cruelty, greed and ignorance that is the underlying factor here. No human has the right to hunt a species in such an inhumane way. We are supposed to be more intelligent than this. We are supposed to have more compassion as human beings, and we should learn a little more respect for the world around us.

My family and I have been following your progress in the Southern Oceans for some time now. We have been, like so many people (in Australia), appauled by the slaughter of these animals, and applaud the work that you are doing to prevent the killing. We were wondering if it was possible, after the killing of a whale and at the time that it was being hauled into the Japanese hunter ship, or even when it was being transferred to the factory ship, to shoot your own harpoon filled with a dye or contaminate of some sort into the dead creature, in order to spoil the meat for sale. This way the Japanese cannot use the whale meat and would be further frustrated. I realize that maybe there is the arguement that this could lead to more dead whales as the hunters try more desperately to fill quotas, but on the other hand if they are continually stymied in their efforts to gain "good meat" they may eventually get the message & go home!! One can only hope.

hey guys!
I just wanted to say thank you for your great work onboard, and that I really admire you.
someday I'll be onboard working with you in some ocean campaing. I hope!
happy new year!
and good luck!!

PD: por cierto, me gustaria contactar con maite. la tripulante mallorquina del artic sunrise.

Hi everybody,
I met some of you when the Rainbow Warrior came through Kiribati in July 2004 so hello to you, especially Phil and Andrew. I've been reading with interest what has been happening with the whalers in the Southern Ocean. Thank you for your commitment and your bravery and for drawing attention to what the whalers are up to. Kia Kaha
Jen

Congratulations for your courage! I would like to make a comment about an announcement made by Australian authorities. They said that whale massacre will end if Japanese people force politicians in Japan to act properly. I would say that will never happen! I am a foreigner living in Japan and every day I see people enjoying their raw meal, consisting several times of raw whale. They simply love it! It's in their nature and culture to eat raw fish, whale, horse etc. Last week I was watching a TV programm with a fisherman in Ohotsk Sea killing a seal with a gun and enjoying the poor animal's raw heart! In addition, Japanese people are very difficult to get influenced by foreign ideas. So, I believe that they don't want any changes in whale hunting. It's more possible that Japanese politicians could affect people's beliefs, in a period of some decades.
Keep up your excellent work!

Hi, I congratulate Greenpeace for their efforts and I am proud that you are willing to fight for such an important and beautiful animal.
I have always been passionate about our planet and protecting its flora and fauna. I find it very distressing how many people are just so completely ignorent about how people effect the world. I've talked on chat rooms about the whaling business and often people will say things like "why would you care about a whale?" and "Who cares, we don't need whales! I also had a shocking argument with an aunt when she announced that disposable nappies and plastic bags were a god send and when I said "well what about the environment" she just said "who cares about the environment, and anyway the scientists are the ones supposed to sort all that out!"
At home I grew up watching animal documentaries and reading wildlife books and I think all children need to be encouraged like this.
Unfortunately in primary school I was never taught anything about how important animals and plants are and to actually learn anything at all you had to specifically choose to do Biology in high school. I remember laughing at a girl who thought an Albatross had landed on the school field (was a Blackbacked Gull) and suddenly I realised people needed to be taught far more about this sort of stuff when they are younger. If this generation had been taught about creatures and plants then there could be so many more people fighting for and against things like these whalers right now. It is time to fully education the next generation so that this planet can have a chance, because right now, it doesn't look promising.

Hi to everyone...

I am in awe of the work you are doing for the whales and it is still a dream of mine that maybe some day I could be there with you doing what you're doing - or maybe someday Greenpeace will open an office in South Africa:-). Stay brave and stay committed, you and we who are activists through cyberspace are the only protection that this planet and it's creatures have!

God bless you and I wish you all the best of luck!

Silke

Hello from the french warehouse, Hope everythings ok and the japanese will calm down. You put such a pressure but,nothing justify their nearly"criminal" behaviour. The main question for me and many people is,how far are they ready to go to kill whales?Killing human beeings. Take really care of yourselves. Still,a special hello if possible to Alain onboard the ESPY from Le Druide. PEACE. Le DRUIDE (french action unit).

Hey Crew, I was on the Warrior II in 91-92 as a campaign advisor for actory fishing in The Bering Sea and later a bosun of the ship. I currently am running a Whale watching catamaran out of Victoria Bc Canada. I am interested in getting back involved with GP and was wondering if you guys could point out a contact for Marine Division. I have been down in the Ice many times and am glad you guys are working at it so hard. YOu make a difference every day and though it is really tough some times, don't stop. I would not trade even the worst day on the Warrior. You'll look back and maybe even beable to piont at a particular action as the day things turned around. We have learned so much about whales in the last 10 years. They are deserving of our respect and love.

Kindest regards,
Jeff Lorton
250 477 8289
Victoria, BC Canada

hi, i have never heard this discussed before:
I was wondering if the whales are beaching themselves as an act of suicide.
They are not dumb animals.
And i seriously doubt that that they get that confused by ships sonar signals that they don't know when they are approacing a beach.
If you saw your neighbours gradually getting tourtured and killed one by one, and you knew there was nothing that you could do about it, a valid option, especially in the case of whales, would be suicide.
Therefore helping the whales back to the sea may not be a very smart thing to do. Shouldn't the whales be given the benifit of the doubt first?
Less whales in the ocean would make the world think more about preserving them.
I would rather see whales die voluntarilly than to be forced back and tourtured to death.
the consideration of suffering is more important than "life and death"
cheers

[Editor's response - It's true that for the most part, we have no idea why many whales beach themselves. However, the most commonly hunted whale by Iceland, Norway and Japan is the minke whale and this speices does not usually end up stranded on beaches, if at all]

Congratulations to the Captain of Crew of both the Esperanza and Arctic Sunrise !!!

You have done an amazing job!! Your two ships are floating Miracles. You are an inspiration to the whole planet. You gave us hope.

17 countrys have rallied and protested to Japan. All of you showed courage and spunk and deserve a hero's welcome back home. Someday you might tell your children or great grand-children about your great voyage and how your inspiring voyage triggered a global hope to Save the Whales.

Rod Marining,
Co-Founder of Greenpeace International

Contacted Sealord and this was there response.....

We assure you that Sealord is not in any way involved in whaling or the sale of whale meat. We are a New Zealand company with our own values, policies and operations; we are 50% owned by Maori (the indigenous people of New Zealand) through Aotearoa Fisheries Limited which has made it clear it does not condone the hunting of whales for commercial purposes. The New Zealand and Australian Governments are strongly opposed to whaling.

We have made our other shareholder, Nissui, fully aware of the Governments’ position on whaling and the strength of feeling in New Zealand and Australia about the Japanese Government’s whaling programme. Nissui is also aware of Aotearoa Fisheries’ position. If you want further information on Nissui or the Japanese Government’s scientific whaling programme we suggest you contact Nissui or the Japanese Government.

Sealord Customer Services

Hello my friends, I'm not very creative,but congratulations to crew and captains of Espy and AS for their fantastic job. Good luck for the next issues. Cheers. PEACE. le DRUIDE.

habari yako Ocean Crusaders? hope that all the activists are doing well and having peace. My name is Serah Fowler and i have been involved with green peace since highschool. I have been a member and fundraiser, signing up new frontline team members, essentially asking perfect strangers i be aware adn involved in the world that we all share. I am a canadian who is currently living in mtwapa kenya, off the indian ocean, every day i swim accross the creek with is a highway to the ocean. Everyday i fall more in love with things i can not see, deep below the surface. Today i am here because i am a film maker who is shooting a personal documentary in east africa but i would love to be invited on board the arctic sunrise or esperenza to document, for cinematic release "life as an ocean defender". all the kids i meet lving this swahili life want to grow up to be sailors... i think it is cathing on . I know you have a photographer but not a independant filmmaker activist, getting your name on the big screen, right beside all the hollywood exposions. If your near the port towns of mombassa, mwtapa, kenya or dar es salaam lit me know..
om shante and big peace to all...kwaheri ..smf
smfowsy@gmail.com

Kate (Whale paparazzi on Arctic Sunrise),

After an emotional time in London over the weekend with the emergency services failing to 'free willy' from the Thames. We thought of you trying to save hundreds of our blubbery friends. I still don't understand how the Japanese can slap a research sticker on the side of their vessel and get away with murder, the photo's have been fantastic, keep up the good work. Take care and we'll see you when you get back,

Loads a love,

Matt & Lottie

Hey Daniel, in responce to your question... how far are they ready to go to kill whales?
Take a look at Andrews post: Would yo kill to kill a Whale?