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There's a running joke in my parent's house - my father mislays whatever it is he's reading, and ask anyone if they've seen it. What's on the cover, we ask? A ship, he answers. But dad! They all have ships on the cover!

Nearly three years ago, before I went on my first Greenpeace expedition, I had a phone conversation with my father. I think it went something like this (and sorry dad if I'm misquoting you).

"Dad, I've gotten word from Greenpeace. I'm joining the Rainbow Warrior in Auckland"

"That's great! I think you should take them up on the offer"

"Whatdya mean? I already have. I'm going.

"Hang on - how did you get into all this stuff?"

"Well, I grew up in a house full of books about ships and maps and the sea and expeditions and stuff. I guess I realised that you can off and see this stuff for yourself."

"Oh... I was just happy to read about it!"

And so here I am again, on my fourth trip on the Esperanza, as it heads south towards the Antarctic. I've always dreamed about going South, even before I was introduced to the photographs of Frank Hurley, the writings of Shackleton or the adventures of Tom Crean.

But we're not headed to the Southern Ocean for fun. We'll be confronting the whaling fleet as it continues to flout world opinion and common sense by slaughtering nearly 945 whales. Despite the watery arguments of the whaling industry's apologists, the practice of whaling 21st century is completely absurd.

Now, don't get me wrong - I'm not a utopian, and I'm not unaware of the massive scale of poverty, violence and injustice in the human world. There are many things wrong with our world, and we all have a responsibility to try and put them right. That goes for what we do to each other, and how we treat other species.

After centuries of human devastation of the global whale population, I think it's high time we laid off these massive denizens of the deep, and let them live out their lives in peace, instead of dying from the impact of exploding harpoons.

Outside of a very localised examples of sustenance whaling, there's just no good reason to continue whaling - it has become a moribund, dated practice. Absurd - that's the word I keep returning to. It's simply absurd that it's still taking place.

So let's put a stop to it - if you're still reading this, then you need to get yourself over to whales.greenpeace.org and sign up as a campaigner. Go on, you know it makes sense!

Want to read about the history of whaling? Get hold of Daniel Francis: A History of World Whaling. It'll give you a good rundown of the systematic decimation of whale populations in both hemispheres.

My earlier profile, from the West African Pirate Fishing leg
I'm also the editor of the web-based magazine blather.net »

Great photo of the VSAT and, oh yeah, of you, too
;-)

Hey Dave,
What's the story with the web cam? Will it be showing actual photos of the adventure? Seems like the same ocean shot for 12 hours. I know you must have many responsibilities onboard, but I'm an avid supportor of your mission & am anxious to see what's really going on. I know you'll be at sea a long time, but I still would like to see up to date shots. Thanks & good luck!

Hi Mary-Beth - the webcame is currently giving us some problems, but we're working on it!

the ice really suits you sir.

Please give my regards to the Sea Sheperd crews and the Japanese whaling fleet....when you FINALLY catch-up to them. If you really want to stop whaling, you guys oughta' be using submarines.

Ooh, Cap'n Jack, a bit 'arsh, no? You of all people must realise the sea be a big place, and things move at a slower pace than back on terra firma. We just arrived in the zone a few days ago. We're on the hunt, don't worry.

Dave:

I think you're doing a marvelous job of moderating the Esperanza's weblog. Keep up the good work Perhaps you can provide a post of the daily routine aboard ship--both with whalers and sans whalers. Also, what's technology are you using to blog from aboard ship?

Keep up the good work...

Hi Dave,
Saw your comment on the interaction between the Robert Hunter and the Japanese Fleet which resulted in a distress call to NZ CoastGuard.
SS seem to be out there doing the business while Greenpeace seems to be talking alot and taking beautiful photographs, while tootling along to the killing seas; no doubt to take more beautiful photographs. While I deplore violence in any form and certainly any that would result in injury or worse death. This bearing witness and commenting from afar stuff seems to be a bit of a joke. The calander I'm sure will be.... beautiful.

mise le meas,

Addo... Co. Clare Ireland

Addo - wait and see. We just got here, and we're going to be here for a lot longer.

Aw sweet...don't they ever leave you in peace? Following you all the way to your profile - persistent lot aren't they he he. I guess its a complement of sorts? I want you to know I'm so proud of you and the rest of the crew. The honour and courage you and your colleagues have is humbling - truly. Keep warm, keep each other strong and come home safe. I love you.

Hi Dave,

Great to see a fellow Irishman and techie out there doing the business.I stumbled across your site via Blather..and have to say I am extremely impressed by the various accounts of all of the folks involved in this huge effort to draw attention to the Japanese 'Scientific' (ask me boll$x) Whaling fleets.This mechanised slaughter of (often, I read) pregnant Females literally beggars belief.Surely the Japanese government could find more constructive ways of contributing to the canon of scientific knowledge.Well done to all of the multi-national crew, and your good self. Greetings from Dublin, Ireland...and if I see you in Grogans..I'll get Tommy to send a few Guinness over your way.Actually I'm sipping one in front of my New dual-core as i type.Keep up the good work, you are a credit to your family,Nation, Planet, etc...Got me thinking...if there was any way i could help, besides spreading the word....HHmmm????

God bless and protect you all!!,

stay safe

take care/ Oiche Mhaith agus Slan!!

(and I mean that about the pints!!!)

get the crew to berth in Dublin sometime and I'll extend the offer and beds etc..

David Loughran

David - your "ask me..." comment had us falling around the campaign office with laughter. Maybe we should use that for the campaign?

I'm on for a pint in Grogans whenenever I get home again...

Want to help? Email your friends. Know any journalists? Bend their ears. Bend ears in pubs too.

Online? here's what to do

About Dublin - the Esperanza was in Dublin before, Halloween 2004 - and the crew went to Grogans!

This was an absolutely amazing video journey. Please continue!

Keep up the good work.

Steve