Sakyo - Campaigner | Home | Karli - Expedition Leader

Hi, I'm Melanie Duchin. I'm a campaigner for Greenpeace in our office in Anchorage, Alaska. When I was asked back in August if I'd be interested in being on board the Esperanza for this expedition, I almost fell off my chair. It took half a nanosecond before I said, "YES!".

I've been with Greenpeace for almost 19 years and have watched Southern Ocean Expeditions from afar, always wowed by the footage and humbled by the bravery of the people who put their bodies between the whales and the harpoons.

I know it will be gruesome, difficult and highly emotional to watch the whale hunt in person, but I know that it's an important part of why I am on board: to bear witness and be the eyes and ears for the global public who can't make it to this remote part of the planet to see what the Japanese government is doing in the Southern Ocean.

Another important reason for being a part of this expedition is because the next meeting of the International Whaling Commission will be my hometown of Anchorage, so I'll have an important role back home in Alaska and throughout the U.S. talking about what I've seen in the Southern Ocean. I think a lot of Americans will be shocked to learn that the Japanese government will be killing almost 1000 whales this season, and has plans to add humpback whales to its sham "scientific whaling" program next year. I hope our expedition to the Southern Ocean will inspire people to take action so that we can finally put an end to high seas whaling.

...still trying to get you some action here on land. good luck out there, and keep in touch!

xoxoxo

good luck and come back safe.

They got a weight room on that ship? You got some guns, girl. Maybe you need them up there in Alaska for ice climbing or something. The all black looks very chic and very ninja. Keep up the good work and have an Alaskan Amber or three...

Melanie? Don't ask me how I ended up coming across you on the internet -- Not surprised you ended up in Alaska -- I ended up in Maine.
Write if you have a personal email account .. 25 yrs to catch up on...

Or is it Tweety's Grandma! I really enjoyed the piece on Tweety's history but she takes backseat to seeing the photos and blogs of many of the dearest friends I can ever remember.

My condolences to the crew of the Nissan Maru and I wish them safe passage home.

Mel, I know Frank will get you all home safe (we miss you here in Alaska) and I expect smooth sailing thru the "furious 50's and roaring 40's". I'm anxious to hear your tales of the Southern Ocean.

Love to All,

Paula