The Whale Warriors: The Battle at the Bottom of the World to Save the Planet's Largest Mammals

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The Whale Warriors: The Battle at the Bottom of the World to Save the Planet's Largest Mammals

3.92 of 5 stars 3.92 · rating details · 280 ratings · 57 reviews

Author of the New York Times bestselling novel The Dog Stars

For the crew of the eco-pirate ship the Farley Mowat, any day saving a whale is a good day to die. In The Whale Warriors, veteran adventure writer Peter Heller takes us on a hair-raising journey with a vigilante crew on their mission to stop illegal Japanese whaling in the stormy, remote seas off the forbidding sh...more Author of the New York Times bestselling novel The Dog Stars

For the crew of the eco-pirate ship the Farley Mowat, any day saving a whale is a good day to die. In The Whale Warriors, veteran adventure writer Peter Heller takes us on a hair-raising journey with a vigilante crew on their mission to stop illegal Japanese whaling in the stormy, remote seas off the forbidding shores of Antarctica. The Farley is the flagship of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and captained by its founder, the radical environmental enforcer Paul Watson. The Japanese, who are hunting endangered whales in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary, in violation of several international laws, know he means business: Watson has sunk eight whaling ships to the bottom of the sea.

For two months, Heller was aboard the vegan attack vessel as it stalked the Japanese whaling fleet through the howling gales and treacherous ice off the pristine Antarctic coast. The ship is all black, flies under a Jolly Roger, and is outfitted with a helicopter, fast assault Zodiacs, and a seven-foot blade attached to the bow, called the can opener.

As Watson and his crew see it, the plight of the whales is also about the larger crisis of the oceans and the eleventh hour of life as we know it on Earth. The exploitation of endangered whales is emblematic of a terrible overexploitation of the seas that is now entering its desperate denouement. The oceans may be easy to ignore because they are literally under the surface, but scientists believe that the world's oceans are on the verge of total ecosystem collapse. Our own survival is in the balance.

With Force 8 gales, monstrous seas, and a crew composed of professional gamblers, Earthfirst! forest activists, champion equestrians, and ex-military, the action never stops. In the ice-choked water a swimmer has minutes to live. The Japanese factory ship is ten times the tonnage of the Farley. The sailors on board both ships know that there will be no rescue in this desolate part of the ocean. Watson presses his enemy while Japan threatens to send down defense aircraft and warships, Australia appeals for calm, New Zealand dispatches military surveillance aircraft, the U.S. Office of Naval Intelligence issues a piracy warning, and international media begin to track the developing whale war.

For the Sea Shepherds there is no compromise. If the charismatic, intelligent Great Whales cannot be saved, there is no hope for the rest of the planet. Watson aims his ship like a slow torpedo and gives the order: "Tell the crew, collision in two minutes." In 35-foot seas, it is a deadly game of Antarctic chicken in which the stakes cannot be higher.(less)

ebook, 288 pages

Published September 18th 2007 by Free Press (first published 2007)

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Jan 27, 2013 Kate Mollohan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I loved Heller's first novel, The Dog Stars, and was excited to see that he has several non-fiction books, including The Whale Warriors. I have seen segment from the Animal Planet show that featured these eponymous warriors, and would not have otherwise picked up a book about them, given what I saw. I thought I should give it a try, and was instantly engaged. I know some of it had to do with the writing, but it could have also been about the subject matter (the whales themselves, the most mega o...more I loved Heller's first novel, The Dog Stars, and was excited to see that he has several non-fiction books, including The Whale Warriors. I have seen segment from the Animal Planet show that featured these eponymous warriors, and would not have otherwise picked up a book about them, given what I saw. I thought I should give it a try, and was instantly engaged. I know some of it had to do with the writing, but it could have also been about the subject matter (the whales themselves, the most mega of the charismatic megafauna out there), or my frame of mind. Regardless, I'm usually stingy with my stars and a 4-star rating here means I really loved it. It has stuck with me on many levels, and that is the mark of a good book.

As Heller himself puts it, this book is about "nine ships tugged to the bottom of the world by herds of warm-blooded creatures that slipped through the same ice and breathed the same air, that spoke to each other in songs we could not decipher--who must have known, after decades of being hunted, that their season was come" (p. 31). It is ultimately about the whales, as I haven't been able to get their plight out of my head since reading, but it's also about nature, humans, and the changes we have wreaked on the world. As the captain of the boat said, "The planet's chances of survival without us are greater. Would an elephant [press a button to evaporate humans]? Would a dolphin? Probably. Just out of sheer self-defense" (p. 73).

The depth of characterization Heller uses for the vegan whale warriors goes beyond stereotypes and the reader sees individuals, motives, and how our lives are all connected. The reaction of the world's governments, who are outraged in general by the Japanese "whaling research" that allows them to take the lives of tens of thousands of whales--endangered species--each year, is interesting. Most see the Sea Shepard as terrorists, but they are essentially only doing a job that the governments cannot seem to man up to do themselves. One description about the "barbaric" method of harpooning whales was enough for me to be sympathetic to the warriors, who are doing what no one else will do. They are heroes, whether or not the whales know it (and as intelligent as they are, I think they do).

Heller goes further than just these two sides of things, and to me positions himself as a nature writer to aspire to; I have so many phrases copied from this book that I can't put them all in this review, though each struck me. I recommend this book to everyone, not just people who like nature and science, and not just people who like whales. It really did make me reconsider things. (NOTE: If you are at all squeamish, you will want to pay attention and skip the passages that talk about what death by harpoon entails. It is graphic--and should be--and even affected me, generally non-squeamish.)

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Feb 25, 2011 Paul Pessolano rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book will be of great interest to those of us who are into ecology, saving the dying species, and saving the world. Most of us know about "Greenpeace" and what they do, but how many of us are aware of Sea Shepard Conservation Society. The Sea Shepard Group make Greenpeace look like a knitting society. This group has no qualms about ramming a whaling ship or fouling its propeller with chain links.

"The Whale Warriors" tell about how difficult and expensive it is for the Sea Shepard Group to p...more

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Mar 06, 2009 William rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

My first introduction to Captain Paul Watson was in the documentary Shark Waters. In that situation I thought he came off as very heroic. After that I saw the Animal Planet series about the Sea Shepherd and I began to see the captain and crew in more of a critical light. This book led me towards more mixed feelings about Sea Shepherd.
I should start by saying that because they are preventing whales from being slaughtered I think they are doing something that is extremely important and I’m very t...more My first introduction to Captain Paul Watson was in the documentary Shark Waters. In that situation I thought he came off as very heroic. After that I saw the Animal Planet series about the Sea Shepherd and I began to see the captain and crew in more of a critical light. This book led me towards more mixed feelings about Sea Shepherd.
I should start by saying that because they are preventing whales from being slaughtered I think they are doing something that is extremely important and I’m very thankful they are doing what they do.
However, there are a number of small issues I have that prevent me from fully endorsing the organization, at least as they’ve been portrayed in this book and on the TV series.
My main issue is that the crew seems under-trained to the point of absurdity and in the conditions encountered in the Southern Ocean this is almost criminal. At times it seems to be more of a party boat than anything else and a lot of the volunteers don’t even have basic seamanship skills. That they allow alcohol on these missions is mind boggling to me.
I find Paul Watson’s FU to anyone who disagrees him attitude to be both a asset and a detriment. His whales first philosophy is admirable but I wonder if he wouldn’t get more accomplished and save more whales if he was a little more diplomatic and at times what seems to be Greenpeace-envy appears to influence his judgment.
The racist attitudes towards Japanese were off putting to me as well. There was no distinction made between the Japanese whaling industry, the Japanese government and the Japanese people. I got the sense from this book that the crew held the entire nation of Japan responsible. They spoke of the Japanese as nips and japs but the Norwegian and Icelandic whalers were never referred to in those types of racial terms.
Again, I really admire what they are doing and I’m glad they are doing it, I just wonder if there are better ways to go about it and if they’d get more support if they took steps to appear less like a floating frat house.
To me, the most moving part of the book was the afterword. In fact I think I will keep the book just for that portion of it. Reading about the dolphin and small whale slaughter is incredibly sad and I challenge anyone who scoffs at the “Save the Whales” campaign to read that section without being deeply affected.
I enjoyed Peter Heller’s writing style and the way he presented the information. One element I was wondering about that wasn’t covered was if there is much public outcry about whaling in Japan, Norway and Iceland. I think some attention to that topic would have been more interesting than the space devoted to the personality traits of the crewmembers.

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Oct 09, 2011 Elizabeth rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: activism

Whether you agree with what they are doing or how they are doing it, you have to admire them for their dedication to their cause. This book chronicles the Sea Shepherds as they seek to disrupt and thus end the Japanese "scientific/commercial" whaling. Their tactics are extreme, some would say dangerous. They seek to intervene rather than just observe. Whether you like this book or not depends on how you feel about extreme environmentalism. If you believe these whales need to be protected by any...more

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Sep 22, 2012 Rob rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

My introduction to Peter Heller (once I realized he wasn't Robocop actor Peter Weller) was his recent interview on Fresh Air to talk about his first novel. I'm sure I'll read it as I eat up post-apocalyptic novels, but I was more fascinated to hear about his work as an outdoor adventure writer. I've read little in this genre, but after hearing him I put everything he wrote on hold at the library. I was excited to learn that he wrote a book about Paul Watson and the Sea Shepherds, whom I was fasc...more

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Mar 25, 2012 David Bales rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012

Pretty thrilling and suspenseful book about the "Sea Shepherd" group of eco-warriors led by Captain Paul Watson, one of the original founders of Greenpeace, who found Greenpeace's methods of stopping whaling inadequate. Heller goes along on an anti-whaling voyage of the Sea Shepherd's flagship "Farley Mowat" to the Southern Ocean off Antarctica to confront with direct action Japanese whalers operating in Australia's Antarctic whale refuge. While Sea Shepherd is by self-description a vigilante gr...more

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Jun 14, 2011 Phil rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

My wife and I love Whale Wars. I got this book expecting it to be sort of a more detailed "prequel" to the Whale Wars series that got a little more in depth with each of the characters and what went on during their actions at sea. Unfortunately, most of the book was just about how awful the voyage is with the constant reeling of the ship, mixed in with a lot of conservationist filler material. The actual action is quite lacking.

However, the book wasn't all bad--I got a look at Captain Watson tha...more

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Jan 12, 2010 Jp Bleibtreu rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I cried at the end of this book. An absolute page tuner and inspirational masterpiece. There is so much wrong on the seas and so few doing things to set it right. I had read other articles in magazines by Heller and was reminded a few pages in of his deft skill at weaving hard factual data, observational journalism and emotional insight into a cohesive whole. Everyone should be required to read this. I was surprised by the intensity with which he ended the book then blindsided by the epilogue.
Th...more

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Feb 11, 2012 g-na rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: biology-zoology, 5-star-faves

Part lesson in species preservation, part adventure on the high seas, and part sad reality, The Whale Warriors is a real-life account of one of the world's most dedicated ocean conservationists. Paul Watson is the head of the Sea Shepherd organization, and each Antarctic summer he and an incredible team of volunteers take to the Southern Ocean in an attempt to stop (at least some of) the whaling that still happens there. In defiance of international anti-whaling treaties the Japanese kill about...more

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Jan 15, 2012 Juha rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: everyone.

Shelves: environment, japan

As Japan is again continuing its whaling in the Antarctic waters against international law and the world's public opinion, this book describing the winter 2005-2006 campaign by Sea Shepherd is very timely. On January 9th under cover of darkness, three Australian Sea Shepherd activists managed to board the Japanese harpoon ship Shonan Maru No. 2 when it was just 26 km off the Australian west coast. The Japanese proceeded to arrest the environmentalists and took them to Tokyo, where a court releas...more As Japan is again continuing its whaling in the Antarctic waters against international law and the world's public opinion, this book describing the winter 2005-2006 campaign by Sea Shepherd is very timely. On January 9th under cover of darkness, three Australian Sea Shepherd activists managed to board the Japanese harpoon ship Shonan Maru No. 2 when it was just 26 km off the Australian west coast. The Japanese proceeded to arrest the environmentalists and took them to Tokyo, where a court released them without charges. The reason for the prompt release was probably that Japan does not want to draw undue attention to its controversial whaling activities.

Japan's insistence to go ahead with its extensive whaling is somewhat baffling. As Peter Heller demonstrates in his book, the government is forced to heavily subsidize the companies doing the whale hunt. There is very little demand for whale meat in Japan (only a tenth of the population confesses to ever eating it) and it has to be pushed on school lunch menus in some of the coastal areas with a high price to the tax payers. Tons of whale meat are piling up in freezers. Yet, more and more is brought in every year. Why? The officials cite traditional culture, but even that is a suspect argument. While some fishing communities, notably on the island of Shikoku, traditionally did hunt whales, this was limited to their coastal waters. Large scale commercial whaling only started when Japan built up its ocean going fleet after Commodore Perry's 'black ships' forced the opening of Japan to the outside world in 1854. The tradition certainly is not based in the ancient Japanese culture. The most likely explanation to the Japanese incalcitrance is nationalistic defiance against foreigners trying to tell them what to do. Sounds infantile? Well, it is, but it wouldn't be the first time.

Japan is a member of the International Whaling Commission (IWC), set up in 1946 "to provide for the proper conservation of whale stocks and thus make possible the orderly development of the whaling industry." IWC is thus not a conservation organization, but works for the long-term sustainability of the industry. So it can hardly be accused of sensationalizing the statistics. Yet, IWC recognizes that many whale species are endangered. On its website (http://iwcoffice.org/), IWC acknowledges that many stocks of the thirteen species of 'great whales' have been depleted through over-exploitation. The authoritative Red List of endangered species compiled by the World Conservation Union (http://www.iucnredlist.org) identifies a number of whales as endangered. These include the Blue Whale, Fin Whale (Japan's self-set quota includes 50 Fin Whales per season), North Atlantic Right Whale and North Pacific Right Whale. In addition, a number of species are identified as threatened or vulnerable. Importantly, there is deficient data for most species to determine their status. Because of this state of affairs and the uncertainty about whale numbers, a moratorium on commercial whaling endorsed by IWC has been in place since 1986 (the UN Conference on Environment and Human Health originally proposed such a moratorium in 1972, but it was voted down by Japan, Russia, Iceland, Norway, South Africa and Panama).

As a response, Japan has circumvented the commercial whaling ban by claiming, quite disingenously, that its whaling program is for research purposes. This lethal research has been criticized by scientists and environmentalists alike. There are now non-lethal research methods that can be used to obtain the same data - and even if there were, the large catch numbers could never be justified by the research argument. In IWC, a coalition led by by the USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia has often challenged Japan for its "research" whaling. However, like in the UN, IWC operates on a one nation, one vote basis. Consequently, Japan has been able to purchase the votes of a number of tiny countries by providing them financial support. A number of Caribbean and Pacific Island countries - even the West Africa country of Togo - have voted in line with Japan in IWC following promises of official aid or even just covering travel and expenses of individual government officials. In all fairness, it must be said that there are also other countries that continue to kill whales, including Norway, Iceland, the Danish Faroe Islands and Russia.

When I was on the faculty of the UN University based in Tokyo in the early 1990s, I remember that we were approached by a consultant to the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries who proposed to pay for a study that we would conduct to show that whales were not endangered. During the meeting the gentleman got somewhat carried away and outlined a vision how whales could be domesticated to produce meat and milk for the growing human population. He further accused Western "meat eaters" for an emotional reaction to whaling. When I politely explained that we would gladly consider undertaking such a study, but that we would have to be in control of the study, select the research design and researchers, and that there could be no preagreed conclusions, he got up and promised to get back to us. Needless to say, he never did.

Adventure writer Peter Heller joined Sea Shepherd's ship Farley Mowat on a two-month expedition to the Antarctic in the 2005-2006 season to intercept the Japanese fleet. In 'The Whale Warriors' he provides an interesting and quite balanced account of the challenging trip during which the mostly volunteer crew under the command of Sea Shepherd founder Capt. Paul Watson searches, chases and engages with the Japanese fleet in the Antarctic waters. The book is written in a generally lively manner following the format of Heller's log of the days and weeks at sea, interspersed with information about the history of whaling, the Japanese whaling industry, ecology, the organizations that work against whaling (including Sea Shepherd and Greenpeace), and the international politics surrounding the issues. The format works well overall, but because of the lengthy search for the Japanese whalers and Heller's faithful depiction of the tedium at sea, the book feels a bit long (it could easily have been 50 pages shorter, I think). Even if the author's descriptions of the weather, the sea, the penguins, albatrosses and other sea birds, the icebergs, are beautiful, they also become somewhat repetitive. Finally, it is only on page 215 when the Farley Mowat first finds the location of the Japanese factory boat Nishin Maru and things start speeding up.

In the meantime, we meet the dedicated environmentalists from many countries (USA, Canada, Holland, Sweden, Brazil, South Africa, Australia, France) that make up the crew. These women and men form an interesting bunch, by no means homogenous in their philosophy, but all committed to saving the large, peaceful and highly intelligent animals. Heller observers exchanges that highlight the tensions between unexpected groups, such as between vegans and vegetarians or between conservationists and animal rights activists. His observations are often quite revealing and at best very funny. When the small helicopter onboard returns from a surveillance flight and performs a delicate landing on the deck of the ship rolling in heavy waves, Heller sees how the deck crew took only seconds to secure the landed chopper to the deck. "Pretty good for vegans with advanced degrees," he quips (page 267).

The book also sheds light on the continued rift between Sea Shepherd and Greenpeace. Paul Watson was one of the founders of Greenpeace and served as its Director from 1972 to 1977 when he left to found Sea Shepherd. He was growing frustrated with what he considered ineffective methods of Greenpeace, believing in a need for more direct action. The quartermaster of Farley Mowat on this trip is Emily Hunter, daughter of the Greenpeace co-founder and first President, the late Robert Hunter. Greenpeace manages to locate the Nishin Maru much before Sea Shepherd, but refuses to release the coordinates. The schism appears to be mostly with the top of the organizations and individual crew members of the Greenpeace ship Esperanza leak updates to Watson. As Farley Mowat finally sails to engage with Nishin Maru, Esperanza crew cheer it on. The trouble with Greenpeace non-confrontational tactics is that they only look on and document as the Japanese proceed to slaughter the whales in the most brutal and inhumane manner imaginable.

Whether the Sea Shepherd's more direct approach is any more effective is the question. As the Nishin Maru and its harpoon boats see Farley Mowat approaching they escape, only to move to another location to continue their hunt. Both organizations clearly have done much to bring the vicious and criminal activity to the forefront and thus influencing world opinion.

Yet, politics is what it is. Most of Japan's whaling takes place in the areas designated as off limits under the international moratorium and much in the territorial waters of other countries. Heller points out that if the whaling fleets were from less powerful developing countries, countries like Australia would not hesitate to intercept and arrest them in their territorial waters. Indeed, even earlier this week the Australian prime minister Julia Gillard criticized the Sea Shepherd activists for boarding the Shonan Maru, which was engaged in illegal activities in Australian territorial waters.

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Jan 03, 2009 Kristen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

At first I wasn't too into this book and found the writer's description of the ecowarriors a bit corney, but as the story progressed and the writer informed us more about the state of our oceans and the survival of whales, i had a hard time putting it down. depressing stuff. it's sad there is not more outcry against whaling-all nations that still whale are progressive and wealthy nations, they have no excuse except to profit and be greedy.( norway, japan and iceland.)no one needs to eat whale an...more

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Feb 02, 2013 Carol Chapman rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The very beginning and toward the end, this book dragged a bit. I suspect the author had to add some padding to make an article the length of a book. That said, the central portion of the book was quite interesting. It makes you sick to learn of the whaling activities taking place in parts of the world. It was also very interesting to see a comparison of the Sea Shepherd organization with Greenpeace. I had not heard of Sea Shepherd before, but after reading this book, I want to learn more and po...more

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Nov 26, 2011 Xanthi rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

After seeing Captain Watson speak at a Sea Shepherd fundraiser, I wanted to learn more about the organization and their experiences. This book was certainly an education and I found it to be a real page turner. I like the way the author got into describing the crew members - a mix of different nationalities and personalities. What I didn't like was his mocking of vegans and the fact that he is an avid elk hunter. At times, I felt he was the wrong person for this experience, for this book - that...more

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Jan 28, 2013 Kim Stallwood rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I recognize that it takes all sorts to make up the folks who constitute the animal rights movement. Among them are the celebrated heroes and villains and those who go about their work unsung but live forever in the hearts of the animals they’ve helped. Each one is unique – yes, that’s a cliché – but some (to mangle a phrase) are more unique than others. One such activist who is truly unique is Captain Paul Watson of the Sea Shepherd Fund.

Watson, a much admired figure in the animal rights movemen...more I recognize that it takes all sorts to make up the folks who constitute the animal rights movement. Among them are the celebrated heroes and villains and those who go about their work unsung but live forever in the hearts of the animals they’ve helped. Each one is unique – yes, that’s a cliché – but some (to mangle a phrase) are more unique than others. One such activist who is truly unique is Captain Paul Watson of the Sea Shepherd Fund.

Watson, a much admired figure in the animal rights movement and a hugely popular speaker at conferences, is someone who displays courage and tenacity in spades. There’s a fine line between genius and insanity, however. I can’t help but wonder, after reading Peter Heller’s The Whale Warriors, that Watson personifies more than anyone I know all of these qualities and is not only in full control of them but also has them focused on saving the planet. If I ever found myself in a life-threatening disaster I’d want to have the Captain by my side. It’s difficult to think of a better compliment to make about someone than that. Here’s what Heller makes of him after the Farley Mowat has a stand off with the Japanese whaling factory, Nisshin Maru.

'No doubt now—Watson is surely an anti-Ahab. More bearish, more charming, but just as terrifying in his fearlessness, and in his willingness to sacrifice everything, including our lives—to save the whale.'

Heller recounts his time on the Farley Mowat in the Antarctica as 2005 turns into 2006. The Sea Shepherd’s mission is to stop the Japanese whalers. Heller goes along for the ride and vividly portrays the journey taken.

'I stared at the throbbing green blips on the main radar screen. Was it possible? Had Watson found, in hundreds of thousands of square miles of Southern Ocean, his prey? It was against all odds. Even with the informer on board the [Greenpeace] Esperanza. Even with the storm that could now be veiling his approach from the unwary Japanese. I looked at Watson in his exposure suit and began to pull on my own dry suit. Watson turned to Cornelissen. “Wake all hands,” he said.'

I know I’d be useless under the command of Captain Paul Watson but I vicariously enjoyed the experience with grateful thanks to Peter Heller’s The Whale Warriors.(less)

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Feb 06, 2012 Eric_W rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: nautical-non-fiction

This is a sobering book. The devastation wrecked on the world’s fisheries is extraordinary. 90% of the predatory fish, so essential to a healthy ecosystem, have been destroyed or fished out since 1950. Traditional food fish have all but disappeared. If we had any sense, we’d stop eating fish immediately. So what to do. Paul Watson says, save the whales.

The modern method of killing whales is barbaric and should be stopped. How that should be accomplished is partly the subject of this book. Techni...more This is a sobering book. The devastation wrecked on the world’s fisheries is extraordinary. 90% of the predatory fish, so essential to a healthy ecosystem, have been destroyed or fished out since 1950. Traditional food fish have all but disappeared. If we had any sense, we’d stop eating fish immediately. So what to do. Paul Watson says, save the whales.

The modern method of killing whales is barbaric and should be stopped. How that should be accomplished is partly the subject of this book. Technically, the Japanese are hunting whales legally by taking advantage of a loophole in the international treaty that permits killing whales for “research,” even if the result of that research winds up on the dinner tables in Japan (I did not know that the U.S. encouraged the consumption of whale meat after WW II, something that had not been cultural, to prevent starvation. Whale meat now brings in about $1 million in revenue per whale from the sale of meat. In fact, whale meat is declining as a food source and is now having to be frozen and stored because they can't sell enough.) Greenpeace and Watson, one of its original founders have fallen out over the tactics used by Sea Shepherd.org. As an aside, it should be noted that the FBI in June 2004 declared ecoterrorism to be a bigger threat to domestic security than Al Qaeda. The rumor that the Sea Shepherd society had been named an ecoterrorist group is bogus.

The quixotic nature of the Sea Shepherd campaign is obvious from the moment Peter Heller (correspondent for National Geographic) steps aboard the Farley Mowat for a month-long trip to the southern oceans in hopes of finding the whaling fleet. The southern ocean is a huge place roughly the size of all the western states from Mexico to Canada and east to a vertical line drawn north and south parallel to the Colorado eastern border. So for the ancient Farley Mowat to search for the Japanese whalers is like leaving Denver in an old pickup truck to try to find four other vehicles in the western states but not knowing where they might be.

The crew are certainly dedicated, if inexperienced and ill-trained: half had never been to sea, the helicopter pilot had never flow the particular type of helicopter they needed to rely on, they had no helicopter mechanic on board, the assumption seemed to be good intentions substitutes for competence. The ship was registered as a yacht so they could avoid paying higher fees and more importantly did not need to have licenses for the officers. To give you an idea. On their first stop at Hobart they anchor (mistakenly dropping both instead of one); after being cleared by customs they take two zodiacs in, one gets loaded to the gills with liquor and swamps on the way back so they begin throwing the liquor boxes overboard, on the other a crew member drops a VHF radio over the side (that represented ⅓ of their handheld radio communications.) In the meantime two jet-ski drivers took their craft for a spin around the ship, showboating, if you will, one flips and the engine is ruined. There goes half of their small-craft-for-running-around-the-whale-ships-boats. The captain is in the radio room preparing PR. Is he concerned by the flubs. Not a bit. Apparently, it was common practice for Greenpeace ships to take out whatever wharf they intended to tie up to. Heller inspects the safety gear and decides to buy his own. This to venture into some of the most dangerous waters on earth.

Their mission is to aggressively interfere with whaling wherever possible, even if it means sinking ships (they claim credit for having sunk fifteen, most relating to Arctic whaling that was clearly illegal.) Sectarian disputes are common. You have freegans, vegans and vegetarians all thrown in together; the use of honey by one could bring on an active donnybrook. One thing most could agree on was that humans are evil and the world would be better off without them.

It should be noted that of the 44 people on board for the trip Heller documents, 7 were journalists and videographers. Media coverage is absolutely crucial to the campaign. They had no direct responsibilities in operating the ship and answered to no one although they were expected to follow whatever rules Watson dictated on any given day. Paul Watson makes no apologies for manipulating the media, arguing that’s the only way to get the message across. No doubt he’s correct and Whale Wars, the TV show furthers that goal. I am through #5 of Season 3 and so enjoying the amateur antics and buffoonery of these well-meaning folks. Hysterical. Bunch of rank amateurs (but very committed) running around pretending to be doing something useful. The captain of the Bob Barker, barely refitted, no sea trials after engine rebuild, 60 yrs old, having engine trouble, steers right into the middle of a terrific storm, putting his ship, the mission, and the crew at terrible risk (his first time as ship captain, he only managed yachts before) and justifying it by saying if they can save 10 hrs they can save some whales, but there's no guarantee Watson's plan for two ships will work at all. What a bunch of yahoos. And Watson as a captain? He stands around clueless most of the time. Any captain worth his salt would have had the crew practicing launching the zephyrs over and over until they could do it in their sleep. Instead, they wait until they are confronted with the Japanese ship for what appears to be a first-time effort. Ridiculous. Shame, because the whaling should stop. But these guys are a joke. Fun to watch, though.

The question of what to do remains. It’s all well and good to tell those who’s livelihood depends on some activity to stop doing it when it hurts the requester not at all. We have to figure out a way to put teeth into international treaties (I’d say use the money spent on the Sea Shepherd activities to bribe (oh, I’m sorry, I meant to say campaign contributions) legislators. But at the same time, help those affected find alternative and profitable ways to make a good living. Any pain that results has to be shared.

I was struck by the most treasured item on the Farley Mowat, a huge wide-screen TV and a substantial collection of videos and DVDs. Cell phones and high-end electronics are ubiquitous. The production of computers and wide-screen TVs is perhaps just as destructive -- if not more-- to the environment and many people, as killing whales. Watson’s stateroom is larger than the bridge and was remodeled at a cost of $75,000 -- donated, but perhaps money could be better spent. Finding a balance in a tightly-coupled world will be your generation’s challenge.

Humans are very efficient killers, of each other, and of other species. The lesson of this book might also be that the best thing for the earth would be human extinction.

Peter Heller has written a fascinating, sympathetic, yet not uncritical (he was dismayed when he discovered a .50 caliber sniper rifle and shotguns on board) book about the Sea Shepherd group. This is peripherally also a study of the true believer and how assumptions dictate their actions. Those "facts" or "events" that don't meet their assumptions are discarded. I am a fan of whales. I am not a fan of Paul Watson, but if one of the goals was to get you to think twice before eating, Heller succeeded.

References: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment...(less)

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Aug 11, 2009 Liza rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: people who appreciate the ocean

It is difficult to review a book about a subject which one feels conflicted yet passionate about. Do I merely critique the writing? I don't think I can do that. The author, Peter Heller, is a journalist for Outside and a contributor to NPR, and besides that he lives in Denver, so you know which side of nature the man is on. Yes, he may be conflicted about Sea Shepherd as an organization, but he obviously wants to save the whales and the oceans and any attempt by Heller to seem objective was met...more It is difficult to review a book about a subject which one feels conflicted yet passionate about. Do I merely critique the writing? I don't think I can do that. The author, Peter Heller, is a journalist for Outside and a contributor to NPR, and besides that he lives in Denver, so you know which side of nature the man is on. Yes, he may be conflicted about Sea Shepherd as an organization, but he obviously wants to save the whales and the oceans and any attempt by Heller to seem objective was met by me, the reader, as laughable. I found his description of Sea Shepherd's voyage to the coast of Antarctica thrilling at times, whereas other times he was able to capture the ennui and tedium of being trapped on a boat in the middle of nowhere while trying to find a Japanese whaling expedition. (Needle in a haystack, anyone?)

Having previously read about Captain Paul Watson in a lengthy New Yorker article, I appreciated that Heller concentrated on depicting the mostly volunteer crew. Yes, he makes fun of their vegan ways, but he is able to discern the myriad of personal and political reasons they have for embarking on such a journey.

And so this is the point in the review where I want to ramble on about my views of Sea Shepherd. One of the critiques I found missing in the book (and there are many critiques about their lack of social sensitivity, use of violence, sometimes inept crew), is that their approach mirrors that of zoos. I'm serious. It's a top-down approach: Focus on the largest mammals at the expense of the less cute species that provide the foundation for the ecosystem--in this case krill. Yes, I want to save the whales, but perhaps to save the whales we should focus more on the acidity of the sea, the death of coral reefs, and over-fishing, which in turn, spells out the death of whales. Then again, focusing on whales is far more spectacular; I don't think anyone would buy the "SAVE THE KRILL" t-shirt I'd like to make. I just wish organizations such as Sea Shepherd would show the connections, because I'm not sure people are willing to think beyond the whales.(less)

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May 25, 2010 Elena rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ocean, true-stories

L'argomento è davvero interessante, e per questo il libro aveva preso inizialmente 4 stelle. Consiglio a chi lo vuole leggere di prenderlo in lingua originale, perché la traduzione italiana fa davvero schifo. Mi chiedo dove prendano queste persone che arrancano per mettere insieme una frase, che poi in realtà devi rileggere più di una volta perché, a un certo punto, ti fermi e ti chiedi "ma scusa, ma che cazzo ho letto??!!".
Peccato, perché se il testo scorresse in una lingua italiana decente e n...more

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Apr 13, 2008 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Captain Ahab, Moby Dick, and fans of either

Shelves: nature, 2008

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society seem to be doing what few others are: intervening on behalf of the living creatures of the ocean. I first encountered the insane but dedicated Captain Paul Watson in the movie version of Sharkwater and was in awe of all that Sea Shepherd gets up to. The Whale Warriors: The Battle at the Bottom of the World to Save the Planet's Largest Mammals is a polemic adventure story and an important objective description of one of Sea Shepherd's anti-whaling campaigns in...more

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Jan 02, 2008 Eugene rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

the bad guys here are the japanese whalers who, flagrantly defying an international moratorium, go out each year to slaughter endangered whales. no nation wants to confront the japanese. greenpeace will go out and non violently bear witness but won't actively engage the whalers.

enter our heroes: the sea shepherd conservation society and captain paul watson (the controversial co-founder of greenpeace who has since become the malcolm x to their mlk). in their battle-configured vessel, and flying...more

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Sep 09, 2010 Michigankim rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

If you're a fan of the TV show "Whale Wars," as I am, you'll enjoy this look at what takes place on the Sea Shepherd ships. Mr. Heller spent one complete whaling season on the Farley Mowat (a ship that has since been sold). I especially liked the stories of how the all-volunteer crew copes with the many mechanical problems on their old ship. The writer tries to give an unbiased look at the controversial Captain Paul Watson, shining a light on his passion as well as the times he gets ever-so-clos...more

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Dec 25, 2008 Jrohde rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I just LOVE Paul Watson, founder of Sea Shepherd (and a founder of Greenpeace with whom he is on constant battle - see the website for Sea Shepherd,org - read his tirades on Greenpeace - he has a point). This is a story of the Farley Mowat voyage to the whaling grounds in late 2005 to try to stop the Japanese whaling - thrilling, real, inspiring. I really like the book and the tale.

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Nov 01, 2012 Jessica added it · review of another edition

Heller presents a fascinating firsthand account as a journalist onboard the Farley Mowat, a ship willing to go to any lengths to protect whales. Life aboard the Farley is described as hard, cold and less than comfortable, but the real story comes from the crew, a team of inexperienced, non-sailor environmental activists, that sign up and learn quickly in order to save the whales.

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Feb 19, 2011 Thomas added it · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobook, could-not-finish

I found it impossible to get past the first few minutes of this audiobook. The narration sounds about as dead as the English dubbing of the 1971 martial arts classic, The Big Boss. It may be that the text helps give that impression. There seemed to be some awkward sentences, but the print edition might be ok.

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Mar 25, 2011 Kate rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: science, dnf

I quite like the idea of this book and I think I bailed on it before it really got interesting (the ship had yet to leave port), but I just couldn't stomach Heller's obvious admiration for the madman captain. Fundamentalism is bad, it doesn't matter what side of the fence you sit on.

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Jul 08, 2010 Thico rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mare

Una bellissima storia di mare, ma soprattutto la cronaca di un moderno Don Chisciotte che lotta contro i mulini a vento delle multinazionali giapponesi.
La differenza è che mentre il personaggio letterario si è perso nella sua follia, Paul Watson i suoi mulini a vento li abbatte sul serio.

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Jan 29, 2013 Jessica rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ws-book-club, 2013, adult-non-fiction

For me this account was more about the content than the writing. It's disheartening to know the Japanese whalers are getting away with what amounts to hunting whales for commercial purposes under the dubious cover of "scientific research." Sad to think that the governments who have the power to stop the whaling choose not to take action.

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Mar 10, 2010 Irus rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: animals

To say "I really liked it" about this book isn't quite right because I didn't particularly "like it." I did, however, find it devastatingly informative. So much so, I am not sure I will be able to eat seafood again, or if I do, it will be done with a seriously guilty conscious.

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Oct 12, 2011 Bri rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Activists, Animal Lovers, Random People I Meet On The Street

I loved this book. It has so much emotion. I actually felt like I was on the ship with them. I enjoyed the style of writing, and will definitely recommend this book to others. I started it a while back, then when I actually started reading it, I really was fascinated.

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Oct 20, 2009 Alene rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: nonfiction, adventure-outdoor-survival

I loved this book. I cried each time they talked about how the whales are killed, how their babies swim around them, how whales who were saved thanked their rescuers. I was amazed, outraged, and invigorated by this book.

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Aug 30, 2009 Phil Mitchell rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have never had a book that made me cry. Yes, cry. You should read this unless descriptive scenarios of whale slaughter is not something you want to read. If I did not have the life I have today, I would join the fight today.

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About Peter Heller

Peter Heller holds an MFA from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop in both fiction and poetry. An award-winning adventure writer and longtime contributor to NPR, Heller is a contributing editor at Outside magazine, Men’s Journal, and National Geographic Adventure, and a regular contributor to Bloomberg Businessweek. He is also the author of several nonfiction books, including Kook, The Whale Warriors, and...more

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Books by Peter Heller

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Quotes from The Whale Warriors: Th...

“In the November 2006 issue of Science, a report by an international team of scientists studying a vast amount of data gathered between 1950 and 2003 declared that if current trends of fishing and pollution continue, every fishery in the world's oceans will collapse by 2048...The oceans as an ecosystem would completely collapse.” — 3 people liked it

“The albatross hit the top and canted her soft belly to the storm, and made a screaming banked peel-out downwind and over the other side. I don't know if anyone else on the ship saw her. To me, she was a visitation. Not harbinger or annunciation, but a simple reminder of a wold that worked, that was at home with itself and friends with storm.” — 1 person liked it

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