Whale Wars

[RidgeRunner]

Anybody see the latest video? Care to comment?
http://www.thisisbrandx.com/2010/01/your-brand-x-roundup-for-jan-6-2010-the-real-whale-wars-twilight-script-leaked-and-kfc-ad-called-racist.html

Sorry about the terribly long link.

[RWilson2526]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rar9zxH1kts

Here's another view of the hit....the hot topic seems to be who hit who....in the first video if you watch the stern of the boat he appears to me to be idling with not much forward progress so the whaler is closing the distance by heading towards him....then I think the guy f's up and guns it to maybe turn away but the boat doesnt respond fast enough to starboard and he runs right into it...

either way it was bound to happen sooner or later...I've watched a few seasons of that show...I guess I have to admire their determination because everything they do seems completely futile other than they get to be on TV and maybe get their cause out there......The whalers have a loop hole in the law it appears and until they change the law I guess they are within their rights to do what they want....

[RidgeRunner]

RW, I agree about the hot topic being who hit who. I had not seen the video from the Bob Barker. The commentary from there was interesting.
Your video sure looks like the Japanese ship was aiming at the smaller craft. The footage from the Japanese ship appears to show the smaller vessel in gear but idling, barely making headway. Only after the collision did the capt. pull it in reverse. It moved rather rapidly in reverse too.
Very Crazy stuff. If they keep it up somebody is going to get seriously injured or worse. I really don't admire what they do, but agree with you they are very determined. Killing whales should not be allowed. I think they are absolutely out of their mind and some of the stunts the captain has pulled, damn crazy. Motoring into an ice flow with equipment that isn't up to the task is risky but putting your crew at risk is insanity. I would like to see the waivers the lawyers came up with for the crew.

[RidgeRunner]

Why can't the International Laws against harvesting Whales be enforced on the Japanese anyway? I know they are calling it research but they are doing it in a most invasive manner. I don't think the world is buying "Research" when they are sending out a harpoon ship to get their samples.

[chumbucket]

I don't agree with whaling, but that captain (if he in fact really is one) is a tool and is going to get someone killed.

[RWilson2526]

Why can't the International Laws against harvesting Whales be enforced on the Japanese anyway? I know they are calling it research but they are doing it in a most invasive manner. I don't think the world is buying "Research" when they are sending out a harpoon ship to get their samples.

I've had that same question while watching that show....Is there just no policing body that's out there to enforce it or what? I'll have to do a little research and try to find the actual text in whatever legislation it is that allows "research". Problem with researching emotional stuff like that is that most resources online are by people with an agenda and its hard to distinguish fact from opinion....

[RWilson2526]

http://www.highnorth.no/Library/Publications/Iceland/wh-an-in.htm

This is some interesting reading....no wonder whaling continues....I'll have to take some more time to read more thoroughly but it seems that the whole non whaling thing is voluntary and even if you volunteer not to you still can if you want to.

[RidgeRunner]

http://www.highnorth.no/Library/Publications/Iceland/wh-an-in.htm

This is some interesting reading....no wonder whaling continues....I'll have to take some more time to read more thoroughly but it seems that the whole non whaling thing is voluntary and even if you volunteer not to you still can if you want to.

I read enough. If there is no treaty prohibiting whaling then aren't the activist breaking the law with their constant harassment and attempt at disabling the whaling ships?
New Zealand, Norway, Japan and a few others still practice whaling, as part of their heritage. I remember the story National Geographic did recently on the Eskimos taking the Norwhals in Alaska. Generally, I hate it when someone comes up with a cause and then tries to ram it down my throat so I am back and forth on this one. I feel for the fisherman who are trying to preserve their way of life but in no way do I believe the whales should be harvested anymore. I visited the Whaling Museum and the Bethel in New Bedford, MA. The impression I had was that whaling was done. I guess it is for the US proper.
I understand the emotional powderkeg involved with the issue but, does anyone have unbiased data on whether or not their harvest presents a danger to sustainability? What a waste of a resource, those animals are unbelievable.
I did see where the captain was banished from Greenpeace. It appears that he was a charter member (#8) when Greenpeace began but Greenpeace has distanced themselves from this guy. They claim they disagree with his tactics, he claims they are jelous of his results.

[RABBITFISH]

If those guys were protesting the catching of Salmon, or trout or tuna whatever, could they pull off those stunts to you? I wonder exactly how far their responsibility goes when creating a dangerous situation like that?

:devil::devil::devil:

[Pipe_Dream]

Watching the first video twice, I felt it was likely that the Japanese ship turned into the SS vessel, because as RW said the SS boat didn't seem to be making any headway. The second video confirmed that this was indeed the case, in a big way. The Japanese captain may have felt he was going to force the other boat to veer away in time, but he was mistaken. Note how the hose spray continued, even after the collision.

Edit: I'm not taking a position on the pros or cons of the issue, only the collision.

[Road King Cole]

I am all for the protection of endangered species and stuff like that, but greenpeace and PETA just makes a mockery of their own campaigns with all the stupid stunts they pull.

[RidgeRunner]

If those guys were protesting the catching of Salmon, or trout or tuna whatever, could they pull off those stunts to you?

That is my question, anybody know exactly when it would be allowed to go on the offense against such protest? The Japanese seem to be there legally.



I wonder exactly how far their responsibility goes when creating a dangerous situation like that?

They brag that they are responsible for sinking 10 Whaling ships so far.

:devil::devil::devil:


Rules of crossing at sea, the vessel on port must give way to the vessel on the starboard. The Japanese ship seems to be in the wrong and indeed aiming for the smaller boat. If the Sea Shepherd didn't get into trouble for ramming and sinking 10 whaling ships I see little or no consequence for the Japanese disabling the Ady Gil.?

[RWilson2526]

I read enough. If there is no treaty prohibiting whaling then aren't the activist breaking the law with their constant harassment and attempt at disabling the whaling ships?
.

If I remember from the show I believe that Japan is a voluntary member of the ICW or whatever acronym it is. The environmentalist's beef is that they signed the treaty but they are still doing it. If they wouldn't have signed it then it would appear that no one could have a legal problem.

[reelapeelin]

That Japanese Captain should lose his license...it's clear as a bell, particularly from the 2nd video, that he intentionally steered his boat into the smaller vessel...they can hose 'em down all they wanna, but turning into them without regard to life and saftey should not be overlooked...

I believe it's a shame some cultures are still killing some of the most magnificent animals that ever existed on this planet...but as long as I continue to enjoy a good steak as much as I do, then who am I to throw off on others who use whale oil and eat the flesh...

[nymack66]

All I will say is don't hold your breath on any scientific reports showing the depletion of Whales any time soon from this Whale eating nation.
As a meat eater myself (not Whale) I will say control harvest is the way to go. If a nation as poor as my former country Guyana can adhere do this then certainly a nation like Japan can.
See this link for details http://www.gmtcs.org.gy/gmtcsareas/areas_speciesconservation.htm

[randlemanboater]

that captain (if he in fact really is one) is a tool and is going to get someone killed.


YEP.

But he does have his own TV show.

[spareparts]

hmmmmm, whale meat, wonder if it taste anything like baby seal or manatee:hide:

[phatdaddy]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSfQoC_6Fpk&feature=related

country joe mcdonald "save the whales"

[chumbucket]

YEP.

But he does have his own TV show.
True. But it seems all that is involved in getting your own reality TV show is to get the attention of one network producer by doing something rediculous. Like crashing a White House party or creating a hoax where your son disappears and may have been carried away on a weather balloon.
That guy probably got his show by fellating a Sperm Whale or something.

[RidgeRunner]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSfQoC_6Fpk&feature=related

country joe mcdonald "save the whales"

Very nice, never heard it. My favorite mariners tune Wreck of th Edm Fitz, Gordon Lightfoot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6U219P_zs7w&feature=related

:party:

[parishht]

hmmmmm, whale meat, wonder if it taste anything like baby seal or manatee:hide:


Maybe it tastes like chicken.

Anyway, if all the whales are killed, then the starship Entrprise will have to
come backin time to kidnap a male and female whale to save the Earth from
being swallowed by a giant space tube.

[charlie_the_tuna]

hmmmmm, whale meat, wonder if it taste anything like baby seal or manatee:hide:

i understand its similar to condor.

but seriously, we (man) have absolutely destroyed this planet and have directly caused the extinction of 99% of the species that ever lived.

i'll say that again. we have directly caused the extinction of 99% of the species that ever lived.

so what's another species give or take. this planet will collapse in on itself sooner or later. the only hope this planet has for survival is for man to become extinct. sad but true.

[bcmarinamanager]

That Japanese Captain should lose his license...it's clear as a bell, particularly from the 2nd video, that he intentionally steered his boat into the smaller vessel...they can hose 'em down all they wanna, but turning into them without regard to life and saftey should not be overlooked...

I believe it's a shame some cultures are still killing some of the most magnificent animals that ever existed on this planet...but as long as I continue to enjoy a good steak as much as I do, then who am I to throw off on others who use whale oil and eat the flesh...

I agree Reel. Even if the Jap didn't turn INTO the SS boat, it is his (Jap Capt.)RESPONSIBILITY to avoid any colliosion at any time. Even if he did have the right of way, it is the responsibility of every captain to avoid collisions regardless of right-of-way. The second vid did appear to show the Jap boat turning into the SS boat.


Charlie, how exactly has man destroyed 99% of species that have ever lived on this planet? The asteroid that killed the dinosaurs can't even compete with that. I don't agree with whaling, but that seems to be a really big stretch. Kinda like "global warming". The planet and mother Earth is far more powerful at keeping natural balance than humans give her credit for. I'm not disputing the fact that man has caused the extinction of thousands (probably) of species, but lets get real.

[charlie_the_tuna]

hey bc, this is fact.
transformation of landscape.
overexploitation of species.
pollution.
introduction of alien species.
the sixth extinction is directly attributed to homo sapiens. phase one began when humans began to explore and disperse to different regions of the world.
phase two can be attributed to the beginning of agriculture.
wherever early humans migrated, other species became extinct. earth cannot sustain the trend in human population. it is reaching its limit in carrying capacity. less than 10% of the worlds species have survived the worlds sixth mass extinction. none are expected to survive the next one.
some experts have estimated that up to half of presently existing species will become extinct by 2100.
by the mid 1980's tropical rainforests were being cleared at a rate of 20 million acres per year.
i wrote a 40 page paper on this very subject in college. i still have about 39.75 pages of information left on the subject.
we are poison. the fact is, earth can not sustain itself at the rate at which we are depleting its resources.
most of these findings say the damage, for the most part is reversable but we are making very slow strides toward that end.
99%. FACT!

[bcmarinamanager]

...well, lets all start killing ourselves then! God save the dung beatle!!!!!!!

[willy]

Just started to read further into this post and I am against whaling as being done by the Japanese. It just does not make sense.

But I do take exception to your statement above that humans are directly responsible for the extinction of 99% of anything.
Got to tell you, that sounds like the kind of tripe that is spewed by the Al Gore University Greenie carbon footprint types that has been used to indoctrinate kids in schools for decades now and is based on theories and conjecture of people with an agenda.
Just like global warming.
That being said, mankind has done a lot of bad things to our ecology, rainforest destruction is one big example. Pollution of our oceans and streams is another.
We have also, especially in this country done a great deal to clean up our act. We have also paid billions to help other nations get their act together thru direct treaties and thru the U.N
We can also do a lot more, but I am not going to go live in a cave and eat sprouts and kill off every other human born so that a species of tri-segmented sponge beetles can survive in a world that nature itself is constantly evolving species wise.

[phatdaddy]

i would have written a 10 page paper and saved a tree......

[reelapeelin]

Nor am I in favor of killing every other child born...but if we don't eventually take some pre-conception action to get the Earth's human population under control, natural selection, POST conception will do it for us...too many resource-wasting humans aboard this little dust ball we're ridin' around space on...it'll all run out at this rate...we need to start remembering that we don't OWN this place...just borrowing it for the time we are here, and whatever's left gets handed over to our children...hope we're leaving enough to sustain them...

[RWilson2526]

i would have written a 10 page paper and saved a tree......

:you::you::you:

[bcmarinamanager]

Nor am I in favor of killing every other child born...but if we don't eventually take some pre-conception action to get the Earth's human population under control, natural selection, POST conception will do it for us...too many resource-wasting humans aboard this little dust ball we're ridin' around space on...it'll all run out at this rate...we need to start remembering that we don't OWN this place...just borrowing it for the time we are here, and whatever's left gets handed over to our children...hope we're leaving enough to sustain them...

you said it Reel. If we would quit babying all those murderers and other assorted thugs and just put them out of our missery, that would help a lot. And just think about how good it would be for our environment when we get rid of all that methane gas they excrete while locked up!!!

[bradford]

Legal or not, don't ya think the Japanese captain and crew eventually get tired of being screwed with by these jokers? I think I might veer to starboard myself.

[randlemanboater]

Not trying to stir the pot, just trying to wrap my feeble mind around this.

So out of all the species to have lived on the planet, there are only 1% of them left on Earth?

[RidgeRunner]

I can't see the 1% remaining either, not trying to pick a fight. It is what it is. I just find it hard to believe that we are responsible for the demise of 99% when we are still adding newly discovered species all the time. Where is the categorized list? Let's start with mammals. You may be right but it can't have happenned in my short lifetime. Taking whales ain't right for me, but if whaling is a sustainable fishery, my opinion don't count for much.
The footage taken from the Bob Barker showed how fast the Japanese Vessel was moving atop some pretty big swell. The captain had enough room to steer away but he obviously turned in. It looks to me like a 20 degree or greater course change over the time frame of a couple waves. Then a last minute turn away without the same wave action plowing on the bow and BAM. Destroyed in seconds. The Japanese captain put them all at risk but the enviros were there at their own risk to start with IMO.

Please forward the following to the Sea Shephard,
"Ridge Runner has three vessels that can be used/wasted ramming whaling ships. All three vessels could be carried on deck and all three can be had for less $$$ than you spent on fuel for your last voyage. Since you are hell bent on destroying property the condition of the vessels are of no consequence. All vessels are Coast Guard equipped and are certified to make best ramming speed or better."

[randlemanboater]

Maybe CTT is saying that of the species that are extinct, humans are responcible for 99% of em............who knows.

What I don't understand about the hippies trying to stop the whalers is why don't they go ahead and use bombs and guns....they are already assaulting the Japanese by throwing acid at them and trying to damage their props.....if you are going to use force....USE FORCE!

[willy]

Because that is piracy on the high seas, and when you start doing that laws of nations fall apart and the seas become a no mans land where anything goes whatever your agenda or your greed or your particular taste for evil.

[bcmarinamanager]

Because that is piracy on the high seas, and when you start doing that laws of nations fall apart and the seas become a no mans land where anything goes whatever your agenda or your greed or your particular taste for evil.

Hell yeah, lets take it back to the 1600's when piracy was in it's hey-day! That sounds like it could be fun.

[randlemanboater]

Hell yeah, lets take it back to the 1600's when piracy was in it's hey-day! That sounds like it could be fun.

Right up until you get hit in the head with a cannon ball.

[bcmarinamanager]

HAHAHA excellent point. You just gotta duck and cover, and always be the first one firing.