At the end of 2003, we had just started our campaign to expose the dolphin killings in Taiji, Japan. I had rejoined the crew of the Farley Mowat in Seattle. The situation in Taiji was tense, with threats from whalers and nationalists, and some crew members needed to be replaced. Within days, I was on a flight to Tokyo, heading to Taiji, the “Killing Cove.”

At that time, Sea Shepherd didn’t have the profile it does today, so travel was relatively easy. We rented a small camper van near the Killing Cove, rising at 4 a.m. each day to head to the coast, hoping the boats wouldn’t go out and the dolphins would be spared. The first few days were quiet, and we explored the town to understand the local situation. One of the first things I noticed was that all the whalers drove brand-new Mercedes, clearly profiting from selling dolphins to a nearby dolphin prison/training facility. It quickly became clear that this wasn’t about food; the dolphin captivity industry was big business in Taiji.

Our team consisted of Nick, Thomas, actor and activist Bill McNamara, and me. We later learned that Thomas and I were known as “German saboteurs,” suspected of being there to sink boats or disrupt operations.

After a few quiet days, the boats finally went out and returned with a pod of dolphins. Here’s how it works: 11 boats surround the dolphins, each lowering a metal, trumpet-shaped pipe into the water. A crew member bangs on the pipe, creating an impenetrable sound barrier that drives the dolphins toward the Killing Cove. Once in the bay, two net boats arrive to block the entrance, trapping the dolphins inside.

The dolphins are held for 24 hours because the whalers claim that their adrenaline must subside to improve the taste of the meat. But as we knew, this wasn’t about meat—it was about captivity. The dolphins were left to suffer, awaiting slaughter.

The next morning, I witnessed the selection process for the first—and only—time. Some healthy young dolphins were chosen for captivity, while the rest were brutally slaughtered. Families watched their relatives bleed out. Their panic and despair were horrific, and at that moment, I lost all faith in humanity.

Afterward, the whalers cut up the dolphins and had their “traditional barbecue.” The smell of grilled dolphin meat is something I’ll never forget. I felt powerless. But a few days later, Allison Lance joined the crew, and to my relief, she immediately announced her plan to free the next pod of dolphins. As this was a two-person job, I volunteered without hesitation.

For days, we waited, relieved when the boats stayed in port, all the while preparing for our mission. Then, one morning, the boats went out, and we suited up in our wetsuits beneath our clothes. We hid in the bushes, waiting for our team’s signal. Within hours, the boats returned, herding another pod into the cove. Once they left, we jumped into the water. Allison worked on the inner net while I tackled the outer. It was exhausting, but we managed to free some dolphins before being spotted. The whalers rushed in, running over Allison, who refused to let go of the net. We were forced to retreat and watched helplessly as the remaining dolphins were trapped.

The police were waiting for us, and we were arrested. We spent 23 days in police holding cells, separated and without outside communication. Despite the spartan conditions, we were treated respectfully. I’ll never forget the words of one officer: “What you did is against Japanese law, so we had to arrest you. But sacrificing your freedom and risking your life for the dolphins is honorable. Self-sacrifice is the way of the samurai, so I call you the Dolphin Samurai.” After 23 days, we paid an $8,000 fine. Considering we freed 15 dolphins, that’s $533 per dolphin—a price we were happy to pay.

THE FIGHT CONTINUES: Our Actions to Protect Dolphins Globally

> In the Mediterranean Sea

Sea Shepherd’s campaigns in the Mediterranean Sea like Operation Siso are vital in protecting dolphins by targeting illegal fishing practices that threaten marine life. By removing harmful gear like Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) and illegal driftnets, Sea Shepherd prevents dolphins from becoming entangled or killed. In collaboration with local authorities and communities, Sea Shepherd enforces fishing regulations and combats illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, safeguarding dolphin populations and preserving the Mediterranean ecosystem. 

> In West Africa's Waters

Sea Shepherd Global's campaigns in Africa play a crucial role in protecting dolphins by combating IUU fishing that contributes to dolphin deaths through bycatch and habitat destruction. Working closely with local governments, Sea Shepherd provides patrol vessels and the expertise of our crew to help bolster enforcement of fishing laws and protect marine ecosystems. These campaigns have resulted in the arrest of 99 vessels since 2016, ensuring a safer environment for dolphins and other marine wildlife in African waters. 

> In the Faroe Islands

Sea Shepherd has been fighting to end the brutal grindadrap dolphin and whale slaughters in the Faroe Islands since 1983. Following the mass killing of 1,428 dolphins in 2021, Sea Shepherd teamed up with Shared Planet to form the Stop the Grind coalition. This global initiative unites NGOs, politicians, and public figures to pressure the Faroese government through political, economic, and scientific means. By exposing the grim reality of the grind and advocating internationally, Sea Shepherd continues its efforts to protect dolphins in the Faroes. 

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