1. Donate

One of the biggest ways you can actively help stop the destructive practices harming the oceans, is to donate to Sea Shepherd. Over 90% of donations to Sea Shepherd go towards our campaigns, from the maintenance of our ships to keeping our crew fed and equipped for direct action: https://www.seashepherd.org.nz/get-involved/donate/

To make the greatest impact of all, choose the “monthly” donation option, which allows us to plan ahead and expand our operations wherever we’re needed! 

2. Go Plant-Based

Now we know animal agriculture and the industrial fishing complex are killing the ocean. Our growing demand for inexpensive fish means corporations are overfishing, sourcing fish from illegal operations, destroying habitats, and threatening the existence of many marine species who are killed as bycatch. On land, factory farm runoff pollutes waterways and causes dead zones, while farm animals such as pigs, chickens, and even farmed salmon are being fed “fishmeal” made from wild fish. 

One of the most impactful things you can do is to switch to a plant-based diet. That’s why our ships are 100% vegan. There are many free resources for how you can easily switch to a healthy, plant-based diet, as well as vegan alternatives to your favorite dishes, like the Fishless Bouillabaisse recipe from our Vegan for the Ocean event.

3. Get Involved locally, be an onshore volunteer!

A proactive way to take action is by volunteering and engaging with your local marine conservation movements, or start your own! Sea Shepherd is very much a grassroots movement that depends on thousands of onshore volunteers all over the world to help defend, conserve, and protect the ocean. From beach cleanups to educational outreach to fundraising and Sea Shepherd merchandise sales, our onshore volunteers are essential to our mission. We have many local chapters, so you can start by seeing what’s closest to you and contact the Sea Shepherd volunteer coordinator in that country: https://www.seashepherdglobal.org/global/locations/

4. Volunteer at Sea 

If you want to be on the frontlines and are willing to commit to months at sea, long hours, dangerous conditions and extreme weather - then you might be ready to join Neptune’s Navy! Sea Shepherd’s fleet is crewed by volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, from all over the world. While those with technical skills are given priority, we also need deckhands to keep the ship running smoothly. Learn more about how to apply for a spot on our next campaign: https://www.seashepherdglobal.org/get-involved/volunteer-sea/

5. Spread the Word 

Raising awareness is a term that has been abused by so many organizations looking to cash in on people trying to do the right thing, but ultimately, we only have power in numbers. Taking action in the ways listed above is critical to making a difference, but alongside that, by raising awareness within your own social circles you’re creating a butterfly effect that will change the world for the better. Tell your friends and family about the damage industrial fishing causes. Hold a viewing party for documentaries like Seaspiracy and share Sea Shepherd’s posts on socials to spread the word. To stay well informed, you can get timely and frequent updates to the situation via our monthly e-newsletter: seashepherdglobal.org/newsletter-signup

6. Support the Mission by Shopping Sea Shepherd Merch

You can spread the word and support direct action ocean conservation campaigns through Sea Shepherd’s collection of shirts, hoodies, jewelry, skateboards and so much more. All of our products go through the most stringent sustainability production processes. A majority of merchandise proceeds helps fund our ships and crew on the frontlines. By wearing our merch, you spread the word about ocean conservation issues on the streets and into public consciousness. Find your local store here: www.seashepherdstore.com