Arguably the most effective marine conservation organisation in the world.

Our latest Tipping Point Cocktail evening was with Sea Shepherd Global CEO Alex Cornelissen, Sea Shepherd Director of Campaigns, Peter Hammarstedt, Sea Shepherd Director of Italy, Andreas Morello and Sea Shepherd Director of Greece, Valia Stefanoudaki.

For those who may not know, Sea Shepherd is a direct action marine conservation organisation but they are also arguably the most effective marine conservation organisation in the world. Through direct action campaigns, Sea Shepherd has been and is increasingly on the frontline, never shying away to protect and when necessary defend the living seas.

Their commitment is unwavering and their courage unflinching and this translates into campaigns whose impacts are in real time. Every day that Sea Shepherd spends at sea makes a difference. It is impressive but also deeply inspiring and empowering. Where others talk, Sea Shepherd does and they are now preparing for the second campaign in Greece to protect and defend the marine park of Alonissos; the largest marine protected area (MPA) in Europe.

Marine protected areas have the potential to be pockets of resilience in otherwise fast degrading seas and oceans. But, to allow for regeneration and the resilience that biodiversity brings, these areas need to be patrolled and protected from illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Sea Shepherd has signed an MoU with the Greek Ministry of Environment to assist in the patrolling of the national MPA to stop and prevent illegal fishing. With warming temperatures, acidification of the oceans and pollution wreaking havoc on marine life and ecosystems, it is critical to combat the added stress on marine environments from IUU fishing. Considering it accounts for 15-40% of the global catch, stopping illegal operators is essential to saving the oceans from collapse.

We also have to remember that with each catch there is also an enormous amount of by-catch. About 40% of fish catch worldwide is unintentionally caught and is partly thrown back into the sea either dead or dying.

By some estimates, Industrial-scale violations of fishing bans and protected areas are the reason why more than half of the world’s major fishing grounds have been depleted and over 90% of the ocean’s large fish have vanished.

Illegal fishing is a massive industry directly threatening the livelihoods of millions of people living in coastal communities across the world, it is a major driver of the marine ecosystem’s destruction and is often linked to appalling human rights violations and slavery at sea but, it is also worth up to $23.5bn annually, the third most lucrative natural resource crime after timber and mining; so the interests are huge.

Trying to police illegal fishing once catches have landed is near impossible. The only way to identify and shut down illegal fishing is to confront it at sea. Sea Shepherd has quite naturally stepped into this role after their epic 110 day chase of the Spanish-owned Thunder; a notoriously lucrative illegal fishing vessel. The chase took place in 2015 and was the longest pursuit of an illegal fishing vessel; it began in the waters of Antarctica and ended when the captain of the Thunder scuttled his ship off the western coast of Africa to destroy incriminating evidence. Chasing Thunder, a film documenting the 110 day chase is a remarkable example of the dedication and effectiveness of Sea Shepherd.

Since catching Thunder, Sea Shepherd have signed agreements with a number of African countries to fight poaching and overfishing. Successful campaigns have already been conducted in partnership with authorities in Gabon, São Tomé & Princípe, Liberia, Benin, The Gambia, Namibia and Tanzania. The results have been monumental; some 80 industrial fishing vessels sailing under international flags have been arrested. This is not only protecting ecosystems but hugely benefits coastal communities as poaching vessels are now staying away. So yes, Sea Shepherd is arguably the most effective marine conservation organisation and considering the challenges we collectively face, it is important to remember that action is the antidote to despair and the time for action is now. In fact, the resounding call from the latest IPCC report; it is now or never.

Back to the Mediterranean. Once healthy and thriving, the Med is better known today as the world's most overfished sea. It is also one of the fastest warming seas due to climate change and one of the most polluted. It may still look beautiful but it is struggling and ultimately the sea's struggles become our own. So, a lot is riding on this moment. Sea Shepherd with their no-nonsense direct action and real time impact could not have arrived in Greece too soon. Although we cannot all join a ship and sail to the front line we can donate and support to keep Sea Shepherd at sea doing what they do so well.

If you feel inspired and want to help protect the Greek seas you can be a part of the Alonissos campaign by donating here. Every little bit counts.

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