According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, billions of pounds of trash and other contaminants enter the ocean annually. So, it seems like we’re going backward in our efforts to combat the pollution-related issues plaguing the ocean and its life forms. But thanks to teams like the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS), not all hope is lost.
It was June 1977 when passionate activist Paul Watson founded the SSCS (formerly known as the “Earth Force Society”). Together with his small group of supporters, Watson set out to protect and conserve all marine life by any means necessary. From ramming boats into the ships of perpetrators to throwing bottles of putrid liquids onto sea vessels, nothing would stop the team from fighting for a chance to protect all oceanic life.
“From ramming boats into the ships of perpetrators to throwing bottles of putrid liquids onto sea vessels…”
You might be wondering how a team of eco-bandits could get away with such violent and aggressive strategies. Property damage and generating hazardous working environments are, after all, unlawful offenses. Truth is, the SSCS acted on behalf of the law, enforcing the rules when the government(s) turned a blind eye. Peter Brown, a longtime friend of Watson and crew member of the Sea Shepherd, captured these moments over the years. And in the never-before-seen footage of these campaigns, he shows us the lives they’ve saved using the revolutionary tactics that infuriated foreign research groups. His documentary, Eco-Terrorist: Battle for Our Planet, shows the highs and lows of advocating for the protection of seas and marine wildlife all over the world, revealing the fascinating secrets to successful missions over the last 40 years. Equal parts educational and entertaining, Eco-Terrorist is a must-watch for documentary fans.
"…the SSCS acted on behalf of the law, enforcing the rules when the government(s) turned a blind eye."
