‘The most powerful weapon in the world is a camera,’ says anti-whaling activist Paul Watson

Interview

Anti-whaling activist Paul Watson arrived in France on Friday after spending five months in detention in Greenland based on an Interpol red notice requested by Japan. He spoke to FRANCE 24 about his time in detention and his plans for the future.

22/12/2024 - 
By: FRANCE 24

18:48

Anti-whaling activist Paul Watson © FRANCE 24

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

Watson, 74, a Canadian-American citizen, was released on Tuesday after Denmark refused an extradition request from Japan.

Japan is one of three countries to conduct commercial whaling along with Iceland and Norway.

Watson said he and his group were likely targeted because their TV series, Whale Wars, "reached millions of people" and was exposing illegal whaling operations in the Southern Ocean whale sanctuary.

"So we embarrassed Japan, that's what this is all about."

Exposing illegal activities is still the way forward, Watson said. “The most powerful weapon in the world is a camera.”

Watson noted that Denmark, which rules the autonomous territory of Greenland, was not obligated to arrest him based on the Interpol red notice issued at the request of Japan. But the country has interests that dovetail with Japan's, notably the dolphin and pilot whale kills in the Faroe Islands, which he says are illegal under EU law.

Most residents of the islands hold Danish passports, he said, and "shouldn't be allowed to enjoy the benefits of EU membership if they are not going to abide by EU regulations and laws".

'Aggressive non-violence'

Speaking in Paris earlier in the day, Watson promised to continue his battle.

"One way or the other we are going to end whaling worldwide," Watson told reporters in central Paris, where several hundred supporters gathered to greet him.

"We need to learn to live on this planet in harmony with all those other species that share this world with us."

French President Emmanuel Macron had pressed Danish authorities not to extradite Watson, who has applied for French nationality and has been living in France since 2023.

Watson's Sea Shepherd association is known for using direct-action tactics in confrontations with Japanese ships as they slaughtered hundreds of whales every year, allegedly for "scientific purposes". Watson calls such tactics "aggressive non-violence" – direct intervention aimed at halting illegal activities that stops short of hurting anyone.

"If Japan intends to return to the Southern Ocean we will be there," he said.

Sea Shepherd activists say Japanese whaling vessels have used "military-grade" acoustic weapons and water cannon to fend off their inflatable boats.

Watson is the founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and the Captain Paul Watson Foundation.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)