Paul Watson, a prominent anti-whaling environmentalist and founder of the Sea Shepherd and Captain Paul Watson Foundation, was arrested in Nuuk, Greenland on July 21, 2024. The arrest was made under an international warrant issued by Japan. Watson's ship, the John Paul DeJoria, had just docked in Nuuk to refuel before continuing its journey to intercept Japan's new whaling factory vessel in the North Pacific.
Watson is known for his direct action tactics against whaling ships at sea and has a long history of confrontations with the industry. The arrest was unexpected as CPWF reported that the Interpol Red Notice related to Watson's previous anti-whaling activities in the Antarctic had been withdrawn.
Japan argues that eating whale is part of Japanese culture and an issue of food security in the resource-poor country. However, consumption of whale has fallen significantly from around 200 times the current amount in the 1960s. Japan's newly-built factory ship, the Kangei Maru, sets off from Japan and butchers whales caught by smaller vessels. It boasts a powerful winch and 40 freezer containers.
The arrest was made without comment from Japan but its coastguard is aware and will take appropriate steps. The CPWF said that it suspects Japan intends to resume high-seas whaling in the Southern Ocean and North Pacific by 2025.
Watson's arrest is believed to be related to a former Red Notice issued for his previous anti-whaling interventions in the Antarctic region. He was detained in Germany in 2012 on a Costa Rican extradition warrant but skipped bail after learning that he was also sought for extradition by Japan. He has since lived in countries including France and the United States.
The CPWF said it implores the Danish government to release Watson and not entertain Japan's politically-motivated request. The foundation added that it believes the reactivation of the Red Notice against Watson is coinciding with the launch of Japan's new factory ship.
