Interview with a Pirate: Captain Paul Watson

Captain Paul Watson%E2%80%94is he a pirate, eco-terrorist, or hero? In this interview with Lamya Essemlali, executive director of Sea Shepherd France, Watson reveals his passions, struggles, frustrations, and concerns for the future. Identified by Time magazine as one of the greatest 20th century ecologists, Watson is likely the world's best-known champion of the oceans because of his work in defending and protecting marine life like whales, seals, sharks and porpoises. He believes that fishing is the most ecologically destructive activity on the planet. As captain of the Sea Shepherd, he has used aggressive, direct-action tactics against those who threaten the existence of these animals, through illegally hunting, capture or mass slaughter. Watson has confronted governments and industrial fishing fleets from many nations, disrupting their activities by cutting nets, rescuing illegal catches, and acting as a human shield. His drive to protect the oceans is fuelled by his concern for the sustainability of life on Earth if current resource management practices continue. He believes that biocentrism, which recognizes the interdependence of all species, urgently needs to replace our current human-centered focus. The book serves up a smorgasbord of anecdotes, explanations and justifications that provide ample food for thought for any ecologically conscious individual pondering our future. (Feb.) North American Distribution: Firefly books