Main problem:
Whale hunting & marine wildlife exploitation
Subproblem:
Commercial whaling, dolphin hunts, industrial fishing & habitat destruction
Consequence:
Cetacean decline & food web disruption, Overfishing & depletion of fish stocks, Habitat loss & protection gaps
Solution:
Ocean patrols, direct-action conservation, wildlife protection & public advocacy

Captain Paul Watson Foundation – Defending Marine Life

Founded in 2022 by veteran marine conservationist Captain Paul Watson, the Captain Paul Watson Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting whales, dolphins and marine ecosystems through direct-action conservation. The foundation operates conservation vessels and organizes international campaigns to confront destructive activities at sea, document threats to marine wildlife and advocate for stronger protection.

Defending Whales

Whale protection is at the heart of the foundation's mission. Through Operation 86, its crews have worked to oppose commercial fin whaling in Iceland, monitoring whaling activities and drawing international attention to the continued killing of these magnificent animals. The foundation also campaigns against dolphin drive hunts in Taiji, Japan, where dolphins are captured for captivity or killed for meat.

Protecting Antarctica

The Southern Ocean supports an extraordinary ecosystem built around Antarctic krill, a small crustacean that provides essential food for whales, seals, penguins and many other species. Through Operation Krill Wars, the foundation challenges industrial krill fishing and raises awareness of its potential impact on the Antarctic food web. Its crews conduct vessel-based campaigns and document fishing activities to highlight the need for stronger protection of this fragile ecosystem.

Taking Action for Marine Wildlife

Beyond whales and dolphins, the foundation supports campaigns protecting endangered sea turtles, sharks and other marine species. Its work combines field operations, public education, scientific collaboration and international advocacy. In Costa Rica, Operation Jairo Mora supports sea turtle nesting protection, beach cleanups and environmental education in coastal communities.

A Commitment to Ocean Protection

The Captain Paul Watson Foundation believes that protecting marine life requires more than awareness alone. By placing crews and conservation vessels directly in threatened marine environments, the organization seeks to defend wildlife, expose harmful practices and inspire people worldwide to take action. Its mission is to ensure that future generations inherit oceans where whales, dolphins and other marine animals can live and thrive.