Tuesday, 20 September 2011

Ocean Giants

I've been watching a new tv series 'Ocean Giants'. It's really well made, with awesome info and beautiful cinematography. Try to find it if you can.



One of my favourite moments was when dolphins were exploring a mirror. They were very self-aware and interested in seeing themselves.

Sunday, 18 September 2011

Migaloo2

Sunday 18th September 2011
Migaloo 2, a yacht bought to raise awareness on important issues facing whales, dolphins and ocean health, recently arrived to the Gold Coast. Crew members Dean Jefferys and Howie Cookie, from Surfers For Cetaceans, invited Sea Shepherd Gold Coast to attend a ceremony in the water. On Sunday morning, we all met up at the Migaloo 2, docked near Sea World, to create a Commemorative Circle for all the Dolphins killed and captured in Japan. The event was streamed live at http://migaloo2.com/  and even made the evening news! Afterwards, we all relaxed aboard the yacht and learned more about the Migaloo 2 campaign.

Dean Jefferys said “We are sailing along the east coast of Australia to Hervey Bay during the humpback whale migration visiting ports along the way showing films and giving talks about critical issues facing whales, dolphins and marine health. We also plan to do lots of live internet streaming from Migaloo 2 so the whole world including the Japanese can see what amazing beings the whales and dolphins really are".


Thursday, 15 September 2011

Open

I'm opening my blog tonight. It's mostly going out to my friends on 'Facebook' and 'Mixi'<- Japanese Facebook equivalent.

Welcome everyone!
This year I have really become involved in marine conservation.
There are some great groups working for the oceans, including:
Sea Shepherd              http://www.seashepherd.org/who-we-are/
Surfers for Cetaceans  http://www.s4cglobal.org/
Humpbacks and Highrises http://www.hhr.org.au/
Maybe you have one of your own.

Recently I've become co-coordinator for my local Sea Shepherd chapter.
Therefore you will see many posts about Sea Shepherd here.
Many of you are already fans of this organisation. Great!
If you think we are 'pirates' or 'eco-terr*sts', hopefully that image will change over time.
If you simply don't know what Sea Shepherd is, that's ok, you will soon find out.

I have quite a few Japanese friends. I've written you a welcome here:
http://suzsea.blogspot.com/2011/09/1st-entry.html
The most important thing I have to tell you is that Sea Shepherd is not anti-Japanese like your media wants you to think.
Actually we have many Japanese members, and we are very glad about that.(/~^_^)/~

Alternatively, here is a Japanese marine conservation group. Elsa nature conservancy
 Thanks Misato, for the info

Anaconda

On Sunday 11th Sept, six of us Gold Coast Sea Shepherds volunteered to work at Palm Beach's 'Anaconda Adventure Race'. We were marshalls, directing the athletes, cutting fruit for them, handing out drinks, packing up afterwards. The organisers of the event promised a considerable donation to Sea Shepherd, in return for our effort. I'm greatful for that. Also I'd like to mention the athletes, who all tried so hard, swimming, running, kayaking and cycling. Great job everyone.

Photo by Lucy Zhou

Merchandise

I've received my first shipment of Sea Shepherd merchandise, from head office. I'm going to sell it mainly at the markets, but let me know if you'd like to buy anything. We have tshirts, hats, drink bottles, flags, baby items, kids tshirts, patches and stickers.


Alternatively, we have non-official merchandise for sale. Bags, pencil cases, tea towels, huge flags, bandanas, wrist bands, stickers, necklaces, CDs.


All profits go directly to Sea Shepherd campaigns. Almost all our crew and staff work for free. I don't get payed at all. Rest assured, your money will go directly to where it is needed most.

Burleigh Beach

On Sunday 4th Sept, I went down to Burleigh Beach, with some of my Sea Shepherd team. Every Sunday night, the locals gather there, for drumming, fire twirling, dancing and chillin with friends. It's a great place to meet like minded people. Indeed we did meet new people interested in Sea Shepherd!

Pic found in Google

One man we met, who was wearing our logo, is a fashion designer! Dave designs eco-friendly fashion with an environmental message.

Wednesday, 14 September 2011

Paint for a Porpoise

On Sat 3rd of Sept, I went to an art auction 'Paint for a Porpoise', at Cabarita Beach. All funds raised went to Surfers for Cetaceans (S4C), an awesome cause. There were some great artworks, I met some interesting people, it was a good night. The highlight of the evening was listening to artist and S4C founder Howie Cooke's speech about his oceanic experiences. Howie and Eli also sang us some moving songs they wrote.






 

"Surfers for Cetaceans is committed to activating ocean-minded people everywhere to support the conservation and protection of whales, dolphins and marine life. It's through compassion, awareness, education, media and dedicated interventions that we will accomplish this goal. We seek to be a human voice for and defender of cetaceans worldwide".  Quote from http://www.s4cglobal.org/

Tuesday, 6 September 2011

Filmography

Sea Shepherd docu-movies:

Eco Pirate. The story of Paul Watson
Confessions of an eco terrorist
30 Years on the Frontline (20min)
At the Edge of the World
Pirate for the Sea
The Cove
Sharkwater
End of the Line
Minds in the water <- New Australian Film

If there is some that I'm not aware of, let me know.

Sea Shepherd tv series:
Whale Wars, Seasons 1 to 4. Seen on Animal Planet.

Docu Night

On Friday, 2nd of September, I went to a friend's house, to watch Sea Shepherd documentaries. We watched 'Pirate for the Sea' about Paul Watson's early life. Also watched 'At the Edge of the World', which is the preliminary to Whale Wars.
I'll post a Sea Shepherd Filmography next.


My friend is a fulltime wildlife carer. He cares for injured birds and possums, all for free. In the future he hopes to open up his own wildlife rehabilitation centre. Should you wish to help him, either by donating money, boxes or blankets, or anything else, let me know.



International Taiji Protest

September 1st was the day Taiji, Japan started it's annual dolphin hunt. By no coincidence, this was also "International Day of Awareness, For the Dolphins of Taiji". It was organised by the makers of The Cove, Earth Island.
http://www.countdowntocove.com/ The countdown to Sep 1st
http://www.savejapandolphins.org/ A branch of Earth Island, run by Ric OBarry.
http://www.facebook.com/Savemistythedolphin Another branch of Earth Island.
 

Many cities decided to participate worldwide. I decided Brisbane should participate too! Therefore an events page was made up, and I helped promote the event via Facebook. By the end, almost 90 people rsvp as 'attending'. One week before the event, I realised no one has obtained a Police Permit yet *_* So I took responsibility, wrote a formal letter to the police, filled out paperwork, did some scanning, faxing, signing, made phone calls. And got the Permit, Express!

The Brisbane protest itself, went very well! A lot better than I expected! About 30 people turned up, infront of the Japanese Consulate. They had signs, flyers and even life sized dolphins! One printing company made a $300 banner for free! Sadly, my boss wouldn't give me the day off! Therefore I was unable to attend the protest. It's all good, Teresa took my place, plus the Permit. Thanks Teresa. And a big Thank You to everybody who attended! 


 Photo by Jaxybelle

 Photo by Jaxybelle
  Photo by Jaxybelle

  Photo by Jaxybelle

If you would like to hire Jaxybelle, please see here  http://jaxybelle.zenfolio.com/

Sea Shepherd Local Newsletter

Also on Sun 28th Aug, I typed up my first Sea Shepherd 'local' newsletter. This one is free to subscribe to.
I'd also recommend subscribing to the official world-wide Sea Shepherd newsletter, written by Captain Paul Watson. However, this one costs $50 for one year. All funds go directly to oceanic campaigns.


It does continue on. Contact me if you'd like to read the rest.

A big thank you to Aaron for designing the layout! Also for helping with the subscription program.

The Cove on TV

On Sun 28th August, The Cove, aired on Australain free-to-air tevelision! Amazing! It really was a huge deal to those of us who know about it. It meant that the general public was able to find out about Taiji's dolphin hunt too. The more people who know about it, the more who will stand up and oppose the hunt!

To see The Cove, visit your local videostore or library, buy the DVD or watch it online.

Synopsis
Academy Award® Winner for Best Documentary of 2009, THE COVE follows an elite team of activists, filmmakers and freedivers as they embark on a covert mission to penetrate a remote and hidden cove in Taiji, Japan, shining a light on a dark and deadly secret. Utilizing state-of-the-art techniques, including hidden microphones and cameras in fake rocks, the team uncovers how this small seaside village serves as a horrifying microcosm of massive ecological crimes happening worldwide. The result is a provocative mix of investigative journalism, eco-adventure and arresting imagery, adding up to an unforgettable story that has inspired audiences worldwide to action.

http://www.thecovemovie.com/the_cove/synopsis.htm

Monday, 5 September 2011

Under The Sea Party

On August 26th, I went to an Under The Sea party, run by Humpacks and HighRises. It was great, almost everyone was dressed up in theme. We had a polar bear, shark, star fish, sea weed, jellyfish, squid, lobster, mermaid, The Titanic, water, SpongeBob, a sea urchin, Neptune, nudibranch, pirate and many more. I was a dolphin. There were some great raffle prizes and auctions too! I bought a learn-to-dive voucher. I'm excited about that.



Also at the party, I met Alex St Clair, the movie director/ producer of the upcoming mermaid film 'Mother Sea'. At the moment, everything is quite secretive about the movie. Plus I met a whole lot of other really awesome people.

Narwhals

I recently discovered the existance of Narwhals! Wow unicorn whales *_* Amazing animals! And also sadly hunted.

Sunday, 4 September 2011

Welcome


みんなさん ようこそ 私のブログへ。
Hi everyone, welcome to my blog.

スーザンです。私の日本語なまえはアキです。
I'm Suzan, or Aki in Japanese.

日本が大好き。大阪に 一年間すんでいました。
I'm interested in Japan, I lived in Osaka for one year.

そして 海も大好きです。
My other great interest is the oceans.

今 海は大変な事になっています。
Right now, our oceans are in terrible trouble.

だから 私は 海を助けてあげたい。
I'm doing my part to help save the ocean and all it's animals.

それがこのブログの趣旨です。
That's what this blog is about.

ご自由に私の経験を御覧ください
Feel free to read about my experiences.