Every September 1st, an annual hunt beings; a hunt for wild dolphins. From September to March, wild dolphins are hunted and driven into a natural cove of water along the shores of Taiji, Japan. Some are sold into captivity, most are slaughtered for human consumption.
In November 2010, I went to the Cove as a volunteer for one week. At the end of that week, I extended my stay to three weeks. At the end of three weeks, I extended my stay in Japan to four months. For 110 days I stood on the rocky shores of the Cove and watched, helplessly, while the lives of dolphins were shattered by my own species. The only way I could fight was via my photography and writing. So I wrote and I photographed and I sent those words and pictures around the world.
I left Japan in March of 2011 and now, finally, it's time to go back. This coming September I will travel to Japan for the third time and stand with Ric O'Barry (star of the Academy Award winning documentary, The Cove) and the incredible people of Save Japan Dolphins. The purpose of our being there is not to encourage anti-Japan feelings and actions, but to work with the local people and raise awareness about the importance of cetaceans and the dangers of consuming their mercury-laden meat.
In order to make this odyssy possible for me, I need to fundraise a minimum of $3,000 to cover airfare ($1,500), train travel within Japan, rental car in Taiji, food, accommodation, International driver's license and any emergency needs that arise while overseas.
During the week I am in Japan, I will be video blogging so that you can follow, should you choose, the work we are doing at the Cove. These video blogs will show exactly what we do while at the Cove, how we interact with local people and the behind-the-scenes work that happens when involved with an International campaign. Diplomacy and respect are key and are two aspects of my work in Japan that mean the most to me as a person and as a conservationist.
In addition to standing with Ric O'Barry and supporting Save Japan Dolphins, I will also be representing my own marine conservation non-profit, Blue Ocean Foundation. All donations to this campaign are tax-deductable due to my 501c3 status.
Please, support my work and help me raise awareness about the Cove.
For more information, watch the documentary, The Cove.
For the Salty Ones,
Liberty
