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January Update from the Frontlines

Dear John,

2025 Kickoff: Exposing Deception in the Vaquita Refuge

Thank you for standing with Sea Shepherd in 2024. Your generosity powered critical operations worldwide, from intercepting illegal fishing vessels to rescuing marine life caught in deadly nets. Take a moment to reflect on the incredible impact you helped make by watching this video.

But the fight is far from over. As we enter 2025, illegal fishers in the Vaquita Refuge are escalating their deceptive tactics, using legal handline fishing as a cover to deploy hidden gill nets. These nets silently wreak havoc, targeting totoaba for profit but killing far more marine life in the process.

Deception in Action

Last week, our crew aboard the Seahorse identified three pangas in the Zero Tolerance Area (ZTA). The fishers claimed to be handline fishing, presenting spotless documentation and boats seemingly free of illegal gear. But nearby buoys told another story. Investigations uncovered two massive gill nets—a 200-meter net and a 500-meter net—hidden in the area.

These fishers rely on plausible deniability to evade prosecution, but Sea Shepherd’s vigilance exposed their lies. Using advanced sonar, drones, and 24/7 monitoring, our crew worked with the Navy to retrieve both nets, protecting this fragile ecosystem from further destruction.

What’s Ahead in 2025

This year, we’re expanding our reach. In addition to maintaining a constant presence in the Vaquita Refuge, we’re ramping up operations in the Pacific, North Atlantic, Antarctica, Texas Gulf Coast, and Scorpion Reef. Whether intercepting poachers, rescuing entangled wildlife, or defending biodiversity in critical habitats, 2025 will be another year on the front lines.

Join the Fight as a Direct Action Crew Supporter

Want to make an even greater impact? Join Sea Shepherd’s Direct Action Crew, our community of monthly donors driving critical campaigns year-round. As a member, you’ll receive exclusive updates, access to a private store with DAC-only gear, and a 20% discount on all eStore purchases. Your support will strengthen our efforts to defend marine wildlife and safeguard our oceans for generations to come.

Thank you for helping us defend the oceans. Your commitment fuels everything we do.

For the Oceans,

The Captains, Crews, and Staff
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society