Closest Of Friends. Again.

Pete Bethune of Earthrace Conservation, and Sea Shepherd have reached an agreement, following arbitration in their long-running legal dispute.

Bethune and Watson

The aggro between SS and Bethune arose after Ady Gil was damaged in the 2010 Sthrn Oceans campaign, while trying to stop Japanese whaling. It was rammed deliberately by Japanese security vessel Shonan Maru 2 and, after a period of towing, was abandoned. Under signed 2009 agreements between Bethune and SS, if the vessel was lost or destroyed, SS would make certain payments to Bethune: the arbitration was regarding the amount.
Bethune: "I'm happy the case has reached its conclusion and am pleased with the result. Fighting between individuals and organisations fundamentally working towards the same goals is a waste of time, money and effort, that could be better spent protecting marine life and environments."
Bethune and Sea Shepherd are both now focused on working together for the good of the oceans and, as part of that endeavour, Bethune's been helping Watson to avoid extradition to Japan, pursuant to an Interpol red notice issued against Watson at the request of Japan.
SS will continue its various campaigns to protect endangered and threatened marine mammals and fish. The organisation would like the red notice against Paul Watson lifted before the 6th season of SS's hit docu-reality TV show Whale Wars airs later this year.

Pete goes 'commando'

Meanwhile Bethune and Earthrace Conservation are about to deploy their tactical unit to Africa, to film a TV series documenting illegal fishing by foreign vessels. Two episodes have already been filmed, and another six will be filmed from July-Oct.this year.