In response to the arrest of Sea Shepherd founder Paul Watson in Germany, Sea Shepherd supporters gathered at Byron Lighthouse on Tuesday. By the time they arrived, the German government had announced Mr Watson’s release on bail, although he still has a charge to answer.
The protest also served to highlight the area’s support for the ongoing work of Sea Shepherd.
A gathering of whale and marine-life supporters will take place in Byron for National Whale Day, June 2, at 3pm on Main Beach.
The event will also see the launch of the Sailing the Winds of Change 2012 and Beyond campaign on the marine conservation yacht Migaloo 2.
There will be a sand-castle competition and sunset ceremony ahead of a 6pm gig at the Byron Community Centre. There will be music by Nathan Kaye, Gina Lakosta and Darpan, as well as films and talks around the theme of marine and environmental conservation. Tickets are $15.
The flotilla plans to sail with the humpback whales during their northern migration up the east coast of Australia to Hervey Bay, the Great Barrier Reef and onto Cairns by the end of November. The fleet will do shows at large ports along the way, at the same time exploring and exposing local issues to media and the huge online audience this journey will attract.
