The U.S.-based Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is pulling out all the stops to try to stop Japanese whale hunters from slaughtering whales in Antarctic waters. The horrible hunt has been condemned the world over with heavy diplomatic pressure from many countries to cancel the hunt.

Steve Irwin is perhaps the best known environmental campaigner made even more famous by his tragic death by a stingray in one of his TV programs. His name as the flagship of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society will raise awareness of the hunt of the still endangered whales.  Previous clashes between Sea Shepherd Society and Japanese have been violent. These clashes occur as the hunters are closing in on a whale for harpooning. The Conservation Societies ship has thrown nets and other debris towards the propellers of the ships to disable them as they close in for a kill.

The hunters for their part have even rammed the Conservation Societies ship causing considerable damage.

As emotions are very high over the hunt issue serious injury or even death are possible when the hunt starts and the ships meet. These beautiful whales have once again become trusting of people as  they have been protected  for  5 decades.