UPDATE March 23, 2010. THE "HUMP" IS OVERSee what can be achieved by non-violent protest. The "Hump" has announced its closing due to being found serving whale meat. Perhaps SS-PG can learn from this, reassess their methods and find an effective strategy. Certainly "Operation Waltzing Matilda" was a disastrous campaign.
On rare occasions it happens that an organization that usually sets a bad example does something good. It must therefore in fairness be recognized. Such is the case with the Sea Shepherds Conservation Society, yes indeed, our SS-PG 'friends'. It turns out they were behind the action that revealed the well known restaurant 'Hump' at Santa Monica Airport, CA was serving whale meat. In a sting operation members of the SSCS ordered the 'omakase' (chef's choice) and asked the server if they could have whale. They were duly served eight slices of what the server called "whale" according to the affidavit. The entire incident was recorded on a tiny video camera. The whale meat was put into a baggie and then removed from the restaurant for testing. A Mr. Scott Baker of Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University determined that the meat was indeed whale actually Sei Whale.
Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act it is illegal to sell any kind of whale meat in the United States. In addition Sei Whale are listed as endangered. Armed with a search warrant US Federal officers entered the restaurant to obtain evidence. The Investigation involved NOAA, USFWS, USCBP, and CA Department of Fish and Game. Now named in the Complaint filed in US District Court LA, CA were 'Typhoon Restaurant' owner of the 'Hump' and chef Kiyoshiro Yamamoto.
Of course all the local politicians and environmentalists are now "shocked" that this could have been going on under their collective noses for a period of time yet to be determined. Well whatever - one must give a 'well done' to the SS-PG as finally this season they have done something constructive for the whales.
Good Watch.
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