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SILENCE OF THE "LAMBS"

Is it really possible that the SS-PG swords have been beaten into plowshares?

Going through the NAUTICAL LOG Press Release folder there is not a word since March 12, 2010, some eight days ago, from the Sea Shepherd Pirate Group. This has been the longest that 'Wats-his-name' has been so quiet. Are they hunkered down in their pirate lair sanctuary of the Port of Hobart, TAS plotting their next dastardly move, arrrgh!! Or perhaps they are considering a more effective approach since the violence executed this season failed totally. It did not accomplish anything positive in their declared mission and reduced "Operation Waltzing Matilda" to a joke.

Partly as a result of the failure by Monaco to pass the ban on Bluefin fishing at CITES and the ITF worldwide programme against piracy they may have serious problems. SS-PG openly declared that their intention on arriving in Europe is to attack the Bluefin tuna fisherman. In turn this places the various Port Unions, Maritime Unions and Maritime Pilotage Associations that may be involved in preparing a SS-PG vessel for sea or guiding it in/out of port, in conflict with their worldwide body namely the ITF. Should the violence against fishermen actually occur it could come back on these Unions being charged as co-conspirators to maritime thuggery and piracy. Since many Port Pilots are in individual contract with their Pilotage Association a Pilot involved could possibly be individually charged. Clearly no Union or Pilot would like to find themselves in such a position of possibly aiding and abetting a crime.

NAUTICAL LOG believes this needs careful study and attention by Unions, Pilotage Associations and Governments involved. It is an opportunity for the ITF to make an stance against this maritime thuggery which has gone on far too long, been tolerated by these same Governments particularly the SS-PG Flag State and Port State. The IMO as usual has remained complacent throughout.

Good Watch.

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