Paul Watson

For over 30 years, Paul Watson has been committed to defending, conserving, and protecting marine wildlife and habitats worldwide. Perhaps best known as the admiral of his fleet Steve Irwin, Bob Barker, and former Ady Gil on Animal Planet's hit reality series Whale Wars, Watson has long been at the forefront of activism on behalf of wildlife at sea and on land.

Watson helms of the world's leading direct action ocean conservation organization – the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, which he founded in 1977. Since 2002, Watson and his dedicated crew have taken to the high seas to attempt to stop Japanese ships from hunting whales in Antarctica. Their efforts are documented in Animal Planet's hit television series Whale Wars, now in its fourth adrenaline-fueled season.

The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has recognized Whale Wars with a Television Academy Honor which identifies it as "television with a conscience." The series was also nominated for a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Cinematography in a Nonfiction Series and was the recipient of The Genesis Award from the Humane Society of the United States for raising public awareness of animal issues.

According to Watson, "Our primary weapons in the battle to save those who have no voice from those who pillage and plunder the oceans are compassion, courage, and cameras...We are steadfast in our commitment to defending, conserving, and protecting marine wildlife and habitats worldwide. In defending marine wildlife, we defend ourselves; in fighting for the oceans, we fight for the future of our children."

A co-founder of Greenpeace and the Greenpeace Foundation, Watson has also worked for Defenders of Wildlife, Fund for Animals, and the Royal Society for the Protection of Animals. He co-founded the Earthforce Environmental Society and Friends of the Wolf, and has served on the National Board of the Sierra Club USA.

He is also the author of several books, including Sea Shepherd: My Fight for Whales and Seals, Earthforce!, An Earth Warrior's Guide to Strategy, Ocean Warrior: My Battle to End the Illegal Slaughter on the High Seas, Seal Wars: Twenty-Five Years on the Front Lines With the Harp Seals, and Cry Wolf.

Watson has been acknowledged with prestiguous awards and commendations for his work, including being named an "Earth Day Hero of the Planet" and one of the "Top Twenty Environmental Heroes of the 20th Century" by TIME magazine. He was named as one of the "50 People Who Could Save the Planet" by the Guardian UK and the Australian Zoo gave Watson its Wildlife Warrior Award, which recognizes organizations and individuals who have contributed significantly to Steve Irwin's legacy and helping to keep Steve's dreams alive.

"I have been honored to serve the whales, dolphins, seals - and all the other creatures on this Earth. Their beauty, intelligence, strength, and spirit have inspired me. These beings have spoken to me, touched me, and I have been rewarded by friendship with many members of different species. If the whales survive and flourish, if the seals continue to live and give birth, and if I can contribute to ensuring their future prosperity, I will be forever happy."