Gojira’s frontman Joe Duplantier is making headlines once again, but this time it’s not for the band’s electrifying performance at the Olympic Opening Ceremonies. Instead, Duplantier is channeling his energy into a cause close to his heart: advocating for the release of renowned environmental activist and ocean conservationist Paul Watson.
Paul Watson, a dual citizen of America and Canada, has been a pivotal figure in marine conservation since the 1970s. As an early member of Greenpeace, he played a crucial role in raising awareness about environmental issues. In 1978, Watson founded the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, an organization dedicated to protecting marine life. Gojira, known for their commitment to environmental causes, even planned a Sea Shepherd EP in 2013, although it was never fully released due to technical issues.
Watson’s arrest in Greenland has recently brought him back into the spotlight. His vessel, the John Paul Dejoria, was docked in Greenland to refuel while en route to intercept the Japanese whaling ship, Kangei Maru. Japan, having exited the International Whaling Commission in 2019, resumed commercial whaling, drawing the ire of activists like Watson. The arrest stems from an international warrant issued for Watson in connection with charges of accomplice to assault and ship trespass, related to a Sea Shepherd operation against Japanese whalers in 2010.
Currently, Watson is being held in Greenland, a territory of Denmark, where he awaits possible extradition to Japan. The Japanese Ministry of Justice has indicated that Watson could face imprisonment ranging from three to fifteen years. At 73 years old, a maximum sentence would mean Watson could be in prison until he is 88, assuming he survives that long. This dire situation has sparked widespread concern and calls for action. Petitions have been launched urging French President Emmanuel Macron and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to intervene on Watson’s behalf.
Joe Duplantier has stepped into the fray, announcing his participation in a peaceful protest in Denmark to advocate for Watson’s release. In a heartfelt Instagram video, Duplantier outlined his reasons for joining the protest:
“We need to get him out of this situation immediately. His work is the perfect example of constructive ‘Civil Disobedience’. He’s only trying to slow down activities that are illegal in the first place. Whaling has been banned by international laws since 1986. In his own words, ‘IF THE OCEANS DIE, WE DIE.’ Paul also said, ‘I DO WHAT I DO BECAUSE IT’S THE RIGHT THING TO DO.’ He sees the importance of this fight for the oceans and ultimately the survival of life on Earth. This sums up why we need to stand for him before it’s too late. The decision of his extradition will be made on August 15 (in less than 2 weeks). We intend to be there and rally as many people as possible to sway the minister of Justice and the Prime Minister’s decision.”
For those unable to attend the protest in Denmark, there are still ways to support the campaign. You can sign the petition on the Paul Watson Foundation website, calling for the Danish Prime Minister to release Watson. Duplantier has already signed the petition, demonstrating his commitment to the cause.
As the August 15 deadline approaches, the global community watches with bated breath, hoping for justice and the release of a man who has dedicated his life to protecting the planet’s oceans.
