(Image source: Sea Shepherd)

BY EVAN BUSH

ANCHOR ANA COMPAIN-ROMERO

Japanese whalers are readying themselves for a toe-to-toe legal battle on US soil with - in their words -- a ‘pirate’.

First a bit of background, the International Whaling Commission slapped a moratorium on commercial whaling in 1985 because whale populations had diminished so significantly due to over-hunting. But Japanase whalers, with the support of their government, have long skirted the rules for what they call research purposes.

Enter Seattle-based Paul Watson -- who flies a pirate flag on his ship the Sea Shepherd.

Watson’s an enviro-activist featured on Animal Planet’s Whale Wars who has taken sometimes violent means to prevent Japanese ships from whaling. Some say he’s a terrorist; others say he’s a hero.

Now Watson’s group faces a court injunction filed in Seattle. The Maritime-Executive has more.

“The Institute of Cetacean Research, along with masters of whaling vessels, have filed suit against the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and their leader, Paul Watson, in an attempt to stop the sometimes violent interference in Japan’s annual whale hunt.  This is the first time Japan has pursued legal action against anti-whaling campaigners.”

The Japanese whalers allege Watson is using ‘piracy’ because he rams vessels, launches acid and incendiary devices at ships and tries to make ships collide. Courthouse News has more.

“‘The whalers want an injunction barring the Sea Shepherd from attacking any vessel or crew member or interfering with navigation of the whaling ships ... Watson deems himself a pirate albeit a 'good pirate.'”

Last year, Australia’s ABC radio reports -- Watson’s actions limited the whalers so much they only brought in one-fifth of their usual catch. But Watson’s says he’s not worried. The Wall Street Journal has his comments.

“‘It’s a frivolous lawsuit that doesn’t have any merit. … they’re using litigation as a weapon,’ said Mr. Watson … ”

Some do think the move could backfire for the Japanese whalers. Australia has long-opposed Japan’s approach to whaling -- and has even brought legal action against the country in the International Court of Justice. Here’s what an Australian senator had to say about the lawsuit.

"...'the US - and Australia should use this opportunity to bring forward a case which may have otherwise taken years to have Japan found guilty of its breach of international law by killing the whales in the first place'..."