Sea Shepherd UK is a registered marine conservation charity whose primary mission is to end the destruction of habitats and illegal killing of wildlife around the UK's coastline and across the world’s oceans in order to conserve and protect marine ecosystems and species.
Sea Shepherd UK uses innovative direct-action tactics to investigate, document and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities committed against marine wildlife. Sea Shepherd UK also engaging in campaigns to help defend and restore coastal and marine areas. By safeguarding the biodiversity of our delicately balanced oceanic ecosystems, Sea Shepherd UK works to ensure their survival for future generations.
The objectives of Sea Shepherd UK are to conserve and protect the UK’s and the world’s marine ecosystems, habitats and species. Sea Shepherd UK may also engage in conservation activities to protect freshwater habitats and species.
The charity endeavours to accomplish these goals through public education, investigation, documentation and, where appropriate (and where legal authority exists under international law or under agreement of national governments) to help enforce violations of international treaties, laws and conventions designated to protect the oceans. All of Sea Shepherd UK’s campaigns to defend marine wildlife or habitats are guided by the United Nations World Charter for Nature or other relevant national or international conservation laws, treaties and regulations.
Funding is secured mainly from individual donors, companies, trusts, legacies and occasionally via fund-raising events. Presentations and educational talks are given at a wide variety of events, clubs, societies and institutions around the UK and the charity has a team of twenty-six Senior Volunteers with the skills and knowledge to support our increasing volunteer team, events and conservation activities to reach a wider audience and to help manage a growing team of over two hundred and eighty volunteers in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Orkney, Shetland and Jersey.
With a steadily growing supporter base and more experienced volunteers than in any previous year, Sea Shepherd UK attends over 160 events every year including attendance at scuba diving, water-sports, vegan, vegetarian, environmental, ethical and green living fairs, music, artistic and other events England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Jersey.