Paul Watson vs Japan: Disrupting the whaling industry's logistics—and logic

Paul Watson, the iconic environmental activist and founder of the organization Sea Shepherd, is no stranger to clashes with corporations and governments. Known for his bold and often controversial actions, he has dedicated his life to protecting marine wildlife, with Japanese whaling being one of his primary targets. Now, Watson faces a new legal battle: imprisoned in Greenland, he risks extradition to Japan. Japanese authorities accuse him of "conspiracy to board" their whaling vessel Shonan Maru 2 during two incidents in Antarctic waters in February 2010. One of his tactics involved deploying butyric acid stink bombs—symbolic but harmless acts intended to disrupt operations by emitting an unbearable stench.