I’ve never been a fan of environmental group Sea Shepherd. I’ve followed its activities and some of its wackier antics over the years.

IntraFish sister publication Fishing News International has described them as eco-pirates, irresponsible extremists who shouldn't be allowed in charge of a ship, endangering lives and livelihoods, often in pursuit of issues that didn't need pursuing.

When it was reported the Japanese whaling program in the southern Ocean wasn't going ahead, it seemed likely Sea Shepherd would be looking for some other high-profile cause to focus their energies on.

Then