Paul Watson is a Canadian animal right and environmental activist, who founded the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, a direct action group focused on marine conservation.
He was an early and influential member of Greenpeace, crewed and skippered for it, and later was a board member.
In 1975, he takes part in a campaign against soviet whalers. About this case, it is said: “During this confrontation, a harpooned sperm whale dangerously rose above Paul’s craft. In its eye, Paul could see understanding. He felt the animal knew why he was there and what he was trying to do. He saw this enormous animal pulling himself out of the boat, slipping in the water and dying. This exchange, of few seconds, changed Paul’s life for ever. He vowed to defend all the marine creatures’ life.”

In 1997, he leaves Greenpeace and forms Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.
Watson’s activities have led to legal action from authorities in countries including the United Stated, Canada, Norway, Costa Rica, and Japan. After skipping bail following an arrest in Germany, on August 9, 2012 Interpol issued a red notice requesting his arrest. A second red notice was issued in September 14, 2012, this time at request from Japan.