OUR MANDATE
Captain Paul Watson Foundation's primary mandate is to assume a law enforcement role as provided by the United Nations World Charter for Nature. This charter was adopted by the United Nation's General Assembly on November 9, 1982.
CPWF (Captain Paul Watson Foundation) is guided by the UN World Charter for Nature and CITES Section 21 under the heading of Implementations as the Society's authority to act on behalf of international conservation law.
Captain Paul Watson Foundation UK’s primary operations area covers:
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England, Scotland, Wales, Jersey, Guernsey, Northern Ireland and Gibraltar
The objectives of CPWF UK are to conserve and protect the UK’s and the world’s marine ecosystems, habitats and species. We endeavour to accomplish these goals through public education, investigation, documentation and, where appropriate and where legal authority exists under national or international law to enforce conservation legislation and prevent violations of the applicable treaties, laws and conventions meant to protect the oceans.
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Our campaigns are guided by the:
United Nations World Charter for Nature: Sections 21-24
We cooperate whenever possible with national and international law enforcement agencies.
We adhere to the utilisation of non-violent principles in the course of all actions in the protection of the oceans.
We at times may offer rewards for information leading to the successful conviction of individuals or groups for specific crimes against marine wildlife.
To report a crime or provide information – call: 0300 111 0501
Neptune's pirates UK acts to uphold the following multinational (which include the UK) Conventions, Directives and Agreements:
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The ‘Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora’ (CITES)
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The 1979 Bern Convention – ‘Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats’
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ASCOBANS – ‘Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans in the Baltic, North-East Atlantic, Irish and North Seas
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The Bonn Convention – ‘Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals’ (CMS)
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Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) 1992
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The Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA)
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The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat (RAMSAR Convention)
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The Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (UNESCO World Heritage Convention)
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The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP)
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The Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic (OSPAR Convention)
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Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter 1972 (The London Convention) and the ‘London Protocol 1996’
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We act specifically to uphold the following UK legislation:
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Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
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Marine (Scotland) Act 2010
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Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000
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Conservation of Seals Act 1970
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Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981
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Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985
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Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands Order (1985) – for Northern Ireland
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Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002
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Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004
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Natural Environment & Rural Communities Act 2006
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Offshore Marine Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 2007
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Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010
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Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009
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The Conservation of Seals (England) Order 1999
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The Control of Pollution Act 1974
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Part II of the 'Food and Environment Protection Act 1985'
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We acts to uphold the UK’s obligations under the following European Community directives:
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Directive 92/43/EEC (Water Framework Directive), under which Member States are required to protect and improve their inland and coastal waters
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Directive 2008/56/EC (Marine Strategy Framework Directive) to achieve good environmental status in their marine environment by 2020.
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Directive 2009/147/EC on the Conservation of Wild Birds (Birds Directive)
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Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (Habitats Directive).
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European Union, Regulation 1774/2002
OUR OBJECTIVES
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Finding solutions to address the diminishment of diversity and interdependence in marine eco-systems.
02
Finding solutions to address the diminishment of phytoplankton populations in the sea.
03
Finding solutions to address the illegal, unreported and unregulated commercial fishing operations.
04
Finding solutions to address the impact of climate change on oceanic eco-systems.
05
Finding solutions to address ways to remove plastics, fishing debris and ghost nets from marine eco-systems.
06
Finding solutions to address the impact of noise pollution on marine life and problem of acidification in the sea.
07
Finding solutions to address the unlawful killing of marine mammals.
08
Finding solutions to protecting sea turtle nests from poachers, sea-bird populations from illegal fishing and ingestation of plastics.
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Finding solutions to protecting critically endangered species in marine eco-systems.
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Finding solutions to protecting global coral reef systems from damage of acidification, invasive species, pollution & climate change.
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Researching, documenting and producing films, books and more to address the conservation and protection of marine species and ecosystems.
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Working with government partners to find solutions to stop poaching activities with in established economic zones.
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Working with the United Nations and other international organizations to find solutions to stopping poaching in areas beyond nation in accordance with the United Nations World Charter for Nature.
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Funding research into addressing threats to marine ecosystems and operating ships and aircraft to document illegal activities on the high seas.
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Working with scientists, filmmakers, historians, communicators, environmentalists and conservationists to find solutions to addressing the threats facing marine species and marine eco-systems.
Volunteer Policies
CPWF UK has policies in place to ensure our volunteers operate in a rewarding, beneficial, legally compliant and safe environment.
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Campaign Fundraising Policy
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Even though we understand that some volunteers have difficulty raising the required funds to on on our campaigns, CPWF UK does not allow volunteers to publicly raise funds for their individual participation in our campaigns using our logo(s) and name(s). Failure to comply may result in non-acceptance as a crew member however volunteers will be give the opportunity to correct non-compliance in the first instance.
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Volunteers are allowed to raise funds for their personal campaign costs among immediate friends and family. Volunteers are not permitted to do this with an open page on social media or on websites such as GoFundMe or JustGiving, which others can view and donate to.
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To help ensure opportunities are open to all individuals, travel and accommodation costs for accepted crew members volunteering on international campaigns are covered by the charity. Those volunteers in a financial position to cover the cost of travel to and from campaign are encouraged to do so.
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Equal Opportunities & Anti-Discrimination Policy
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CPWF UK's board (in common with other registered charities) will take measures at any time to safeguard our volunteers, staff and members of the public against discrimination. CPWF UK utilises the Equality Act 2010 to define equal opportunities and various forms of discrimination. We therefore do not allow discrimination against any person regarding the protected characteristics of:
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Age (except that for insurance purposes our volunteers must be over 18 years old)
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Disability
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Gender reassignment
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Marital/civil partnership status
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Pregnancy
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Race
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Religion or belief
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Sex
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Sexual orientation
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"CPWF operates outside the petty cultural chauvinism of the human species. Our clients are whales, dolphins, seals, turtles, seabirds and fish - we represent only their interests" - Captain Paul Watson
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Honesty Policy
Volunteers must not attempt to maliciously or deliberately mislead CPWF UK trustees or staff in replace to volunteer or crew application forms, volunteer or crew update forms or any CPWF documentation which they may be asked to complete. Failure to disclose information about unspent past convictions may result in removal as a volunteer.
Photography and Videography Policy
The camera is the greatest weapon we can use when undertaking direct action in order to bring about both widescale and local change for the better. CPWF UK therefore has a specific agreement which sets out terms in order that both you (as a volunteer) and CPWF UK are confident and happy about the way these images can be used.
The agreement applies for the duration of your time on any CPWF UK campaign, both in the UK and abroad and is available to view here. Any variations to this agreement must be agreed in writing in advance.
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Protest Policy
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CPWF UK does not protest against illegal acts against marine wildlife and habitats - we ACT to stop it!
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CPWF UK may protest against legal activities which harm marine wildlife or habitats. Official CPWF UK participation in any protest must be authorised in advance by the Chief Operations Officer, Campaign Coordinator or trustees.
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Registered CPWF UK volunteers must not take CPWF UK flags or banners to protests unless authorised in advance. Volunteers may choose to attend lawful protests wearing CPWF logo'd clothing.
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Vegan Policy
Whilst there are strong environmental and ethical arguments to be made for a plant-based diet, CPWF UK is not a vegan outreach organisation but a marine conservation charity. It is important that we focus our outreach upon this. Talking about other issues are a distraction from our main (marine conservation) message despite many issues being interconnected.
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Regardless, all food served on board CPWF vessels and on campaign is vegan because of:
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The strong environmental arguments to do so.
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Support from the animal rights community
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The high proportion of vegan crew members on board CPWF ships and the need to simplify the menu.
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To counteract bogus cultural arguments from our opposition, e.g. Japanese whalers making arguments such as 'well you eat (this, that or the other) so why can't we eat whale?'
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Donations to CPWF UK will never be used to purchase meat or animal products for our fleet of ships.
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CPWF's greatest strength is that we reflect the desire of the broadest sections of society to take direct action to protect our oceans and marine wildlife. As such it is important that ALL our supporters and volunteers are made to feel welcome - regardless of their lifestyle/dietary habits. Support for our mission statement will always be the main prerequisite for joining CPWF UK.
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We will provide only vegan food at events where we are the organiser. CPWF UK inevitably has stands at some events each year organised by other groups where catering by the organisers or other stall holders may include meat and animal products. We attend such events to provide outreach to members of the public who may not be aware of CPWF UK or marine conservation issues. Volunteers who are vegan/vegetarian may (as is their right) choose to not attend such events for CPWF UK.
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