Whale Wars crew: "We're tired of seeing Whales die. We're looking to Calgary
for support."

CALGARY , Sept. 15 /CNW/ - Captain Paul Watson , star of Animal Planet's Whale Wars and Calgary crewmember Shannon Mann of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society arrived in Calgary today at Rouge Restaurant to promote the upcoming fundraiser, For the Oceans.

Arriving by boat on the Bow River, Captain Paul Watson launched the world's largest corporate sponsored fundraiser for the organization. Held in land-locked Calgary , the second annual For the Oceans fundraiser is happening October 7, 2009 at the Red & White Club at McMahon Stadium. Watson is hoping interest from fans and supporters of his cause will result in a sold-out event.

"Media exposure from Whale Wars and other film projects such as Sharkwater have helped to get the word out about Sea Shepherd and our ocean defense campaigns, but to maintain our fleet of vessels and international volunteers out on the water, we need for our supporters to do more than tune in to Whale Wars on Animal Planet. We also need their support by attending events such as For the Oceans in Calgary ," says Watson. "We know Calgarians have the highest per capita ownership of boat licenses and scuba certifications in Canada - we're surrounded by thousands of people who share our cause and passion for ocean wildlife. We hope to see our Calgarian supporters at For the Oceans and I look forward to meeting them there," he adds.

Also in attendance at today's event were sponsors of For the Oceans: DIRTT Environmental Solutions, CresaPartners and Element Integrated Workplace Solutions. DIRTT CEO Mogens Smed decided to support The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society after seeing Captain Paul Watson 's boat The Farley Mowat in Bermuda . Once he heard their story, Smed launched plans to organize For the Oceans along with CresaPartners and Element Integrated Workplace Solutions. "The large sharks of the oceans are facing over 90 percent extinction and before you think this doesn't affect you - it does. Sharks are the police of the sea. They have been around since dinosaurs," says Smed.

Rouge Restaurant was chosen for this event as it served its award winning sustainable menu. Chef Paul Rogalski is one of only eight chefs in North America honoured by the Monterey Bay Aquarium in their "Cooking For Solutions" celebration May 2009 . Other chefs on the list were The French Laundry's Thomas Keller and Food Network all-star Alton Brown .

The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

Established in 1977, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) is an International non-profit conservation organization whose mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world's oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species. Sea Shepherd uses innovative direct-action tactics to investigate, document, and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas. By safeguarding the biodiversity of our delicately-balanced ocean ecosystems, Sea Shepherd works to ensure their survival for future generations. Founder and President Captain Paul Watson , is a renowned, respected leader in environmental issues.

Sea Shepherd is nationally recognized for its efficient use of funds and sound fiscal management by Charity Navigator, the largest independent U.S. Charity evaluator. Only 25 percent of the top non-profit societies in the U.S. receive the four-star rating.

Visit www.seashepherd.org for more information.

For the Oceans will be held Oct. 7, 2009 at the Red & White Club, McMahon Stadium, in Calgary . Tickets can be purchased at: www.fortheoceans.ca

For further information: Media contacts: Julie Pithers, [phone], [email protected]; Lisa Rushka, [phone], [email protected]