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Conservation watchdog eyes base in north-east

Conservation watchdog eyes base in north-east

Marine conservation watchdog Sea Shepherd is looking for a long-term base in the north-east.

Members of the eco-activist group arrived at Gardenstown last week to fight a planned programme of licensed seal shootings.

They pledged to form human shields to protect the animals from marksmen patrolling the coastline.

Despite assurances from bosses at the Scottish Wild Salmon Company (SWSC) that they would halt the cull, the Sea Shepherd crew are refusing to leave.

They said they would stay on until the firm gives up its licence to shoot seals.

Yesterday, the group announced that it was preparing for a “long campaign” at the village and appealed to supporters for extra equipment, including specialist surveillance gear.

They are also looking to set up an office at Gardenstown.

A spokeswoman said: “We are digging in for a long campaign here in Gardenstown and, when we win this battle, we plan to move on to other locations in Scotland wherever the seals need us.”

The group’s followers have been asked to supply, among other items, dry suits, lifejackets, helmets and goggles.

Anyone who can arrange office and storage space in the village has been asked to get in touch.

Sea Shepherd arrived at the picturesque port on Good Friday. After a heated quayside stand-off between their members and armed seal hunters, reinforcements were called in.

The group was joined by members of the Hunt Saboteurs Association, who confronted the salmon company employees dressed in face masks and combat gear.

After a meeting between Sea Shepherd and SWSC on Friday, it was agreed that the hunt saboteurs would be stood down.

SWSC also said it would take Sea Shepherd members to its base at Montrose to demonstrate that its practices are humane.