Imprisoned Eco-Warrior Paul Watson Receives Prestigious Conservation Award so what is the connection with hairdressing? Grant Brown at Happy Eco News explains: (edited just a little)
Captain Paul Watson, imprisoned eco-warrior, marine conservationist and founder of several environmental organizations, has been named the 2025 The Perfect World Foundation Award recipient. The announcement comes from The Perfect World Foundation, a wildlife and nature organization based in Gothenburg, Sweden.
The imprisoned eco-warrior has led direct-action campaigns worldwide for over five decades, defending ocean ecosystems against destructive human activities. His efforts have focused on combating illegal fishing and protecting marine life, earning him recognition as a leading voice in marine conservation.
Watson’s campaigns have been both high-profile and impactful. In 1975, the imprisoned eco-warrior led the first Greenpeace campaign against commercial whaling, placing himself between harpoons and whales. This action garnered international attention and helped spark the modern anti-whaling movement. In 1977, Watson founded the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, which has been involved in numerous confrontations with illegal fishing and whaling operations. One of the organization’s most notable campaigns was Operation Nemesis (2005-2007), which successfully disrupted Japanese whaling activities in the Southern Ocean, saving an estimated 500 whales.
Watson is currently imprisoned in Greenland, a circumstance that highlights the risks faced by environmental activists.
As the 12th recipient of The Perfect World Foundation Award, the imprisoned eco-warrior will also be named “The Conservationist of the Year” for 2025. However, the date for the award ceremony remains undetermined due to Watson’s current imprisonment. The organization awaits further information on whether Watson will be released or remain incarcerated.
In the event that Watson cannot attend the ceremony, his most significant sponsor, John Paul DeJoria, has agreed to accept the award on his behalf. DeJoria, a businessman, billionaire, philanthropist, and co-founder of John Paul Mitchell Systems and Patron tequila, expressed strong support for Watson and his cause:
“We live in a world of illusion… we see something we think is real. Sometimes it is, sometimes it’s not. What is real and true is that we, the people on this planet, can help protect those in every way we can who save our earth’s wildlife. For Paul Watson to be arrested for trying to stop Japanese whalers from illegally killing many whales is a tragedy that we the people of the planet should try to reverse in every way that we can.”
DeJoria continued, “I am joining millions of conservationists, wildlife organizations and many regular people in saying ‘FREE PAUL WATSON.’ Paul is a hero. He has put his life on the line to save our planet’s oceans from unnecessary, man-made destruction and extinction. He deserves the greatest conservation award, the Perfect World Award. Congratulations Paul. I am representing millions of people by accepting this award on Paul’s behalf, and I’m letting him know we support him and always will.”
As founder of The Captain Watson Foundation and other conservation organizations, Watson has played a crucial role in raising awareness about the threats facing marine ecosystems. His direct-action approach, while controversial, has been credited with saving numerous whales and other marine species from illegal hunting and fishing practices.
The Perfect World Foundation’s recognition of Paul Watson’s contributions to marine conservation underscores the global nature of these environmental challenges and the need for continued support and recognition of those working to address these issues. As the world awaits news of Watson’s potential release, his award serves as a testament to the impact one individual can have in the fight to protect our planet’s biodiversity.
Watson’s career has been marked by both praise and controversy. His aggressive tactics in confronting illegal whaling and fishing operations have drawn criticism from some quarters but have also been credited with bringing international attention to these issues. The Perfect World Foundation’s decision to honor Watson highlights the ongoing debate about the most effective methods for protecting maine environments and wildlife.
The award also comes at a time when global attention is increasingly focused on the health of the world’s oceans. Rising sea temperatures, plastic pollution, and overfishing continue to pose significant threats to marine ecosystems. Watson’s recognition serves to amplify these concerns and may help to galvanize further action on marine conservation issues.
Happy Eco News October 2025.
Ed’s note. John Paul DeJoria is of course joint founder and owner of Paul Mitchell hair products. Free Paul Watson now!
And for more on sustainable hairdressing action go here!