Interview with Oceanic Preservation Society

Oceanic Preservation Society

71 percent of the earth’s surface is covered in seawater so it is no wonder that organizations such as the Oceanic Preservation Society have sparked the interest of millions of people worldwide.

Viki Psihoyos started out her professional career by dancing ballet for 13 years. Although she gained popularity through her dancing, it was not until she and her husband Louie Psihoyos decided to found the Oceanic Preservation Society that she really took center stage.

Viki claims it was an organic journal. "Like most of us, I loved visits to the beach but with my husband, I became a diver" she said, "That is when you really get to see what lives, or no longer can live, in the ocean. After several dive trips to depleted areas, we joined forces with several parties to create the Oceanic Preservation Society."

The most rewarding moment thus far in Viki's life came in 2009 when the Oceanic Preservation Society's first film, "The Cove" won the Oscar for best documentary. “The Cove” is an action packed film about the investigation of the dolphin slaughter in Taiji, Japan that claims the lives of about 23,000 dolphins annually. 

"Although the social media strategy of The Cove is receiving recognition," said Viki, "I always feel like there is more to learn. There is so much to learn in this evolving field."

Currently, Viki and the team are working on their next film titled "Singing Planet". This film will focus on the next mass extinction event to occur on earth. It will be the sixth in earth's history, but the first caused by one species: humans. This movie is expected to hit the big screen next year. 

Viki and the rest of the Oceanic Preservation Society have done their best to live up to their name.

"Everyone has their personal 'homework.'" said Viki, "We went solar a few years ago, no regrets. This is a result of us reviewing ourselves, as a company, and Louie realized that making a film on the environment is one of the dirtiest things you could do, flying massive crews and gear around the world. We felt the need to offset that."

We all can take part in the preserving the oceans like Viki. Every choice we make is an extension of our values. Viki suggests that those who are looking for a way to reduce their carbon footprint should simply lessen the abusive practices that they employ.

10/14/10 International Save Japan Dolphins Day

Today, I write with a heavy heart. Tomorrow is the International Save Japan Dolphins Day. If you are unaware about the yearly dolphin slaughter in Taiji, Japan then please follow this link to discover a small synopsis of what is making my heart so heavy. The Cove .

I few nights ago, before I turned in for the night, I sat with my handy recyclable pen in hand and made a list, and not just any list. I made a list that was titled "If I could, I would..." I continued to make this list several pages long, with some bullet points listing several detailed explanations, but the one that lay the heaviest, was ironically the simplest and shortest.



"If I could, I would put an end to "The Cove" in Taiji, Japan."

I ordered a beautiful bracelet from EcoJoia which arrived after only a few anxiously awaited days. It is a beautifully crafted, platinum coated and satin corded bracelet with the words "Save Japan Dolphins". It has been on my left wrist since I eagerly tore the package open at the mailbox, since I couldn't wait long enough to walk back home and use a proper utensil. And there on my wrist it will remain.

When I first saw the movie "The Cove", I was not only brought to blubbering tears, but I was also greatly motivated. I wanted nothing more than to have the money to hop on a red eye flight to Taiji, Japan and stop the injustice myself. However, I live paycheck to paycheck, meaning no paycheck would permit me making this flight unless I skipped out on my lavish need to heat and electricity. So plan B, I did research, and I did, and am still doing, everything I can from my home front in San Diego. Here are the steps I took:

1.) I did ample research before I started running my mouth off to people about it. There is something so true, yet so overlooked in Gandhi's famous quote, "An ounce of practice is worth more than tons of preaching."
2.)I started spreading the word by having my family and friends realize how much I cared about this cause. I asked them if they would watch the movie with me on family nights. Some turned their heads and took the ostriches approach with their heads in the sand, while others became as touched as I was, and am. We must respect those who choose this ostrich approach, as infuriating as it may be. You can't force someone to care.
3.)I donated time and money. I know what your thinking, another monetary donation, another thing sucking my wallet dry. Karma says we must give to receive, so if it is a few dollars, it is more then enough as long as you give it with your whole heart. The cause does not care how "well-off" you are, they care how much YOU care. As for donating time, it can be as simple as picking up trash in a small section of the beach after your family spends a fun filled day under the sun, or can be as elaborate as joining the front lines of ending this bloodshed in Taiji, Japan. Both are just as important.
4.) Now this one is optional, so tailor it to your life. I personally gave up 100% of seafood. No more fish, shrimp, crab, and even Caesar dressing (all too often listing anchovies as the main ingredient). Love your sushi too much? Try cutting back. Anything helps.
5.) And here is where my list of steps takes center stage, educate others about getting educated!

This is where YOU come in, get educated, don't just take my word for it. If I can inspire just one person in this world to care about this injustice, then I know I have done my job. And don't take that the wrong way...my job in this effort will not be over until The Cove in Taiji, Japan no longer bleeds red.

Here are a few links to get your started on your research:
The Cove Movie Website
Take Part-The Cove
Save Japan Dolphins

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