The American Bar Association's International Criminal Law Committee (ICLC) and International Animal Law Committee Launch the "Blue Crimes Webinar Series"

The American Bar Association's International Criminal Law Committee (ICLC) and International Animal Law Committee have launched the "Blue Crimes Webinar Series", a three-part initiative addressing crimes affecting aquatic animals, humans, and the environment. This series delves into pressing issues such as the legality of dolphin and whale hunts and shark finning, offering insights from experts in marine conservation and international law.

Part I: Legality of Dolphin and Whale Hunts

The inaugural webinar, held on November 25, 2024, focused on the legal frameworks surrounding dolphin and whale hunts. Moderated by Jamie McLaughlin, Vice Chair of the ABA ILS International Animal Law Committee, the session featured distinguished speakers:

• Valentina Crast – Campaign Director for Sea Shepherd in the Faroe Islands, Valentina has been an animal rights advocate for over a decade. She has led campaigns and investigations, notably documenting the slaughter and captivity trade in Taiji, Japan. In her current role, she oversees activism and gathers evidence related to Faroese drive hunts.

• Dr. Zoi Aliozi – An international academic, lawyer, and activist specializing in climate justice and human rights education. Dr. Aliozi's interdisciplinary research encompasses criminal law, climate justice, and the rights of nature. She serves as an EU Climate Pact Ambassador and has contributed to the creation of the 'Maastricht Principles for the Rights of Future Generations'.

• Dr. Lori Marino – A neuroscientist and Adjunct Professor of Animal Studies at New York University. Dr. Marino is the founder and President of the Whale Sanctuary Project and has published extensively on the intelligence of dolphins and whales, as well as the effects of captivity on wild animals.

The discussion provided a comprehensive overview of the ethical, legal, and environmental implications of dolphin and whale hunts, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations and increased public awareness.

Watch the documentary on dolphin and whale hunts: Click here

Part II: Legality of Shark Finning

Scheduled for February 4, 2025, the second webinar will address the legality of shark finning, a practice that has garnered international concern due to its impact on shark populations and marine ecosystems. The session will feature:

• Alex Cornelissen – Chief Executive Officer of Sea Shepherd Global, an organization renowned for its direct-action campaigns against illegal fishing and whaling activities.

• Kathy Hessler – Director of the Animal Legal Education Initiative at The George Washington University Law School, specializing in animal law education and advocacy.

• Lu Shegay – Co-Founder and Managing Director of the Institute of Animal Law of Asia, focusing on animal law issues across the Asian continent.

Moderated by Jamie McLaughlin, this webinar aims to explore the current legal frameworks governing shark finning, discuss enforcement challenges, and consider potential reforms to better protect shark species.

Register for the second part of the Blue Crimes Webinar Series: Click here or directly via Zoom

Why These Discussions Matter

The "Blue Crimes Webinar Series" and "Green Crimes and International Criminal Law" both highlight the urgent need for comprehensive legal approaches to environmental crimes. They emphasize the importance of integrating environmental protection into the realm of international criminal law to safeguard our planet's future.

By engaging with these resources, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding environmental crimes and the legal mechanisms that can be employed to address them. As the international community continues to grapple with the challenges posed by environmental degradation, such discussions and publications play a crucial role in shaping effective and just responses.

Link to Vernon Press' Book: "Green Crimes and International Criminal Law"

These webinars align closely with the themes explored in Vernon Press's publication, "Green Crimes and International Criminal Law," edited by Regina M. Paulose. The book examines environmental crimes that impact not only humans but also wildlife and ecosystems. It discusses whether such green crimes can be effectively addressed within existing international criminal law frameworks. The collection encourages meaningful action within the international criminal law community to establish environmental justice.

Purchase "Green Crimes and International Criminal Law": Click here

Title Green Crimes and International Criminal Law [Paperback]
Edition 1st
ISBN 978-1-64889-300-1
Published in January 2022