By Andrew Tafferty, Staff Writer, The Age 

A Japanese underwater cameraman’s plans to capture eco fugitive Paul Watson so tourists can throw rotten butter at him in Japan has infuriated conservationists, who said claims the scheme would create peace and harmony around the world “do not add up”.

“The conservation arguments for this project do not add up,” said David Ottley, Japans coordinator for Sea Shepherd.

“You cannot tell me that Paul Watson who is known to enjoy lavish Hollywood fund raising parties with $75.00 sustainable appetizers, can be happily confined to a 20,000 foot enclosure with an exact replica of the Steve Irwin, with no possible escape from tourist stress, no ability to feed naturally, nor seek out the natural conditions that suit him at different times of the year, nor have Internet access.”

The enclosure, south of Higashimuro District, Wakayama, Japan and close to popular tourist beaches, would double as a marine rescue and rehabilitation centre, Mr Suzki said.

“This is not some hoodlum misthought project, my opponents are misinformed,” he told The Age.

“We have been working on this for more than ten years, since Paul Watson first started to try and shut down Japan’s scientific whaling, it’s a million-dollar investment and we have the support of some of Japans leading conservationists and the JWA.”

Some proceeds from the profits of money earned from tourists would also pay for displaced Sea Shepherd crews to process cashew nut shells into oil at factories in Japan.

Mr Suzuki is waiting for final approvals from  Japans National Environmental Management Authority, which is expected to decide whether the project should go ahead next week.

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