Jeff transformed Sea Shepherd Australia into a household name, one defined by the remarkable conservation achievements realised under his leadership. Jeff’s natural tact and ability to build trust saw him forging strategic partnerships across the nonprofit sector, with First Nations peoples and with supporters, that delivered tangible, lasting victories.

His determination saw the removal of drumlines in Western Australia, the protection of humpback whale nurseries from offshore oil and gas activity from the Kimberly Coast to the Great Australian Bight and the end of whaling in the Southern Ocean.

After whaling was shut down, Jeff was instrumental in securing the addition of the vessel Allankay to the Sea Shepherd fleet, a ship that continues to fly the banner of Antarctic conservation by targeting the latest and greatest threat to whales, the krill fishery on Australia’s doorstep.

At the height of the anti-whaling movement, conservationists popularised the phrase, “think globally, act locally”. Jeff has embodied the spirit of acting globally and acting locally for ocean conservation.

When Sea Shepherd Australia launched its marine debris program, Jeff backed and emboldened the campaign leaders who carried it into the most remote stretches of the coastline, pioneering groundbreaking partnerships with Indigenous ranger groups to remove ghost nets from Sea Country, from Djulpan to Mapoon.

By placing Indigenous leadership at the heart of this work, this helped reshape how Australia confronts plastic pollution through this innovative approach of reconciliation through conservation. The program reflects who Jeff is at his core: someone who listens and acts in equal measure—humble, yet forceful in bringing about change.

Jeff led with trust and empowerment of his wonderful staff and volunteer teams over the years, guided by the belief that Sea Shepherd—and conservation itself—belongs to everyone. We each have a responsibility to do our part.

Having begun his journey as a volunteer in the Fremantle chapter, Jeff has always carried a profound respect and appreciation for the volunteers who power Sea Shepherd, shaped by his firsthand understanding of what motivates them.

Envisioned by Jeff, the Australian Sea Lion Defence Campaign continues to support the South Australia Department for Environment and Water in advancing sea lion recovery programs across the vast marine wilderness of the Great Australian Bight—an area that remains free of oil and gas exploration licenses due to the coalition Jeff helped lead.

Equally at ease addressing thousands of shark advocates in flip-flops and tie-dye on the beaches of Cottesloe in his native Perth, as he is in a suit and tie engaging political leaders in the halls of power in Canberra, Jeff will be missed by Sea Shepherd Australia for his natural ability to connect with people from every walk of life and to build enduring bridges to environmental preservation.

The Sea Shepherd Australia Board wish to express its sincere gratitude for Jeff’s vision, leadership, and tireless dedication to ocean conservation, wishing him every success in his future endeavours as the Board assumes the responsibility of stewarding an extraordinary legacy.

In the interim, with no Managing Director in place, the Board will take on executive responsibilities to ensure continuity of leadership and operations.

Dear Shepherds,

After 15 years, I’ve made the difficult decision to step down from my role as Managing Director of Sea Shepherd Australia. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined where this journey would lead when I first stepped onboard the Farley Mowat back in 2006 as a member of the public. What began as a leap of faith became a defining chapter of my life.

I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together—past and present members of this powerful movement to protect the diversity of life in the sea. Every campaign, every challenge, and every victory has been shared, from the Kimberley to the Bight to Antarctica. It has truly been an honour to serve the natural world, which will always remain the most spectacular show on Earth.

Like many of us who give our hearts to this mission, the sacrifices my family and I have made along the way have been significant. Their support has carried me through some of our toughest moments. I also feel that I have taken the organisation as far as I can, and that now is the right time to step aside so fresh ideas, new energy, and the next generation of leadership can guide Sea Shepherd into its future. As I step aside, I’m looking forward to giving my family more of the time and presence they’ve so generously shared with Sea Shepherd.

I want to express my absolute confidence in the dedicated team that continues to lead Sea Shepherd Australia, and in the global leadership that carries our mission forward. This organisation is strong, resilient, and in very capable hands. The future of our movement is bright.

As for my next steps, I’m not entirely sure what they will be just yet—but I’ll be cheering from the sidelines with the same passion and love for the oceans that brought me here in the first place.

To those waiting in the wings, wondering if they’re ready: step up. Be counted. Take that leap of faith, just as I did in 2006. You might just change your life. You might just change the world.

Thank you for the privilege, the trust, and the unforgettable journey.

With gratitude and solidarity,

Jeff Hansen
Managing Director
Sea Shepherd Australia