Haans Siver is a dedicated leader in ocean conservation at the Captain Paul Watson Foundation Australia.
Haans Siver – Champion for Ocean Conservation the Captain Paul Watson Foundation Australia, Haans Siver brings an unwavering commitment and decades of frontline experience to the fight for our oceans. With a career that began in hospitality, Haans found her true calling in ocean conservation after witnessing the horrors of the dolphin slaughter online. This moment ignited her lifelong passion for protecting marine life and set her on a remarkable journey that has spanned 12 global campaigns and countless sacrifices to safeguard the future of our oceans.
From her early days as an onshore volunteer to becoming the Chief Officer and Ship Manager of the legendary M/Y Steve Irwin, Haans has played pivotal roles in some of the most significant marine conservation efforts in history. She was part of the longest sea chase in maritime history aboard the M/Y Bob Barker, a 147-day pursuit of the notorious poaching vessel Thunder. This mission not only brought attention to the illegal fishing industry but also highlighted the dangers faced by conservation crews working tirelessly to protect marine ecosystems.
Haans has sailed the world, witnessing the catastrophic effects of overfishing, illegal whaling, and even human trafficking tied to the fishing industry. Her work has taken her to the Gulf of California to protect the last remaining Vaquita porpoises and to Antarctica to fight against whaling. Along the way, she has seen the urgent need for bold action to address these challenges and has dedicated her life to inspiring others to take a stand.
Today, Haans leads the Captain Paul Watson Foundation Australia, working tirelessly to continue the legacy of marine conservation pioneered by Captain Paul Watson. A critical part of this mission is ensuring that the Foundation’s ships return to sea. These vessels are not just tools—they are lifelines for marine life, acting as the frontline defence against illegal poachers, overfishing, and environmental destruction. Without them, countless species remain at risk, and fragile ecosystems face further collapse.
“Our ships are the backbone of this fight,” says Haans. “They allow us to take direct action where it’s needed most. Every day that our ships remain docked, the oceans lose a little more. Getting them back to sea is not just important—it’s urgent.”
Haans is calling on supporters around the world to help fund and mobilise these critical campaigns. She believes that together, we can protect the oceans for future generations and inspire young people to pursue their dreams of making a difference. The battle for our oceans is far from over, but with Haans at the helm, the Captain Paul Watson Foundation Australia is charting a course for hope, resilience, and lasting change.
