Laura Dakin

Laura Dakin

Laura Dakin was born in Dorset, England.

Laura Dakin is the author of the Laura Dakin Cookbooks series, which currently consists of one book. When she was young, she became aware of the serious damage happening to the oceans but didn’t know how to help.

At 21, she joined the Sea Shepherd crew, sailing to protect marine animals from illegal hunting, like the brutal harp seal hunts on Canada’s east coast. Over the years, she has seen firsthand how badly the oceans are suffering and how many people ignore this crisis because it conflicts with big business and government interests.

Laura explains that Sea Shepherd is not just about animal rights; it’s a tough environmental group that sees a vegan diet as a key way to help protect the ocean. On the ship Steve Irwin, where she works, all meals are vegan.

She believes that choosing a vegan lifestyle is about respecting all living beings and giving them the freedom to live, not just cuddling cute animals. She feels humans used to live more in balance with nature, but industrial growth and wasteful habits have turned this around, risking the future of the planet. Living sustainably, she says, is both a privilege and a duty if we want to save our world.

Preparing food on board is a big job. The crew has to plan meals and store enough food for 50 people for 100 days, with lots of help from generous supporters who donate supplies. The kitchen team cooks three hot meals and snacks daily, even during busy times in port or at sea.

When Sea Shepherd spots illegal whaling ships, the crew gets ready to take action. Using radar and helicopters, they track whalers quietly and prepare to stop them from hunting. This can be intense and risky work. Many crew members get seasick at first Laura describes it as feeling like the worst hangover mixed with dizziness.

Safety is a top priority on the ships. Dr. Merryn Redenbach, the medical officer, explains they must be ready for emergencies like hypothermia, injuries, or chemical attacks. The ship carries a full medical kit, including antibiotics and a defibrillator, since they are far from hospitals for long periods.

Sea Shepherd is special because its founder, Paul Watson, still leads from the front and he’s also a great cook who sometimes helps in the galley. The group switched to serving only vegan meals on their ships since 2005, believing it aligns with their mission to protect all life.

Chad Halstead, a small boat driver, shares the intense moment when he approaches a whaling ship. He feels the weight of their mission to stop illegal whale hunting in protected areas. For him and the crew, it’s a fight to save intelligent marine animals from destruction.

Although this book includes recipes, its powerful photos and personal stories from crew members make it much more than just a cookbook. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society’s bold efforts to protect the oceans and marine life.

Related Authors

Fans of Laura Dakin also enjoy these authors:

1. Stephen King, author of The Dark Tower Series.
2. J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter Series.
3. Harlan Coben, author of the Myron Bolitar Series.
4. Michael Connelly, author of the Harry Bosch Series.
5. John Sandford, author of the Prey/Lucas Davenport Series.

Laura Dakin: F.A.Q