In 1977, Watson founded Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, dedicated to research, investigation and the enforcement of laws, treaties, resolutions and regulation established to protect marine wildlife and their habitats worldwide. Since then, Watson has traveled and lectured extensively at universities and events around the world, including Pasadena College of Design and UCLA.
He has authored six books: Shepherds of the Sea (1979), Sea Shepherd: My Fight for Whales and Seals (1982), Cry Wolf (1985), Earthforce! (1993), Ocean Warrior (1994) and Seal Wars (2002). In addition, he has been the subject of numerous magazine articles and profiles including being chosen by Time Magazine as one of the environmental heroes of the 20th century in the year 2000.