The Majestic and Endangered
The Blue Whale
Risks to Endangered Whales from Ships in Southern California
Ships and their routes can be harmful to Endangered Species of whales, including the Central Route. The probability of extinction by ships is higher than levels established by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. (MMPA)
Date: March 25, 2013
Source: NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service.
Date: March 25, 2013
Source: NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service.
Pacific Humpback Whale Abundance in British Columbia
The Pacific Humpback Whale doubled in population from 2004-2011, making the population up to 137 whales. Genetic Analyses conclude that the existing whales are at numbers between 45,000-235,000.
Dates: September 11, 2013, and February 13, 2013
Sources: Public Library of Science, and Wildlife Conservation Society
Dates: September 11, 2013, and February 13, 2013
Sources: Public Library of Science, and Wildlife Conservation Society
Genetic Study Pursues Elusive Goal
The Humpback Whale population in the North Atlantic was more than 100,000 individuals before whaling. They were hunted for centuries. Scientists believe that current numbers are at a level high enough so that the Humpback Whales don't need National Protection. Because of whaling, only several hundred exist today.
Date: February 13, 2013
Source: Wildlife Conservation Society
Date: February 13, 2013
Source: Wildlife Conservation Society
Blue Whales Disturbed by Military Sonar
Military Sonar has been found to disrupt the feeding habits of endangered Blue Whales. The whales would cut short their dives for food after a sonar ping nearby. Some whales stopped feeding after sonar pulses or pings, resulting in losses of about a metric ton of krill for the animals. The whales also tend to avoid areas where sonar has been used.
Date: July 3, 2013
Source: The Telegraph Online
Date: July 3, 2013
Source: The Telegraph Online
Endangered Fin Whale Killed In Iceland
A Fin Whale was killed in Iceland by the Icelandic Whaling Company, about 150 nautical miles off of Iceland's West Coast. It was later revealed that the whale remains were turned into "dog treats" in Japan, sparking an international outburst.
Date: June 18, 2013
Source: PR Newsline
Date: June 18, 2013
Source: PR Newsline
Rescue of Endangered Northern Right Whale
Two fishermen, Captain Pat Foster and Mate Adrian Colaprete, were doing research about 50 miles offshore when they encountered the Northern Right Whale, which was swimming irregularly. The whale turned out to be entangled in fishing net ropes. The footage recorded shows Mr. Colaprete cutting the tangled ropes off of the Right Whale. (Northern Right Whales are the rarest whale species, with only several hundred still in existence.) "Ship collisions and entanglements in fishing gear are major hazards for the whales."
Dates: July 17, 2013, and July 16, 2013
Sources: The Telegraph Online and UPI Newstrack
Dates: July 17, 2013, and July 16, 2013
Sources: The Telegraph Online and UPI Newstrack