The 7-foot dolphin found stranded on South Padre Island last week remains in guarded condition at Texas State Aquarium Sea Lab in Corpus Christi.
Officials say it is a “wait-and-see situation” with the juvenile dolphin that goes by the name Bo Jingles.
“We are still hopeful, but he is extremely critical,” said Lea Walker, regional coordinator for the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network in Corpus Christi.
The dolphin is expected to be taken today to the Galveston facility of the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network for further treatment and care.
Bo Jingles was transported to Corpus Christi late last week after being cared for at the University of Texas-Pan American Coastal Studies Lab in Isla Blanca Park on South Padre Island, officials said.
Fishermen found the young dolphin in weak condition near Beach Access No. 6 on Dec. 21.
It was first thought that Bo Jingles suffered superficial wounds from a shark bite, but the wounds turned out to be more severe, officials said.
“They are definitely more invasive than originally determined. We’ve got him on every possible treatment he can be on for them,” Walker said.
Bo Jingles is being tube-fed and “nursed” and at times is able to eat small fish. The “nursing” consists of a volunteer donning gloves with a hole in one of the fingers and letting the dolphin suck the finger and gain nutrient through the hole.
Bo Jingles does better at the nursing because the suckling reduces his stress level, Williams said.
The dolphin is believed to be between 1 and 2 years old.
Although Bo Jingles is eating, it is still painful for him to swim on his own because of bites he sustained on his tail. Volunteers are walking Bo Jingles inside the tank. He is receiving around-the-clock care.
“It is so painful for him to move parts of his body that he needs for swimming, that he really just can’t. ... It’s not that he is not strong enough, it’s just that he is in too much pain,” Walker said.
Only a limited amount of medication can be administered to Bo Jingles because of the way dolphins breathe.
“You can’t depress them because they are voluntary breathers and if you give them traditional type pain medication, you will depress their breathing and they won’t remember to breathe,” Walker said.
Bo Jingles is getting physical therapy on his tail.
“It is always a wait-and-see situation. ... You just have to wait for him to respond to the treatment,” Walker said. “These people are giving everything they’ve got to help this animal.”
http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/group-135254-week-corpus.html
Saturday, 31 December 2011
Friday, 30 December 2011
A hotel to save a dolphin
Ribadesella port yesterday received the unexpected visit of a dolphin. Stranded in a dock ramp and barely the strength to face the current, adult specimen of almost two meters was located by a group of fishermen early in the morning. Hours later the dolphin died in the pool at the Gran Hotel del Sella, where he had been transferred in a last attempt to save his life.
"Although we have to make the autopsy, it appears that the dolphin could be caught at sea in a fishing gear," said yesterday the director of the Coordinating Committee for the Study and Protection of Marine Species (CEPESMA), Luis Laria , who noted that it is "a problem that occurs very often in cetaceans and that a high percentage of strandings on the Asturian coast."
In this latest issue of adult common dolphin made it in one of the ramps Ribadesella fishing port, where he was found alive near seven o'clock. Alerted by fishermen at that time were in the dock, Alvaro Fernandez, CEPESMA volunteer, moved immediately to the place.
And when the dolphin was to address the tip of the beach of Santa Marina, at the mouth of the estuary towards the sea, but "you could tell he had no strength to go and ended up stranding on the beach again," said Alvaro Fernandez.
Already in the sand and also supported by the veterinarian there were several attempts Ribadesella to the dolphin returned to the sea from the shore, as the heavy swell prevented from doing so from a boat.
But it was not possible by any means and dolphin stranding over and over again. Up to five. Which caused several injuries which led to bleeding and volunteers to find another solution that finally passed the pool remove the Gran Hotel del Sella, located a few meters from the beach of Santa Marina riosellana owned and volunteers CEPESMA public and personally thanked the gesture.
The idea was already in the pool trying to hydrate the animal and relax to get your strength, but "the dolphin seemed stunned," said those who closely followed the entire process until "suddenly, as if it were a attack, "the animal died.
Already on the lawn, the dolphin's body awaiting his transfer to CEPESMA facilities in Luarca, where his responsibilities will be performing the autopsy.
It was an adult, of perhaps 20 or 25 years, common dolphin, recognizable by its color, black and gray and cut into eight. Unlike the mule, the classic aquariums, whose presence is usual in the vicinity of the coast, the common herd lives in about 20 or 30 miles offshore, so its location near the coast is an indicator of that something is wrong. Or is disoriented, suffers from some disease or is injured.
The latter seems to be the cause of the stranding, the second to be produced in Asturias in just two days. "Just yesterday Luarca locate a basking shark," said Luis Laria, which ensures that at this time is when they give percentages of the presence of cetaceans in the Asturian coast due to the poor condition of the sea means that these animals are less outstanding external agents such as fishing gear.
Other apparent cause of the stranding strandings of dolphins in the port riosellano in addition to another case this year, last summer and also on the coast of Ribadesella, two on the beach in Vega and one on the beach of Santa Marina. In the latter case there was no option to recover the animal, which was finally had to euthanize it.
Also, during last summer's dolphins were found stranded two in the eastern seaboard, both now dead. One common, in the Arenal de Moris, in Caravia, late last August, whose death could be due to a severe infection, and second, a striped dolphin on the beach of San Antolin Llanes, who had several cuts apparently caused by rocks.
Months, in May, after another specimen was also located in an advanced state of decomposition in planning Torimbia already in the town of Llanes Niembro.
http://www.lavozdeasturias.es/asturias/comarcas/hotel-salvar-delfin_0_618538198.html
"Although we have to make the autopsy, it appears that the dolphin could be caught at sea in a fishing gear," said yesterday the director of the Coordinating Committee for the Study and Protection of Marine Species (CEPESMA), Luis Laria , who noted that it is "a problem that occurs very often in cetaceans and that a high percentage of strandings on the Asturian coast."
In this latest issue of adult common dolphin made it in one of the ramps Ribadesella fishing port, where he was found alive near seven o'clock. Alerted by fishermen at that time were in the dock, Alvaro Fernandez, CEPESMA volunteer, moved immediately to the place.
And when the dolphin was to address the tip of the beach of Santa Marina, at the mouth of the estuary towards the sea, but "you could tell he had no strength to go and ended up stranding on the beach again," said Alvaro Fernandez.
Already in the sand and also supported by the veterinarian there were several attempts Ribadesella to the dolphin returned to the sea from the shore, as the heavy swell prevented from doing so from a boat.
But it was not possible by any means and dolphin stranding over and over again. Up to five. Which caused several injuries which led to bleeding and volunteers to find another solution that finally passed the pool remove the Gran Hotel del Sella, located a few meters from the beach of Santa Marina riosellana owned and volunteers CEPESMA public and personally thanked the gesture.
The idea was already in the pool trying to hydrate the animal and relax to get your strength, but "the dolphin seemed stunned," said those who closely followed the entire process until "suddenly, as if it were a attack, "the animal died.
Already on the lawn, the dolphin's body awaiting his transfer to CEPESMA facilities in Luarca, where his responsibilities will be performing the autopsy.
It was an adult, of perhaps 20 or 25 years, common dolphin, recognizable by its color, black and gray and cut into eight. Unlike the mule, the classic aquariums, whose presence is usual in the vicinity of the coast, the common herd lives in about 20 or 30 miles offshore, so its location near the coast is an indicator of that something is wrong. Or is disoriented, suffers from some disease or is injured.
The latter seems to be the cause of the stranding, the second to be produced in Asturias in just two days. "Just yesterday Luarca locate a basking shark," said Luis Laria, which ensures that at this time is when they give percentages of the presence of cetaceans in the Asturian coast due to the poor condition of the sea means that these animals are less outstanding external agents such as fishing gear.
Other apparent cause of the stranding strandings of dolphins in the port riosellano in addition to another case this year, last summer and also on the coast of Ribadesella, two on the beach in Vega and one on the beach of Santa Marina. In the latter case there was no option to recover the animal, which was finally had to euthanize it.
Also, during last summer's dolphins were found stranded two in the eastern seaboard, both now dead. One common, in the Arenal de Moris, in Caravia, late last August, whose death could be due to a severe infection, and second, a striped dolphin on the beach of San Antolin Llanes, who had several cuts apparently caused by rocks.
Months, in May, after another specimen was also located in an advanced state of decomposition in planning Torimbia already in the town of Llanes Niembro.
http://www.lavozdeasturias.es/asturias/comarcas/hotel-salvar-delfin_0_618538198.html
Young orca dies in Norway
He was down the shore in Grunnførfjorden Boxing Day to see how the area looked like after two powerful storms floer in winter, when he discovered the killer whales, writes Bladet Vesterålen.
- Then I saw something floating in the water. It looked totally confused. It tried to get up on land and swam only in the ring, says Lyngmo who believe the weather and strong currents have separated killer whale baby from the mother.
Died in pebbles
- We thought this was bad odds. And the next day was the killer whales found dead on the shore.
When taken Lyngmo tractor and drove it on land. Now the 2.25 meter long killer whales examined by scientists.
- What has happened is NOK likely that it has been born in an unfortunate place, where it has been separated from his mother. Usually there are several adults present, but just in that area, it has perhaps been taken off the power, says the orca researcher Tiu Similä.
If something had happened to her mother, would others in the herd taken over the responsibility.
Read also: Requires Norwegian killer whales back
Read also: Wild killer whales to Tenerife
Will take DNA samples
- This is the first time I've heard about this. It is unique to find a young all alone. It was basically not a weak individual, for it fought well that we look at the video, says Similä who think the video was a sad sight.
Now, taking DNA samples to see which population it belongs. The researchers will also look for contaminants.
http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/distrikt/nordland/1.7934989
- Then I saw something floating in the water. It looked totally confused. It tried to get up on land and swam only in the ring, says Lyngmo who believe the weather and strong currents have separated killer whale baby from the mother.
Died in pebbles
- We thought this was bad odds. And the next day was the killer whales found dead on the shore.
When taken Lyngmo tractor and drove it on land. Now the 2.25 meter long killer whales examined by scientists.
- What has happened is NOK likely that it has been born in an unfortunate place, where it has been separated from his mother. Usually there are several adults present, but just in that area, it has perhaps been taken off the power, says the orca researcher Tiu Similä.
If something had happened to her mother, would others in the herd taken over the responsibility.
Read also: Requires Norwegian killer whales back
Read also: Wild killer whales to Tenerife
Will take DNA samples
- This is the first time I've heard about this. It is unique to find a young all alone. It was basically not a weak individual, for it fought well that we look at the video, says Similä who think the video was a sad sight.
Now, taking DNA samples to see which population it belongs. The researchers will also look for contaminants.
http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/distrikt/nordland/1.7934989
British oil company threaten Marseille Bay
British oil company prospecting off Marseille may be set up a platform.
There are many oil and gas off the coast of Marseille in 2000 meters. The Melrose Scottish company which conducted the research could exploit this resource in the future. The conservationists and the tourism industry are worried.
Environmentalists see a very dim view of this project to implement an oil platform a few miles of the future national park coves and Pelagos Marine Park, a sanctuary for the dolphins. Such an infrastructure and oil spill risk could also affect the number of tourists
At present research is arrested, the company Melrose expects renewal of his permit to operate
http://provence-alpes.france3.fr/info/-marseille--du-petrole-au-large-des-cotes--71842985.html
There are many oil and gas off the coast of Marseille in 2000 meters. The Melrose Scottish company which conducted the research could exploit this resource in the future. The conservationists and the tourism industry are worried.
Environmentalists see a very dim view of this project to implement an oil platform a few miles of the future national park coves and Pelagos Marine Park, a sanctuary for the dolphins. Such an infrastructure and oil spill risk could also affect the number of tourists
At present research is arrested, the company Melrose expects renewal of his permit to operate
http://provence-alpes.france3.fr/info/-marseille--du-petrole-au-large-des-cotes--71842985.html
Whale's death blamed on infection
Klamath, Del Norte County — Klamath, Del Norte County -- The wayward gray whale that died last summer after swimming from the sea into the Klamath River and attracting hundreds of well-wishers along the way suffered from a fungal skin infection caused by the river's freshwater, scientists said.
Sarah Wilkin of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration told the Times-Standard of Eureka that the mother whale's skin was weakened by her lengthy stay in the freshwater river, which allowed the fungus to get into her body.
The whale, called MaMa by locals, garnered national media attention when she entered the river with her calf on June 24. The pair were migrating north with other gray whales when they made their unexpected foray upriver.
Source
Sarah Wilkin of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration told the Times-Standard of Eureka that the mother whale's skin was weakened by her lengthy stay in the freshwater river, which allowed the fungus to get into her body.
The whale, called MaMa by locals, garnered national media attention when she entered the river with her calf on June 24. The pair were migrating north with other gray whales when they made their unexpected foray upriver.
Source
Thursday, 29 December 2011
Kirara and Nagasaki sea finless porpoises in Omura Bay Ecological Survey
Dolphin friend that is specified in the Red Data Book of endangered species in the Fisheries Agency and the County, Sasebo aquarium Kujuku Island has been a joint investigation for finless porpoises (Kirara Sea) and Nagasaki on August 28 sufficient 鹿子前 queued for city Visitor Center released a study that Kushima. And the possibility that long-term decline in populations revealed varying ecological habitats and seasonally.
The study, Nature Conservation Society of Japan (Tokyo) for about one year from October to November this year received a grant from 2010, conducted throughout the Omura Bay. Research vessel ▽, experimental sound effects device that hate ▽ ▽ finless porpoises washed ashore dead sighting surveys of populations of land in 10 locations - through ecological examined.
For many years, published the results of the Faculty of Fisheries, Nagasaki University professor Masao Amano continues to research and finless porpoises. Population of finless porpoises in Omura Bay is inhabited by about 300 head, including gill net to take from the data of the head that killed an average 4.8 years, "death to maintain the current population has exceeded the number may have decreased over the long term, "he said.
Check the many individuals along the coast in the spring breeding season, as well as referral data showing the different habitats in each season. Experimental effects of sound equipment is installed in the nets, "one or two months, but have the effect of driving away, gradually accustomed. Such as gill net fishing in early spring, when using the short-term effects can be expected," etc. was.
http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=ja&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://www.nagasaki-np.co.jp/kiji/20111229/05.shtml&usg=ALkJrhgWtq9JdMBwbGiAVQGg_oGtFyknCA
The study, Nature Conservation Society of Japan (Tokyo) for about one year from October to November this year received a grant from 2010, conducted throughout the Omura Bay. Research vessel ▽, experimental sound effects device that hate ▽ ▽ finless porpoises washed ashore dead sighting surveys of populations of land in 10 locations - through ecological examined.
For many years, published the results of the Faculty of Fisheries, Nagasaki University professor Masao Amano continues to research and finless porpoises. Population of finless porpoises in Omura Bay is inhabited by about 300 head, including gill net to take from the data of the head that killed an average 4.8 years, "death to maintain the current population has exceeded the number may have decreased over the long term, "he said.
Check the many individuals along the coast in the spring breeding season, as well as referral data showing the different habitats in each season. Experimental effects of sound equipment is installed in the nets, "one or two months, but have the effect of driving away, gradually accustomed. Such as gill net fishing in early spring, when using the short-term effects can be expected," etc. was.
http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=ja&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://www.nagasaki-np.co.jp/kiji/20111229/05.shtml&usg=ALkJrhgWtq9JdMBwbGiAVQGg_oGtFyknCA
Killer Whales attack sharks
Swimmers might think twice about cooling off at this beach.
The normally placid waters were transformed into a spectacular feeding ground as a group of orca whales attacked a school of sharks.
The sharks had been swimming close to the shore on Boxing Day at the Blue Cliffs Beach in Tuatapere, New Zealand as the orcas - also known as killer whales - stalked them through the sea.
Moments later the hungry whales sent the feared fish scattering through the waves as they sprung their assault.
In a spectacular display of natural predators at work, the whales herded the sharks toward the shore to force them into shallow waters.
One shark desperate to escape from the enormous beasts even beaches itself on the sand. It is seen desperately flapping around in a bid to escape the whales, which were unable to move onto the sand.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2079948/Killer-whales-launch-surprise-attack-school-sharks.html#ixzz1iWMvRCzr
The normally placid waters were transformed into a spectacular feeding ground as a group of orca whales attacked a school of sharks.
The sharks had been swimming close to the shore on Boxing Day at the Blue Cliffs Beach in Tuatapere, New Zealand as the orcas - also known as killer whales - stalked them through the sea.
Moments later the hungry whales sent the feared fish scattering through the waves as they sprung their assault.
In a spectacular display of natural predators at work, the whales herded the sharks toward the shore to force them into shallow waters.
One shark desperate to escape from the enormous beasts even beaches itself on the sand. It is seen desperately flapping around in a bid to escape the whales, which were unable to move onto the sand.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2079948/Killer-whales-launch-surprise-attack-school-sharks.html#ixzz1iWMvRCzr
Saturday, 24 December 2011
Annoucement about the Christmas Period
MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone
Just a quick mention, as it is now the season holidays, Cetacean Cousins is taking a break until the new year.
I hope you all are well and love the new home page. We look forward seeing you in the new year and hope you look forward to the future updates/ changes.
All the best
Orkamad and Takulover
Just a quick mention, as it is now the season holidays, Cetacean Cousins is taking a break until the new year.
I hope you all are well and love the new home page. We look forward seeing you in the new year and hope you look forward to the future updates/ changes.
All the best
Orkamad and Takulover
Friday, 23 December 2011
Rough sea, dead beached dolphin
BARI - He fought against the waves. He has repeatedly risked ending up on the beach. Coast Guard and firefighters braved the stormy sea to rescue him. But when they reached back off, he was already dead. It 'was a bitter discovery for divers to die under their own eyes see a beautiful female dolphin. The specimen, a female dolphin of about 2.5 meters in length, was recovered in the waters of the gorge, a few meters from the shore The Trampoline, St. Jerome in the district. The last time was seen over a month ago, on 8 November in the waters of the harbor. Its evolution aroused the curiosity of many people who stopped to admire it on the waterfront. The mammal was in good condition, rather hyperactive, put in difficulty so that staff and volunteers of the Port of sea turtle recovery center in Molfetta engaged in complex activities groped to remove him from the port.
The frames of relief
Thursday morning, a motorist noticed the dolphin and warned the exchange of the Coast Guard. A patrol boat arrived on site and a diving team of firefighters. They tried to pull him to safety but the poor condition of the sea did not help the company. So when it was recovered on the beach came a doctor of veterinary service of ASL. The dolphin was malnourished and lifeless. Now the body is located in the center of forensic medicine in Valenzano. In the past year were more than 50 dolphins beached on the coast of Puglia. Other specimens were found in an advanced state of decomposition on the coast of Trani, Bisceglie, Molfetta, Holy Spirit, Mola di Bari, Brindisi Porto Cesareo and Torre Colimena.
http://corrieredelmezzogiorno.corriere.it/napoli/notizie/cronaca/2011/23-dicembre-2011/mare-agitato-morto-delfino-spiaggiato-1902637735483.shtml
The frames of relief
Thursday morning, a motorist noticed the dolphin and warned the exchange of the Coast Guard. A patrol boat arrived on site and a diving team of firefighters. They tried to pull him to safety but the poor condition of the sea did not help the company. So when it was recovered on the beach came a doctor of veterinary service of ASL. The dolphin was malnourished and lifeless. Now the body is located in the center of forensic medicine in Valenzano. In the past year were more than 50 dolphins beached on the coast of Puglia. Other specimens were found in an advanced state of decomposition on the coast of Trani, Bisceglie, Molfetta, Holy Spirit, Mola di Bari, Brindisi Porto Cesareo and Torre Colimena.
http://corrieredelmezzogiorno.corriere.it/napoli/notizie/cronaca/2011/23-dicembre-2011/mare-agitato-morto-delfino-spiaggiato-1902637735483.shtml
Hunt threatens whale-watch industry
Japanese plans to hunt humpback whales in Antarctica could ruin Australia's $300 million-a-year whale-watching industry, says a former whaling captain.
Paddy Hart, 72, was master of Australia's last whaling vessel, the Cheynes II, when the Albany whaling station was closed in Western Australia in 1978 due to falling global demand.
In recent years, Mr Hart has become an active anti-whaling campaigner, travelling to Japan with Greenpeace to protest against its annual Antarctic whale hunt under the guise of 'scientific research'.
In 2007, Japan announced it would defy a 50-year global ban on hunting humpbacks by killing 50 of the endangered mammals amongst a total whale quota of 1000.
It later dropped the plan to hunt humpbacks - focusing instead on killing more than 900 minke and 50 fin whales - but has not removed them from successive quotas.
'The Japanese have been talking about hunting humpback whales,' Mr Hart told AAP from his home in Albany this week.
'If that happens, you can say goodbye to our whale-watching industry, which is worth around $300 million a year.
'We actually make more money now watching whales than we ever did shooting them.'
After 18 years in the industry, the man who killed thousands of whales off Australia's southern coast understands more than anyone how hunting can change the behaviour of these highly intelligent mammals.
'The only reason humpbacks come so close to boats now is there has been a moratorium on killing them for the last 50 years,' Mr Hart said.
'They know that if they come up to boats, they will get a welcome reception.
'But as soon as you start shooting them, well, that's it - they're not going to come close again.
'It's their instinct in the wild - whenever they're in danger they flee.'
Mr Hart said Antarctic humpbacks were the same whales that migrated north along Australia's coast each year and formed the basis of the nation's lucrative whale-watching industry.
'They're the ones we see that come in close to calve and teach them how to swim in warmer Australian waters,' he said.
'Then they go back down to Antarctica to feed.'
Former environment minister Peter Garrett noted this year that whale-watching was worth $300 million to the Australian economy - the same amount as its live-cattle trade to Indonesia.
Internationally, it's worth more than $2 billion and growing at 10 per cent a year.
While commercial whaling was banned in 1986, a small number of nations - including Japan - continues to hunt them using a loophole that allows some species of whales to be slaughtered each year for scientific research.
Japan hunts about 1000 mostly minke whales a year amidst a growing international outcry.
Australia filed a case against its major trading partner in the International Court of Justice this year, seeking an end to whaling in Australian Antarctic waters.
'The Gillard government condemns Japan's decision to continue its so-called scientific' whaling in the Southern Ocean this summer,' federal Environment Minister Tony Burke told AAP this week.
'That's why Australia has taken the strongest action of any other country in the world and started legal proceedings against Japan in the International Court of Justice.
'We are bringing this case to maximise our chances of bringing Japan's so-called scientific' whaling to an end.'
The Japanese whaling fleet is currently believed to be off the coast of WA, en route to the Antarctic, after leaving its home port on December 6.
The Japanese government has said it will send a patrol boat with the fleet to protect it from harassment by activists from the Sea Shepherd conservation group, which has tried to stop the hunt in previous years.
About $30 million of Japan's earthquake relief funds have been diverted to the whale hunt.
Australia has ruled out sending its own vessel to monitor potential clashes between the whalers and activists.
'Australia has no plans to deploy a patrol vessel to the Southern Ocean,' Mr Burke said.
'Australia is opposed to whaling and does not intend to provide a higher level of protection to a vessel because it is involved in whaling.'
As the Sea Shepherd fleet prepared to leave Albany last week to intercept the Japanese hunters, Mr Hart met with the captain of its flagship Steve Irwin vessel, Canadian Paul Watson.
Once on opposing sides, the two old seafarers now have much in common.
'We talked about the hunt,' Mr Hart said.
'It's going to be a hard season down there - the hardest one yet.
'We certainly didn't talk tactics, because that would be a closely kept secret.
'They expect close attention from (the Japanese), but they assured us that they'd be ready to meet them.'
Mr Hart said he had nothing but admiration for the Sea Shepherd crew and their dangerous mission.
'They do it hard,' he said.
'At least when we're out on the ocean, we could get back to land and see our families.
'The conditions (in the Antarctic) are much more severe for the Sea Shepherd crew.'
Mr Hart said most of the crews on his old whaling vessels took no pleasure in killing what they regarded as intelligent, social and majestic beasts.
'I enjoyed the atmosphere on board the boat, but the actual killing of the whales, no,' he said.
'Because there's no way you can humanely kill a whale.
'If you don't hit them in the right spot you simply hurt the animal and have to hold fast to it, like a fish on a hook.
'It may take 10, 15 minutes or more just to get a couple of extra shots in to kill them.
'They don't die easily.
'If there's no need to kill them, why kill them?'
http://www.skynews.com.au/eco/article.aspx?id=699737&vId=
Paddy Hart, 72, was master of Australia's last whaling vessel, the Cheynes II, when the Albany whaling station was closed in Western Australia in 1978 due to falling global demand.
In recent years, Mr Hart has become an active anti-whaling campaigner, travelling to Japan with Greenpeace to protest against its annual Antarctic whale hunt under the guise of 'scientific research'.
In 2007, Japan announced it would defy a 50-year global ban on hunting humpbacks by killing 50 of the endangered mammals amongst a total whale quota of 1000.
It later dropped the plan to hunt humpbacks - focusing instead on killing more than 900 minke and 50 fin whales - but has not removed them from successive quotas.
'The Japanese have been talking about hunting humpback whales,' Mr Hart told AAP from his home in Albany this week.
'If that happens, you can say goodbye to our whale-watching industry, which is worth around $300 million a year.
'We actually make more money now watching whales than we ever did shooting them.'
After 18 years in the industry, the man who killed thousands of whales off Australia's southern coast understands more than anyone how hunting can change the behaviour of these highly intelligent mammals.
'The only reason humpbacks come so close to boats now is there has been a moratorium on killing them for the last 50 years,' Mr Hart said.
'They know that if they come up to boats, they will get a welcome reception.
'But as soon as you start shooting them, well, that's it - they're not going to come close again.
'It's their instinct in the wild - whenever they're in danger they flee.'
Mr Hart said Antarctic humpbacks were the same whales that migrated north along Australia's coast each year and formed the basis of the nation's lucrative whale-watching industry.
'They're the ones we see that come in close to calve and teach them how to swim in warmer Australian waters,' he said.
'Then they go back down to Antarctica to feed.'
Former environment minister Peter Garrett noted this year that whale-watching was worth $300 million to the Australian economy - the same amount as its live-cattle trade to Indonesia.
Internationally, it's worth more than $2 billion and growing at 10 per cent a year.
While commercial whaling was banned in 1986, a small number of nations - including Japan - continues to hunt them using a loophole that allows some species of whales to be slaughtered each year for scientific research.
Japan hunts about 1000 mostly minke whales a year amidst a growing international outcry.
Australia filed a case against its major trading partner in the International Court of Justice this year, seeking an end to whaling in Australian Antarctic waters.
'The Gillard government condemns Japan's decision to continue its so-called scientific' whaling in the Southern Ocean this summer,' federal Environment Minister Tony Burke told AAP this week.
'That's why Australia has taken the strongest action of any other country in the world and started legal proceedings against Japan in the International Court of Justice.
'We are bringing this case to maximise our chances of bringing Japan's so-called scientific' whaling to an end.'
The Japanese whaling fleet is currently believed to be off the coast of WA, en route to the Antarctic, after leaving its home port on December 6.
The Japanese government has said it will send a patrol boat with the fleet to protect it from harassment by activists from the Sea Shepherd conservation group, which has tried to stop the hunt in previous years.
About $30 million of Japan's earthquake relief funds have been diverted to the whale hunt.
Australia has ruled out sending its own vessel to monitor potential clashes between the whalers and activists.
'Australia has no plans to deploy a patrol vessel to the Southern Ocean,' Mr Burke said.
'Australia is opposed to whaling and does not intend to provide a higher level of protection to a vessel because it is involved in whaling.'
As the Sea Shepherd fleet prepared to leave Albany last week to intercept the Japanese hunters, Mr Hart met with the captain of its flagship Steve Irwin vessel, Canadian Paul Watson.
Once on opposing sides, the two old seafarers now have much in common.
'We talked about the hunt,' Mr Hart said.
'It's going to be a hard season down there - the hardest one yet.
'We certainly didn't talk tactics, because that would be a closely kept secret.
'They expect close attention from (the Japanese), but they assured us that they'd be ready to meet them.'
Mr Hart said he had nothing but admiration for the Sea Shepherd crew and their dangerous mission.
'They do it hard,' he said.
'At least when we're out on the ocean, we could get back to land and see our families.
'The conditions (in the Antarctic) are much more severe for the Sea Shepherd crew.'
Mr Hart said most of the crews on his old whaling vessels took no pleasure in killing what they regarded as intelligent, social and majestic beasts.
'I enjoyed the atmosphere on board the boat, but the actual killing of the whales, no,' he said.
'Because there's no way you can humanely kill a whale.
'If you don't hit them in the right spot you simply hurt the animal and have to hold fast to it, like a fish on a hook.
'It may take 10, 15 minutes or more just to get a couple of extra shots in to kill them.
'They don't die easily.
'If there's no need to kill them, why kill them?'
http://www.skynews.com.au/eco/article.aspx?id=699737&vId=
Thursday, 22 December 2011
SeaWorld whale Tilikum battles illness
The largest killer whale at SeaWorld Orlando fell ill last week and was quarantined in the park's medical pool, though a spokesman said Thursday that the animal is better now.
SeaWorld trainers had moved the whale, the six-ton male Tilikum, into the park's medical pool for treatment. The whale's illness was first reported by the television station WKMG Local 6.
Tilikum is the whale that killed a SeaWorld Orlando trainer in February 2010. He has also been linked to two other human deaths, including the 1991 death of a Canadian killer whale trainer and the 1999 death of a man who sneaked into SeaWorld's killer-whale enclosure after the park had closed.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-tilikum-sick-20111222,0,7052520.story
SeaWorld trainers had moved the whale, the six-ton male Tilikum, into the park's medical pool for treatment. The whale's illness was first reported by the television station WKMG Local 6.
Tilikum is the whale that killed a SeaWorld Orlando trainer in February 2010. He has also been linked to two other human deaths, including the 1991 death of a Canadian killer whale trainer and the 1999 death of a man who sneaked into SeaWorld's killer-whale enclosure after the park had closed.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-tilikum-sick-20111222,0,7052520.story
Gray Whale Season Underway
Gray whales are beginning travels along the Southern California coast now as they make one of the longest mammalian migrations known to man.
The journey from the Bering and Chukchi seas to the lagoons in Baja California and back averages between 10,000 to 14,000 miles.
"We have been seeing more and more gray whales every day," reported Scott Louie from Harbor Breeze Cruises in Long Beach. "Add in literally thousands of dolphins and an occasional orca sighting and this is a terrific time to be on a whale watching trip."
The whales feed on small crustaceans on the bottom of the ocean by rolling on their sides and drawing up bottom sediments and lots of seawater.
The whale then closes its mouth expelling the water and sediment through its baleen plates and leaving a tasty meal inside. Adult males can reach 46 feet, and while adult females can reach 50 feet. They weigh between 30 to 40 tons.
The Marina del Rey sportfishing fleet as well as several private boaters have been seeing several gray whales pass the area by recently.
"This is a great time of the year," said Rick Oefinger from Marina del Rey Sportfishing. "Our anglers get a two-for-one deal with whale watching and fishing on the same trip."
The Voyager out of King Harbor in neighboring Redondo Beach will start its whale watch season Tuesday. The deep water canyons just off Redondo have attracted copious amounts of blue whales earlier this year. Now the blue whales are gone as more gray whales pass by.
One of the great things about gray whale watching is that they are frequently visible from shore. Taking the family to the Palos Verdes Peninsula, as well as the cliffs in San Pedro and Laguna Beach makes for a fun, educational and economical outing.
A shore-based study, the ACS-LA Gray Whale Census and Behavior Project, has been going on since 1979 near Point Vicente in Palos Verdes, and runs until May 15 using volunteers as spotters.
Spotters detail whales’ behavior including breaching, spyhopping, nursing and more. They also watch for what effect boats have on the whales and document any harassment issues. So far, the spotters have documented nearly 40 southbound gray whales this month.
Another way to track whales this year is on your computer. The Marine Mammal Institute within Oregon State University has tagged two gray whales that you can track online. Vavara and Agent are presently making their way across the Bering Sea but taking very different routes.
If you plan on whale watching from your own boat, make sure you are aware of NOAA’s Marine Mammal Viewing Guidelines and Regulations—federal law prohibits harassment of these whales so please remain at least 100 yards from the migrating whales. Do not attempt to touch or swim with these creatures as their behavior can be unpredictable.
Gray whales were given full protection in 1947 by the International Whaling Commission. Since that time, the eastern north Pacific gray whale population has rebounded to near its original population size somewhere between 19,000 and 23,000 whales.
While calving occurs mostly in the lagoons of Baja California, Mexico, some calves are born during the migration. A Dec. 18 post on YouTube by RIPproductions9 off Laguna Beach shows three divers interacting with a baby gray whale. The whale makes a u-turn towards the camera and gives these divers a Christmas present they will have for a lifetime.
http://marinadelrey.patch.com/articles/gray-whale-season-underway-for-southern-california-whale-watchers
The journey from the Bering and Chukchi seas to the lagoons in Baja California and back averages between 10,000 to 14,000 miles.
"We have been seeing more and more gray whales every day," reported Scott Louie from Harbor Breeze Cruises in Long Beach. "Add in literally thousands of dolphins and an occasional orca sighting and this is a terrific time to be on a whale watching trip."
The whales feed on small crustaceans on the bottom of the ocean by rolling on their sides and drawing up bottom sediments and lots of seawater.
The whale then closes its mouth expelling the water and sediment through its baleen plates and leaving a tasty meal inside. Adult males can reach 46 feet, and while adult females can reach 50 feet. They weigh between 30 to 40 tons.
The Marina del Rey sportfishing fleet as well as several private boaters have been seeing several gray whales pass the area by recently.
"This is a great time of the year," said Rick Oefinger from Marina del Rey Sportfishing. "Our anglers get a two-for-one deal with whale watching and fishing on the same trip."
The Voyager out of King Harbor in neighboring Redondo Beach will start its whale watch season Tuesday. The deep water canyons just off Redondo have attracted copious amounts of blue whales earlier this year. Now the blue whales are gone as more gray whales pass by.
One of the great things about gray whale watching is that they are frequently visible from shore. Taking the family to the Palos Verdes Peninsula, as well as the cliffs in San Pedro and Laguna Beach makes for a fun, educational and economical outing.
A shore-based study, the ACS-LA Gray Whale Census and Behavior Project, has been going on since 1979 near Point Vicente in Palos Verdes, and runs until May 15 using volunteers as spotters.
Spotters detail whales’ behavior including breaching, spyhopping, nursing and more. They also watch for what effect boats have on the whales and document any harassment issues. So far, the spotters have documented nearly 40 southbound gray whales this month.
Another way to track whales this year is on your computer. The Marine Mammal Institute within Oregon State University has tagged two gray whales that you can track online. Vavara and Agent are presently making their way across the Bering Sea but taking very different routes.
If you plan on whale watching from your own boat, make sure you are aware of NOAA’s Marine Mammal Viewing Guidelines and Regulations—federal law prohibits harassment of these whales so please remain at least 100 yards from the migrating whales. Do not attempt to touch or swim with these creatures as their behavior can be unpredictable.
Gray whales were given full protection in 1947 by the International Whaling Commission. Since that time, the eastern north Pacific gray whale population has rebounded to near its original population size somewhere between 19,000 and 23,000 whales.
While calving occurs mostly in the lagoons of Baja California, Mexico, some calves are born during the migration. A Dec. 18 post on YouTube by RIPproductions9 off Laguna Beach shows three divers interacting with a baby gray whale. The whale makes a u-turn towards the camera and gives these divers a Christmas present they will have for a lifetime.
http://marinadelrey.patch.com/articles/gray-whale-season-underway-for-southern-california-whale-watchers
Whale family escapes after being trapped in N.L. channel
A family of pilot whales that was likely to perish in a narrow channel in Bonavista Bay, N.L., has made it out.
The six whales were at the end of a long run near Deer Island, on the northeastern coast of the province.
"They won't swim out once they go up these narrow entrances - pilot whales are really social, really sensitive to sound, and they hang together in groups and won't go anywhere if they all don't go," said Wayne Ledwell of Whale Release and Strandings, a non-profit organization that responds to whales that are entrapped or stranded on the shoreline.
The organization had been called in by a group of bird hunters who had spotted the whales on Monday.
"I knew they weren't going to get out of there if we weren't successful in getting them out, because it's going to freeze over."
If the whales had been sick and looking to beach, there may not have been anything he could do, Ledwell explained. But they weren't. It was a group of seemingly healthy animals - juveniles and adults - that Ledwell reckons had found their way into the channel by chasing herring or after being scared by killer whales, which had been spotted in the area last week.
Ledwell, along with fisheries officer Darren Poole, used a boat to chase the whales out. It's not the best way to deal with whales, Ledwell explained, but it was the only option.
It took about four hours to get the whales to leave.
"When they'd come up to the tickle, they'd turn around and go back. They didn't want to go through the narrow areas," he explained. "We had to keep after them. It was like rounding up cattle, except we couldn't see them most of the time. They'd turn around on us and go underneath.
"We kept at it, kept cutting them off, going behind them and cutting them off again, and we finally got them out. Once they were in the middle of the last tickle, it was open sea, and they were gone; they bolted it for the open ocean as fast as they could go."
Ledwell doesn't expect the whales to come back to the spot.
"If this was an animal that was found on a beach and we had pulled it back out again, or a single animal in this species, I would think they would come back, and most of the time they do," he explained. "In this case, they were healthy-looking, they weren't on a beach and didn't want to go on a beach, they were swimming around in the cove."
Read more: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/Whale+family+escapes+after+being+trapped+channel/5896278/story.html#ixzz1hIDwRs2D
The six whales were at the end of a long run near Deer Island, on the northeastern coast of the province.
"They won't swim out once they go up these narrow entrances - pilot whales are really social, really sensitive to sound, and they hang together in groups and won't go anywhere if they all don't go," said Wayne Ledwell of Whale Release and Strandings, a non-profit organization that responds to whales that are entrapped or stranded on the shoreline.
The organization had been called in by a group of bird hunters who had spotted the whales on Monday.
"I knew they weren't going to get out of there if we weren't successful in getting them out, because it's going to freeze over."
If the whales had been sick and looking to beach, there may not have been anything he could do, Ledwell explained. But they weren't. It was a group of seemingly healthy animals - juveniles and adults - that Ledwell reckons had found their way into the channel by chasing herring or after being scared by killer whales, which had been spotted in the area last week.
Ledwell, along with fisheries officer Darren Poole, used a boat to chase the whales out. It's not the best way to deal with whales, Ledwell explained, but it was the only option.
It took about four hours to get the whales to leave.
"When they'd come up to the tickle, they'd turn around and go back. They didn't want to go through the narrow areas," he explained. "We had to keep after them. It was like rounding up cattle, except we couldn't see them most of the time. They'd turn around on us and go underneath.
"We kept at it, kept cutting them off, going behind them and cutting them off again, and we finally got them out. Once they were in the middle of the last tickle, it was open sea, and they were gone; they bolted it for the open ocean as fast as they could go."
Ledwell doesn't expect the whales to come back to the spot.
"If this was an animal that was found on a beach and we had pulled it back out again, or a single animal in this species, I would think they would come back, and most of the time they do," he explained. "In this case, they were healthy-looking, they weren't on a beach and didn't want to go on a beach, they were swimming around in the cove."
Read more: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/Whale+family+escapes+after+being+trapped+channel/5896278/story.html#ixzz1hIDwRs2D
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
Rare whale strands
A rare species of whale was found dead in the late afternoon on Tuesday Cidreira, north coast of Rio Grande do Sul The animal, which belongs to the family of cetaceans known as whale-of-Cuvier beaked (Ziphius cavirostris ). She was almost in the sand when it was located by the Study Group for Aquatic Mammals of the Rio Grande do Sul (Gemars), researchers report.
According to Paulo Henrique Ott, a professor at State University of Rio Grande do Sul (UERGS) and researcher at Gemars, the animal measures about six feet and weighs about a ton and a half.
- I work in research for 20 years and had never seen this animal here in Rio Grande do Sul Now we know more about the habits of the species - he said.
The researchers make a series of tests with the animal before burying it on the beach. According to Ott, the beaked whales, family Ziphiidae have oceanic habits and live in deep waters far from the coast.
- This type of whale is so rare that we have little information about it. From this whale, let's try to understand the reasons that brought him here - Ott said.
According to the researcher, the animal was not attached to fishing nets...
http://g1.globo.com/rs/rio-grande-do-sul/noticia/2011/12/especie-rara-de-baleia-e-encontrada-morta-em-cidreira-rs.html
According to Paulo Henrique Ott, a professor at State University of Rio Grande do Sul (UERGS) and researcher at Gemars, the animal measures about six feet and weighs about a ton and a half.
- I work in research for 20 years and had never seen this animal here in Rio Grande do Sul Now we know more about the habits of the species - he said.
The researchers make a series of tests with the animal before burying it on the beach. According to Ott, the beaked whales, family Ziphiidae have oceanic habits and live in deep waters far from the coast.
- This type of whale is so rare that we have little information about it. From this whale, let's try to understand the reasons that brought him here - Ott said.
According to the researcher, the animal was not attached to fishing nets...
http://g1.globo.com/rs/rio-grande-do-sul/noticia/2011/12/especie-rara-de-baleia-e-encontrada-morta-em-cidreira-rs.html
Minke Whale stranded
ecember 19 at noon, in Dalian Changhai Ocean island reed ditch waters, a nearly 5 meters long, weighing about 1.5 tons of whale into the surrounding farmers scallop seed breeding area, the area covered by sea floating raft whale was entangled in the raft root death. Island Lao Yumin said ocean around the island was once a whale games, whale species are still many, this is a minke whale. It is reported that this is the second time since 2009 that raft area surrounding the island into the whale died. Pictured around the whale fishermen recovered the body. Wang Yuan / reporter / Di Wenjun photo
http://roll.sohu.com/20111222/n329831708.shtml
http://roll.sohu.com/20111222/n329831708.shtml
Whale digged up for display
A ten meters long whale buried in the ground for 8 years, only recently dug up the skeleton. December 21, reporters from Qingdao Underwater World aquarium staff was informed, this whale was buried in the ground around 2003, and recently cleared, now frozen in the whale skeleton specimen plant, the next step will be the bone specimen preparation. Reporters learned that Qingdao has produced a large number of marine scientific research organization specializing in biological specimens, and has developed a sophisticated production methods. Found in domestic large-scale coastal fishing marine animals, the majority of the specimens in Qingdao processing plant into a specimen. December 21, the reporter came to the country's largest marine life marine life Chinese Academy of Sciences Herbarium Herbarium, visit the large specimens of marine animals production process. A question why the whale buried in the ground for eight years? Reporters came to Qingdao Underwater World hospital, near the side of the building there is a wide and 56 meters, 20 meters long, 6 meters deep pit, excavators and forklifts together into battle, several workers were cleaning up stones . "A few days ago, workers dug up the whale bones from the inside, on the road, full of it, has been dug over the past two days." Staff side, said there was originally a flat in 2003, Qingdao Underwater World opening, have been buried underground a whale, wait for it to rot prepare specimens. "Why would we buried eight years?" Aquarium staff, "in the production of bone specimens before the whale must be skimmed. Buried in the ground, you can let it rot, easy to make." It is understood that large specimens of marine animals in the production , generally have adopted the way buried, "one to two years can rot, can be dug out skeletons made of." IOCAS Museum Wangguan Zhang introduced biological specimens. "Does have some long-buried eight years, and buried for too long, very easy for bone black." This underground "sleeping" eight years of whale more than ten meters long, has now been transported to the bone at the Shazikou specimen plant for frozen specimens will be made later. Museum specimens of marine life in the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the reporter saw the production of two different forms of shark specimens. Institute of Marine Biology Herbarium has 776,000 kinds of biological specimens, is the largest marine life museum specimens. These large marine biological specimens are collected from where? Herbarium of Wang Guanchang introduction, "are generally as large national marine conservation of marine life, and now the majority of marine scientific research by the manufacture. These samples are generally sent through the post-harvest fisheries sector here." The specimens made there are many: the Herbarium, the reporter saw the specimens made of shark skin, but also saw the bone specimens. According to Wang Guanchang introduction, there is a liquid sample, the shark immersed in a glass filled with alcohol products in. "Not only can watch biological molecules can also be analyzed." specimen B a whale can be leather, bone two specimens of an approximately 6 m "minke whale" skeleton specimen placed in the Institute of Museum specimens of marine life, this whales are shipped over from Shazikou, was arrested in 2003, groan, buried on the beach one and a half, 2005 to dig post-processing. "It's a whale can be made into two samples. Whale fat thickness, peel off the skin first, then meat skeleton buried in the ground, waiting for rotting skeleton specimens after manufacture." Reporters found that this "minke whale" by nearly a block composed of large and small bones, the four pillars supporting the "Tour" in the air, the absence of the abdomen under the body of the bone adhesion, is a piece of wire hanging. The bones were iron and nails together, the skull was a huge pillars stand up. The entire skeleton of color white, the above is also coated with a layer of preservative. The entire skeleton on the ground to decay, leaving a thin hole. "As the shape of marine organisms too large, want their soft tissue completely decomposed, buried only by natural means." Wangguan Chang, the "make a specimen, is very time consuming and very labor-thing to do from the catch into, not two or three years can not. skin specimens can be made six months, while the skeletal needs of the job for three years. " In addition to wait time, staff should prepare specimens studied anatomy, well aware of the structure of the whale. In order to collect complete with bones scattered in the ground, assembled them all in together. In the "minke whale" of one side, there is a lifelike whale specimens, in addition to facial expressions and eyes solidification, the body fur is very complete. "This is a specimen of whale skin." Wangguan Zhang introduced. Some of the injured whales will always be a place, the staff will generally cut down into the wound, carefully so that the whole integrity of the skin down. When stripping the big action, usually starting from the abdomen. Whole skin was separated from the whale, it will fill in the skin covered with arsenic in the cotton wool, or wood flour filled. Reporters from small specimens of whale skin side of the wound, exposing the wood flour can be clearly seen inside the mouth but also exposing a length of cotton wool. "In the past good specimens are filled with cotton wool, which is saturated with arsenic, is used to prevent insects, and ultimately prevent the erosion of specimens." According to Wang Guanchang introduced, with the specimen advances in technology, materials used to fill the constantly updated. In addition to using wood flour and cotton wool padding, now filled in skin specimens of a "foam." "This foam is filling, with the mouth facing the specimen within the jet, the bubble will be inflated in 20 minutes after the rapid expansion of 20 times, making the specimen was filled full, fill up the whole skin becomes smooth and flat." The skeleton specimens produced from the ground out of frame, you need to count eleven whale bones. Then the bones on the formalin soaked, the staff need to have a good grounding in anatomy, specimens of the species produced very familiar with the basic knowledge needed to master the mechanics, with a minimum of support, so long as sixty-seven m of complete whale skeleton present. Text / reporter Li Min Map / reporter Lee Jun Hui
http://roll.sohu.com/20111222/n329829799.shtml
http://roll.sohu.com/20111222/n329829799.shtml
New calf born in J Pod
Big news! It's been kept quiet to make sure all parties confirmed, but NOAA's NW Fisheries Science Center and the Center for Whale Research have confirmed that on December 17, 39-year old J16 (Slick) gave birth to a new baby calf in Puget Sound, probably only a few hours judging from the fresh fetal folds, before being seen and photographed by veteran field researcher Candice Emmons of NWSFC. This makes J16's fifth calf since her first, J26, was born in 1991. She was the sixteenth J pod orca photographed and identified by Mike Bigg in 1972, and is among the oldest whose age is known exactly. Her matriline is known as the J7's after J16's late mother. Photos of the family can be found by scrolling down the Center for Whale Research matriline guidehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif.
source: link
source: link
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
Whale Probe
Sri Lanka to probe whale deaths, do acoustic monitoring
Dec 20, 2011 (LBO) - Sri Lanka is launching a probe on whale deaths which are suspected to be due to shipping, and also study the mammals by monitoring their calls underwater, the head of a research agency said.
"Too many whales are dying around Sri Lanka," Hiran Jayewardene chairman of Sri Lanka's National Aquatic Research Agency told reporters in Colombo.
"Too many whales are getting killed by the ships."
Frequently dead whales wash up on the shores of the island. A major East-West shipping route lies off Sri Lanka's south coast. During parts of the year or 'season' whales pass a few miles off the shore of the island.
"We are still analyzing statistics but in the early part of the year we had some marine mammal dying every week, sometimes two a week," Jayewardene said.
"We had picked up the carcasses of blue whales which have clearly been killed by ships. One was cut by a large propeller."
Jayewardene said the NARA, universities and the wildlife agency needed expertise from international specialists to carry out postmortems on dead whales, some of which were partially decomposed when found.
He says up to 20 whale carcasses sometimes found in a year. Earlier this year two dugong, which are now rare, were found dead due to illegal dynamiting off Mannar in the north eastern coast.
There was no knowledge about the population of whales around the island, Jayewardene said.
Some researchers suspect that the whales, which include blue and sperm whales are passing by the island during an annual migration around the Indian Ocean.
Whale watching has become a popular tourist activity, with whales now coming within several miles of the shore. Jayewardene said if the whales were disturbed too much they could go away.
He said a new NARA research vessel would be equipped with 'passive acoustic monitoring' facilities. Hydrophones towed behind the vessel would be able to pick up whale songs from up to 15 miles away.
"Electronically we can
Whale Probeanalyze from the sound what kind of whale it is, which direction they are going," Jayewardene said.
He said the research may help get a better idea of the number of whales around Sri Lanka.
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=999883621
Dec 20, 2011 (LBO) - Sri Lanka is launching a probe on whale deaths which are suspected to be due to shipping, and also study the mammals by monitoring their calls underwater, the head of a research agency said.
"Too many whales are dying around Sri Lanka," Hiran Jayewardene chairman of Sri Lanka's National Aquatic Research Agency told reporters in Colombo.
"Too many whales are getting killed by the ships."
Frequently dead whales wash up on the shores of the island. A major East-West shipping route lies off Sri Lanka's south coast. During parts of the year or 'season' whales pass a few miles off the shore of the island.
"We are still analyzing statistics but in the early part of the year we had some marine mammal dying every week, sometimes two a week," Jayewardene said.
"We had picked up the carcasses of blue whales which have clearly been killed by ships. One was cut by a large propeller."
Jayewardene said the NARA, universities and the wildlife agency needed expertise from international specialists to carry out postmortems on dead whales, some of which were partially decomposed when found.
He says up to 20 whale carcasses sometimes found in a year. Earlier this year two dugong, which are now rare, were found dead due to illegal dynamiting off Mannar in the north eastern coast.
There was no knowledge about the population of whales around the island, Jayewardene said.
Some researchers suspect that the whales, which include blue and sperm whales are passing by the island during an annual migration around the Indian Ocean.
Whale watching has become a popular tourist activity, with whales now coming within several miles of the shore. Jayewardene said if the whales were disturbed too much they could go away.
He said a new NARA research vessel would be equipped with 'passive acoustic monitoring' facilities. Hydrophones towed behind the vessel would be able to pick up whale songs from up to 15 miles away.
"Electronically we can
Whale Probeanalyze from the sound what kind of whale it is, which direction they are going," Jayewardene said.
He said the research may help get a better idea of the number of whales around Sri Lanka.
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=999883621
Mar del Plata Dolphin Birth
The birth occurred on November 21 last but the dolphin information was released today, after finding the favorable evolution of the whale. The specimen was born in Mar del Plata Aquarium Oceanarium, south of the seaside resort. "breeding nothing and feeds perfectly" said Alejandro Saubidet, scientific director of the Aquarium, who noted that constantly monitor the mother and her calf. This is the second dolphin was born in the oceanarium in the last two years after birth occurred on June 21, 2009. The Mar del Plata Aquarium Oceanarium opened on July 9, 1993.
http://www.telam.com.ar/nota/10793/
http://www.telam.com.ar/nota/10793/
Yeosu apbadaseo meshed orcas 'structure success'
Jeonnam Yeosu dolsan caught in nets in offshore killer whales placed in a state of exhaustion, the fishermen and the Coast Guard's rescue operation, went to sea as safely. Yeosu maritime police (Chief gimduseok) 9:30 am on the last 26 minutes, Yeosu, approximately 2.8 miles east of dolsaneup bangjukpo sea by a killer whale in the jeongchimang induction that get caught in fishermen's nets sonmossi (55) is found, report said that 27 days : Yeosu gwonhyeonmang steamer ship Clipper seonjangin sonssineun another crew is working on board along with the adjacent offshore killer whales caught in nets in the water, found that ppumeumyeo and was reported to the Coast Guard. Yeosu Coast Guard received notification of the patrol boat was dispatched to the scene of a rescue team and 122 jeongchimang fishing nets over two hours with the owner and had been removed. About their number around 7m orcas from different trauma dwaetgo no nine trillion went back to sea. Yeosu Coast Guard official, "" conservation and management of whale resources on the notice in accordance with and catch a whale found should be reported immediately to the police and the Maritime jurisdiction, the living cetacean about rehabilitation to structures or to a possible action on a rescue mission in accordance with the provisions that looked, "he said.
http://news.khan.co.kr/kh_news/khan_art_view.html?artid=201111271116451&code=950312
http://news.khan.co.kr/kh_news/khan_art_view.html?artid=201111271116451&code=950312
Orca pod keeps divers company
Blenheim man Dave Darby and his two friends found themselves on the same route as a pod of orca as they went diving for paua and kina on Sunday.
Mr Darby said it was the second time he had seen orca – the first was in Pelorus Sound last year.
The men first saw the pod of six orca near Dieffenbach Point at the entrance to the Tory Channel, and then spotted them at almost every bay they stopped at until they reached Jackson's Bay. "They were doing their hunting and gathering around there. The young guys [with him] got a bit of a shock. I called them whale bait," Mr Darby said.
The mothers and calves appeared to be playing with each other as they made their way up the channel while the bulls hung back, often swimming deep in the water for 500 metres to 600m before resurfacing.
"Three of the orca, a mother and two babies, came right up next to the boat. You could almost touch them they were that close," he said.
The orca got about 20m away from two of the men diving for paua and kina. They first noticed them when they saw a fin going around the edge of the rocks they were on looking for shellfish.
"The orca didn't take any notice of them, but the guys were a bit worried as you would be when you've got killer whales around. But they just busied themselves trying to find paua," Mr Darby said. "They're just thankful the orca didn't get any closer."
http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/picton/6171708/Orca-pod-keeps-divers-company
Mr Darby said it was the second time he had seen orca – the first was in Pelorus Sound last year.
The men first saw the pod of six orca near Dieffenbach Point at the entrance to the Tory Channel, and then spotted them at almost every bay they stopped at until they reached Jackson's Bay. "They were doing their hunting and gathering around there. The young guys [with him] got a bit of a shock. I called them whale bait," Mr Darby said.
The mothers and calves appeared to be playing with each other as they made their way up the channel while the bulls hung back, often swimming deep in the water for 500 metres to 600m before resurfacing.
"Three of the orca, a mother and two babies, came right up next to the boat. You could almost touch them they were that close," he said.
The orca got about 20m away from two of the men diving for paua and kina. They first noticed them when they saw a fin going around the edge of the rocks they were on looking for shellfish.
"The orca didn't take any notice of them, but the guys were a bit worried as you would be when you've got killer whales around. But they just busied themselves trying to find paua," Mr Darby said. "They're just thankful the orca didn't get any closer."
http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/picton/6171708/Orca-pod-keeps-divers-company
Amazing Whale Rescue
Environmental Issues – With all the stories in the news lately about beached whales dying, it’s nice to have a happy story about a whale for a change. Michael Fishback, co-founder of The Great Whale Conservancy (GWC), saved a young humpback whale from certain death.
Fishback (great name btw) and his crew found the whale floating in the water barely alive. After jumping in the water to investigate, he found that the magnificent creature was tangled in a nylon fishing net, preventing it from moving its fins and tail.
The crew worked diligently for more than an hour to cut and pull the whale free from the net, and once they made the final cut, the whale swam off, but not before treating the crew to an amazing show of gratitude.
Clean up after yourself people. Fishback may not always be there to rescue an animal from your stupidity.
http://www.thedailyactivist.com/environment-amazing-hunchback-rescue/
Fishback (great name btw) and his crew found the whale floating in the water barely alive. After jumping in the water to investigate, he found that the magnificent creature was tangled in a nylon fishing net, preventing it from moving its fins and tail.
The crew worked diligently for more than an hour to cut and pull the whale free from the net, and once they made the final cut, the whale swam off, but not before treating the crew to an amazing show of gratitude.
Clean up after yourself people. Fishback may not always be there to rescue an animal from your stupidity.
http://www.thedailyactivist.com/environment-amazing-hunchback-rescue/
Russian weather stalls Beluga whale rescue operation
MOSCOW (AFP) - More than 100 Beluga whales remain trapped between ice floes in the Chukotka region of Russia's Far East as bad weather hampers the rescue operation, the emergencies ministry said on Tuesday.
'The weather still prevents a vessel sent to the scene from approaching the zone where the Belugas are trapped,' a spokesman of the ministry's Chukotka branch told AFP by telephone.
'We cannot say right now when the rescue operation could start,' he added.
Officials said last week that more than 100 Beluga whales became trapped by ice floes 15km south of the village of Yanrakynnot on the Bering Sea.
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/World/Story/STIStory_747012.html
'The weather still prevents a vessel sent to the scene from approaching the zone where the Belugas are trapped,' a spokesman of the ministry's Chukotka branch told AFP by telephone.
'We cannot say right now when the rescue operation could start,' he added.
Officials said last week that more than 100 Beluga whales became trapped by ice floes 15km south of the village of Yanrakynnot on the Bering Sea.
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/World/Story/STIStory_747012.html
Monday, 19 December 2011
Po-Girl is expecting at Hualien Ocean Park
Christmas came the good news of happiness, well hung Ocean Park bottlenose dolphins - Bao-mei, good "pregnant" to, and is expected to meet the new life in the Christmas arrival of a baby dolphin, for the tenth anniversary of the Far Glory Park to bring good news , but also for the most beautiful Hualien, eastern Taiwan, adding "new residents."
In the 2010 year 10 month treasure the love of his sister to find the "boss", and in the same year, 11 months and passes him the good news, we should treasure pregnant sister when his mother, the good news so far male the Ocean Park, take a very excited mood, looking forward to the arrival of the baby dolphin.
Farglory Ocean Park team are also for that matter, in particular the United States and internationally renowned Georgia Aquarium, Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and Hong Kong Ocean Park, close to the exchange of experiences, and Shedd Aquarium are also sent with 30 years of experience in dolphin feeding animal experts, many came to the scene with FG Ocean Park team to share their experiences with technology transfer, and to develop "dolphin family planning" to do well prepared to welcome the arrival of new life.
http://www.farglory-oceanpark.com.tw/index.php?site=1&page_id=37&ids=353
In the 2010 year 10 month treasure the love of his sister to find the "boss", and in the same year, 11 months and passes him the good news, we should treasure pregnant sister when his mother, the good news so far male the Ocean Park, take a very excited mood, looking forward to the arrival of the baby dolphin.
Farglory Ocean Park team are also for that matter, in particular the United States and internationally renowned Georgia Aquarium, Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and Hong Kong Ocean Park, close to the exchange of experiences, and Shedd Aquarium are also sent with 30 years of experience in dolphin feeding animal experts, many came to the scene with FG Ocean Park team to share their experiences with technology transfer, and to develop "dolphin family planning" to do well prepared to welcome the arrival of new life.
http://www.farglory-oceanpark.com.tw/index.php?site=1&page_id=37&ids=353
Orcas in Picton Harbour, NZ
A pod of orcas spent the weekend near Picton Harbour teaching their young how to hunt.
The 12 orcas, including two males known as Nobby and Ben and a female called Astrid, were a welcome surprise to residents and tourists alike who watched them as they swam close to the shore near Picton and Waikawa.
Dolphin Watch Ecotours skipper Paul Keating said the orcas normally visited the Sounds at Christmas because of the large number of stingrays in the area.
He was out taking a group of 21 people, including Le Cafe staff, on a tour to Motuara Island when they came across part of the pod near Picton.
"We stopped the vessel to allow the animals right of way. They are curious creatures and swam right under us and then just went ahead," Mr Keating said.
Nobby followed the mothers and calves, close behind. The group also saw a mother teaching her three calves, including a newborn, how to gather food near Bob's Beach.
"The tourists thought it was fantastic. Some of those people had never seen a dolphin and here they got to see orca up close," Mr Keating said.
The Marlborough District harbourmaster was also on the water making sure boaties drove safely around the pod, he said.
Marion McNeilly was driving around by Shakespeare Bay when she saw one of the males close to Wedge Point.
"I just stopped and watched him from there. He was doing tail slaps on the water, it was incredible. They say eating stingrays is like eating chocolate for orca," she said.
Natasha Luxton, who has worked with Dolphin Watch since 2002, said she had never seen orcas so close to Picton before.
"Normally they go out Anakiwa way."
http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/picton/6165439/Feeding-time-a-whale-of-a-treat
The 12 orcas, including two males known as Nobby and Ben and a female called Astrid, were a welcome surprise to residents and tourists alike who watched them as they swam close to the shore near Picton and Waikawa.
Dolphin Watch Ecotours skipper Paul Keating said the orcas normally visited the Sounds at Christmas because of the large number of stingrays in the area.
He was out taking a group of 21 people, including Le Cafe staff, on a tour to Motuara Island when they came across part of the pod near Picton.
"We stopped the vessel to allow the animals right of way. They are curious creatures and swam right under us and then just went ahead," Mr Keating said.
Nobby followed the mothers and calves, close behind. The group also saw a mother teaching her three calves, including a newborn, how to gather food near Bob's Beach.
"The tourists thought it was fantastic. Some of those people had never seen a dolphin and here they got to see orca up close," Mr Keating said.
The Marlborough District harbourmaster was also on the water making sure boaties drove safely around the pod, he said.
Marion McNeilly was driving around by Shakespeare Bay when she saw one of the males close to Wedge Point.
"I just stopped and watched him from there. He was doing tail slaps on the water, it was incredible. They say eating stingrays is like eating chocolate for orca," she said.
Natasha Luxton, who has worked with Dolphin Watch since 2002, said she had never seen orcas so close to Picton before.
"Normally they go out Anakiwa way."
http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/picton/6165439/Feeding-time-a-whale-of-a-treat
Second Fin Whale Stranding in Ireland
#MARINE WILDLIFE - Sligo County Council is considering its options for disposal after the county's second whale stranding of the winter, when a 60ft male fin whale was beached at Agharrow.
A spokesperson told the Sligo Champion that the whale was in an area known locally as Staid Abbey, lying on a smooth rock ledge that slopes down towards the sea, and is a difficult point to access - particularly in the present stormy conditions.
As previously reported on Afloat.ie, a whale carcass was washed up at the end of last month not far from Agharrow at Raughley. The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) has confirmed that this was the first validated stranding recorded of a fin whale in Co Sligo.
That whale had its flesh removed for fertiliser, while its bones were studied by PhD students from NUI Galway ahead of being buried in a nearby field to allow for the natural decomposition of remaining flesh before future preservation.
http://afloat.ie/port-news/marine-wildlife/item/17586-second-fin-whale-stranding-for-sligo
A spokesperson told the Sligo Champion that the whale was in an area known locally as Staid Abbey, lying on a smooth rock ledge that slopes down towards the sea, and is a difficult point to access - particularly in the present stormy conditions.
As previously reported on Afloat.ie, a whale carcass was washed up at the end of last month not far from Agharrow at Raughley. The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) has confirmed that this was the first validated stranding recorded of a fin whale in Co Sligo.
That whale had its flesh removed for fertiliser, while its bones were studied by PhD students from NUI Galway ahead of being buried in a nearby field to allow for the natural decomposition of remaining flesh before future preservation.
http://afloat.ie/port-news/marine-wildlife/item/17586-second-fin-whale-stranding-for-sligo
Rare blue whale sightings off coast of Washington
SEATTLE — He spotted the geyserlike spray from its blow hole first.
Biologist John Calambokidis was tracking humpback whales about 25 miles off the Washington coast last week when he saw what he presumed was an exhalation from a much bigger species, a fin whale.
But the creature that surfaced 100 yards away was even bigger than that.
“I was like, ‘Whoa, that’s no fin whale!’” Calambokidis said.
Instead, far out to sea in a tiny 20-foot research boat, Calambokidis and a colleague were seeing something so extraordinary it had been documented off Washington’s coast only twice before in the past 50 years — a blue whale, the largest animal on Earth.
Over the course of the afternoon Thursday, he would snap 100 photographs and watch as six of the glistening light-blue cetaceans glided beneath the surface in pairs and dived repeatedly above a deep underwater feature known as Guide Canyon.
Calambokidis, one of the world’s foremost experts on the blue whale, has seen these massive marine mammals in California and South America so often that his organization, Cascadia Research, can actually identify individual animals by their markings. And yet spying so many of them up close in a place so unexpected was, for him, a spectacular experience.
“It’s still an incredible thrill,” Calambokidis said. “Here’s the biggest animal that ever lived, and it’s this beautiful, shimmering color. I get excited every time I see one.”
http://www.bendbulletin.com/article/20111219/NEWS0107/112190307/
Biologist John Calambokidis was tracking humpback whales about 25 miles off the Washington coast last week when he saw what he presumed was an exhalation from a much bigger species, a fin whale.
But the creature that surfaced 100 yards away was even bigger than that.
“I was like, ‘Whoa, that’s no fin whale!’” Calambokidis said.
Instead, far out to sea in a tiny 20-foot research boat, Calambokidis and a colleague were seeing something so extraordinary it had been documented off Washington’s coast only twice before in the past 50 years — a blue whale, the largest animal on Earth.
Over the course of the afternoon Thursday, he would snap 100 photographs and watch as six of the glistening light-blue cetaceans glided beneath the surface in pairs and dived repeatedly above a deep underwater feature known as Guide Canyon.
Calambokidis, one of the world’s foremost experts on the blue whale, has seen these massive marine mammals in California and South America so often that his organization, Cascadia Research, can actually identify individual animals by their markings. And yet spying so many of them up close in a place so unexpected was, for him, a spectacular experience.
“It’s still an incredible thrill,” Calambokidis said. “Here’s the biggest animal that ever lived, and it’s this beautiful, shimmering color. I get excited every time I see one.”
http://www.bendbulletin.com/article/20111219/NEWS0107/112190307/
Dolphin Calf makes a splash
The famous Monkey Mia dolphins in the world heritage-listed Shark Bay area have welcomed a second calf for the season.
Static is the second calf of Shock, a member of the wild dolphin group that regularly visits the internationally renowned tourist resort about 800 kilometres north of Perth.
Static's arrival follows the birth of a calf named Piper, born to Piccolo in October.
The name Static was chosen because the calf is part of a dolphin research program involving echo locations and it carries on the theme of its mother's name.
Monkey Mia has been home to an international research project on Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins since 1984.
In the 2010-11 season, the WA Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) recorded more than 80,000 visits to the Monkey Mia resort.
Environment Minister Bill Marmion said DEC staff at Monkey Mia believed Static was born in mid-November, but the announcement was delayed to keep the calf safe.
"It is important that mother and calf be carefully protected in the first few weeks of the calf's life to ensure the greatest chance of survival, which is why we've held off on announcing Static's arrival until now," he said.
Mr Marmion said dolphin calves fed every 10 to 15 minutes, and the mother's milk was rich and fatty, allowing calves to grow up to seven times their birth weight in the first year.
"To enable Shock to feed her calf, DEC staff at Monkey Mia will shorten the morning interaction times when she is in attendance with her calf, allowing her to return to deeper water, so that the calf can be fed," he said.
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8391971
Static is the second calf of Shock, a member of the wild dolphin group that regularly visits the internationally renowned tourist resort about 800 kilometres north of Perth.
Static's arrival follows the birth of a calf named Piper, born to Piccolo in October.
The name Static was chosen because the calf is part of a dolphin research program involving echo locations and it carries on the theme of its mother's name.
Monkey Mia has been home to an international research project on Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins since 1984.
In the 2010-11 season, the WA Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) recorded more than 80,000 visits to the Monkey Mia resort.
Environment Minister Bill Marmion said DEC staff at Monkey Mia believed Static was born in mid-November, but the announcement was delayed to keep the calf safe.
"It is important that mother and calf be carefully protected in the first few weeks of the calf's life to ensure the greatest chance of survival, which is why we've held off on announcing Static's arrival until now," he said.
Mr Marmion said dolphin calves fed every 10 to 15 minutes, and the mother's milk was rich and fatty, allowing calves to grow up to seven times their birth weight in the first year.
"To enable Shock to feed her calf, DEC staff at Monkey Mia will shorten the morning interaction times when she is in attendance with her calf, allowing her to return to deeper water, so that the calf can be fed," he said.
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8391971
Sunday, 18 December 2011
In the Rostov Zoo was born dolphin
In Rostov dolphins joyful event happened - the Black Sea bottlenose dolphin gave birth to a baby Cassandra. The birth went well. This is the first newborn in the Rostov dolphins, which opened two years ago in the park "Fairy Tale".
Paul baby is not yet known - the baby and mother is better not to disturb. That's why the name of a dolphin no.
- Pregnancy and birth in captivity - an extremely rare event - says zoologist, dolphins coach Paul Dolonsky. - Cassandra we brought from Moscow already in the "position" in May of this year.
The female dolphin bears cubs 12 months. "Papa" was in the capital dolphins. Cassandra gave birth to about four hours. This is not the first birth, because everything went smoothly feeds a newborn and the mother's milk from mothers on a step. Coaches animals say the dolphin is sure to be involved in the presentations. In Rostov dolphins are in the custody of the eldest son of Cassandra and Stepan huge white dolphin named Peter.
http://www.province.ru/rostov/news/events/v_rostovskom_zooparke_rodilsya_delfin/
Paul baby is not yet known - the baby and mother is better not to disturb. That's why the name of a dolphin no.
- Pregnancy and birth in captivity - an extremely rare event - says zoologist, dolphins coach Paul Dolonsky. - Cassandra we brought from Moscow already in the "position" in May of this year.
The female dolphin bears cubs 12 months. "Papa" was in the capital dolphins. Cassandra gave birth to about four hours. This is not the first birth, because everything went smoothly feeds a newborn and the mother's milk from mothers on a step. Coaches animals say the dolphin is sure to be involved in the presentations. In Rostov dolphins are in the custody of the eldest son of Cassandra and Stepan huge white dolphin named Peter.
http://www.province.ru/rostov/news/events/v_rostovskom_zooparke_rodilsya_delfin/
Beluga Whales Trapped
More than a hundred Beluga whales are trapped in frigid water surrounded by ice floes in the Chukotka region of Russia’s Far East, and risk death unless they are rescued soon, local authorities said.
The flock of gentle whales was trapped in the Sinyavinsky Strait off the Bering Sea near the village of Yanrakynnot, a statement from the Chukotka Autonomous Region said, with local governor Roman Kopin calling for the government to send an icebreaker to the region to try and free them from their soon-to-be icy graveyard.
Local fishermen reported that the whales were concentrated in two relatively small ice holes, where they can at least breathe freely for the time being. But the odds of them being able to swim back out to open water are slim due to the vast fields of ice over the strait.
The statement said the whales risk becoming starved if they cannot be rescued soon. And with the advancement of the ice floes, the space where they are concentrated is growing smaller and smaller.
“Given the lack of food and the speed at which the water is freezing, all the animals are threatened with exhaustion and death,” it added.
A Russian icebreaker was just two days sail away from the area, the Chukotka government noted. It could easily make the trip in time to save the whales, it added.
In Russia, Beluga whales are protected and are only one of a handful of wild animals whose cause has been supported heavily by Russian Prime Minister and nature lover Vladimir Putin. Putin also has a special page on his website dedicated to the Beluga whale.
Besides having little or no food, and the rapid advancement of ice, the Belugas are at risk of attack from hungry polar bears or killer whales in the region as well.
Trapped Belugas are a frequent problem in Arctic waters but are not often detected by people. The last relatively successful case of a Beluga rescue came in 1986, when an icebreaker was deployed to help free them.
Beluga whales can measure 20 feet long and weigh up to 2.5 tons. They can stay underwater for up to 25 minutes before surfacing to breathe. In Russia, they live in the freezing Arctic waters to the north of the Russian Far East as well as in the White Sea and Barents Sea in the northwest of Russia.
http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1112442576/beluga-whales-trapped-by-ice-in-russia/
The flock of gentle whales was trapped in the Sinyavinsky Strait off the Bering Sea near the village of Yanrakynnot, a statement from the Chukotka Autonomous Region said, with local governor Roman Kopin calling for the government to send an icebreaker to the region to try and free them from their soon-to-be icy graveyard.
Local fishermen reported that the whales were concentrated in two relatively small ice holes, where they can at least breathe freely for the time being. But the odds of them being able to swim back out to open water are slim due to the vast fields of ice over the strait.
The statement said the whales risk becoming starved if they cannot be rescued soon. And with the advancement of the ice floes, the space where they are concentrated is growing smaller and smaller.
“Given the lack of food and the speed at which the water is freezing, all the animals are threatened with exhaustion and death,” it added.
A Russian icebreaker was just two days sail away from the area, the Chukotka government noted. It could easily make the trip in time to save the whales, it added.
In Russia, Beluga whales are protected and are only one of a handful of wild animals whose cause has been supported heavily by Russian Prime Minister and nature lover Vladimir Putin. Putin also has a special page on his website dedicated to the Beluga whale.
Besides having little or no food, and the rapid advancement of ice, the Belugas are at risk of attack from hungry polar bears or killer whales in the region as well.
Trapped Belugas are a frequent problem in Arctic waters but are not often detected by people. The last relatively successful case of a Beluga rescue came in 1986, when an icebreaker was deployed to help free them.
Beluga whales can measure 20 feet long and weigh up to 2.5 tons. They can stay underwater for up to 25 minutes before surfacing to breathe. In Russia, they live in the freezing Arctic waters to the north of the Russian Far East as well as in the White Sea and Barents Sea in the northwest of Russia.
http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1112442576/beluga-whales-trapped-by-ice-in-russia/
Saturday, 17 December 2011
Dolphins: The baby died of drowning weak - Kagoshima / Kagoshima Aquarium
Kagoshima Aquarium Kagoshima, the museum 13 days for death of baby dolphins died on postnatal day 4, was announced by the weakness seen from drowning and autopsy results.
According to the museum, the results of an autopsy Kagoshima University Faculty of Agriculture veterinary, nursing badly weakened, will not be able to swim to breathe underwater, apparently drowned. The body has many flaws that were identified and we have seen, such as tank against the wall.
Was also initially seen as a female, the result of observation and was found to be male. Characteristic of female dolphins have milk, "milk groove" was found in the original tank, and the results examined in detail, it was scratched.
Chief marine animal exhibits Nobutaka Kubo, "potentially affected the feeding damage. Want to consider measures to support the future and how the dolphins that horse," he said. Kurosawa [Keitaro]
http://mainichi.jp/area/kagoshima/news/20111217ddlk46040623000c.html
According to the museum, the results of an autopsy Kagoshima University Faculty of Agriculture veterinary, nursing badly weakened, will not be able to swim to breathe underwater, apparently drowned. The body has many flaws that were identified and we have seen, such as tank against the wall.
Was also initially seen as a female, the result of observation and was found to be male. Characteristic of female dolphins have milk, "milk groove" was found in the original tank, and the results examined in detail, it was scratched.
Chief marine animal exhibits Nobutaka Kubo, "potentially affected the feeding damage. Want to consider measures to support the future and how the dolphins that horse," he said. Kurosawa [Keitaro]
http://mainichi.jp/area/kagoshima/news/20111217ddlk46040623000c.html
Friday, 16 December 2011
North Altantic Right Whale Spotted in Cape Cod
PROVINCETOWN —
The first confirmed sighting of North Atlantic right whales in Cape Cod Bay was recorded yesterday by Dr. Charles “Stormy” Mayo, director of right whale habitat studies at the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies.
The two to three whales were spotted in Provincetown Harbor, opposite the East End of Provincetown.
Mayo remarked in a press statement that "the whales were putting on a show the likes of which I've never ever seen except from humpbacks — perhaps 100 breaches, some simultaneous side by side.”
When not breaching, the whales formed a Surface Active Group, or SAG, a type of social behavior between two or more whales that involves frequent body contact, often with whales rolling on their sides or backs. SAGs are thought to play a role in mating, but because they occur throughout the year, many scientists believe that they have other social functions as well, PCCS stated in a press release.
North Atlantic right whales are among the rarest of the baleen whale species, with a population of approximately 473. Cape Cod Bay is a rich feeding ground for the animals; in the first half of 2011, more than 320 individuals (almost three-quarters of the total population) were spotted by scientists in the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies right whale population and habitat research programs.
Read more: Right whales spotted in Provincetown Harbor - - Wicked Local - Cape Cod http://www.wickedlocal.com/capecod/environment/x2019333638/Right-whales-spotted-in-Provincetown-Harbor#ixzz1h18j6s44
The first confirmed sighting of North Atlantic right whales in Cape Cod Bay was recorded yesterday by Dr. Charles “Stormy” Mayo, director of right whale habitat studies at the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies.
The two to three whales were spotted in Provincetown Harbor, opposite the East End of Provincetown.
Mayo remarked in a press statement that "the whales were putting on a show the likes of which I've never ever seen except from humpbacks — perhaps 100 breaches, some simultaneous side by side.”
When not breaching, the whales formed a Surface Active Group, or SAG, a type of social behavior between two or more whales that involves frequent body contact, often with whales rolling on their sides or backs. SAGs are thought to play a role in mating, but because they occur throughout the year, many scientists believe that they have other social functions as well, PCCS stated in a press release.
North Atlantic right whales are among the rarest of the baleen whale species, with a population of approximately 473. Cape Cod Bay is a rich feeding ground for the animals; in the first half of 2011, more than 320 individuals (almost three-quarters of the total population) were spotted by scientists in the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies right whale population and habitat research programs.
Read more: Right whales spotted in Provincetown Harbor - - Wicked Local - Cape Cod http://www.wickedlocal.com/capecod/environment/x2019333638/Right-whales-spotted-in-Provincetown-Harbor#ixzz1h18j6s44
Thursday, 15 December 2011
Bjorne is rescued by SOS Dolfijn
12.15.2011 Around one o'clock in the afternoon the beeper at SOS Dolphin.
There's a porpoise found living on the beach of Texel.
Salko de Wolf, assistant to Ecomare, was en route to a dead porpoise on the beach to get. Arrived at the beach suddenly he saw a porpoise living in the surf.
Ecomare The porpoise is placed in a special crate and transferred by boat to Den Helder. That is the sick animal was transferred to employees of SOS Dolphin Foundation.
Around six hours, the porpoise at Harderwijk.
Here is the animal examined. The porpoise is a male of 120 inches long and is very dehydrated and emaciated.
He has been named Bjorn and is supported in the tank because he is not able to swim independently. Bjorn does seem a bit self-bobbing and gently make swimming movements.
He received fluids and medications administered.
There's a porpoise found living on the beach of Texel.
Salko de Wolf, assistant to Ecomare, was en route to a dead porpoise on the beach to get. Arrived at the beach suddenly he saw a porpoise living in the surf.
Ecomare The porpoise is placed in a special crate and transferred by boat to Den Helder. That is the sick animal was transferred to employees of SOS Dolphin Foundation.
Around six hours, the porpoise at Harderwijk.
Here is the animal examined. The porpoise is a male of 120 inches long and is very dehydrated and emaciated.
He has been named Bjorn and is supported in the tank because he is not able to swim independently. Bjorn does seem a bit self-bobbing and gently make swimming movements.
He received fluids and medications administered.
Stella, Bingo and Ran have arrived safely at Nagoya
Child Killer run on May 14, 12, 15 Bingo father, the family of his mother Stella, Kamogawa Sea World had outgrown the birth of Stella for Chiba has been transported from an emergency.
Jump ahead run in the track, Bingo_Sutera is transported by ship and arrived in Nagoya, I look at the inside to protect 固唾 many stakeholders involved in the transport entered the pool safely.
While the pool is followed by rearing treatment, and hope the familiar environment of Nagoya as soon as possible.
Jump ahead run in the track, Bingo_Sutera is transported by ship and arrived in Nagoya, I look at the inside to protect 固唾 many stakeholders involved in the transport entered the pool safely.
While the pool is followed by rearing treatment, and hope the familiar environment of Nagoya as soon as possible.
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
Hemingway' settles in at Marineland
BY JULIE MURPHY, STAFF WRITER
December 14, 2011 12:05 AM Posted in: East Volusia Tagged: Marineland
Dazzle, right, and her newest calf born Sept. 5 at Marineland Dolphin Adventure. (Photo | Marineland)
MARINELAND -- Hemingway is at Marineland for the first time in several decades and this time he might stay.
He won't be writing any novels but he promises to be a star nonetheless as he's the newest calf of Dazzle, an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin also born at the Marineland attraction.
While this Hemingway was born Sept. 5, zoologists were unsure of his gender. Once they determined he was a boy, staff members set about the task of naming him, said Francesca Allegra Zeifman, spokeswoman of Georgia Aquarium, Marineland's parent company. His name was chosen from a list of submissions.
Ernest Hemingway was known to visit Marineland and the Dolphin Restaurant.
According to the book "Marineland, Images of America," Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Pulitzer-prize winning author of "The Yearling," saw Hemingway across the restaurant one day in 1940 and sent over a note that read: "If you're Ernest Hemingway, won't you join us for a drink?"
He replied, "If you're Marjorie Rawlings, I'd be glad to."
Future Hemingway sightings at Marineland won't be nearly so rare.
"Ninety-five percent of the time, the public has been able to see Hemingway," said Kevin Roberts, curator of marine animals. "The rare times when he's not in one of the main viewing tanks, one of our educators will take you on a guided tour to see him."
Hemingway is still nursing, which Roberts said is something special to watch.
"They don't start to eat for four or six months," Roberts said. "They are very well-adapted to nurse without taking in a bunch of sea water."
Also unique is the opportunity to see the calf along his mother, grandmother, siblings and half siblings.
"Nellie tends to get all the headlines as the oldest dolphin, but we have four at Marineland that are in their 40s," Roberts said. "We're pretty proud of that, too.
http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/local/east-volusia/2011/12/14/hemingway-settles-in-at-marineland.html
December 14, 2011 12:05 AM Posted in: East Volusia Tagged: Marineland
Dazzle, right, and her newest calf born Sept. 5 at Marineland Dolphin Adventure. (Photo | Marineland)
MARINELAND -- Hemingway is at Marineland for the first time in several decades and this time he might stay.
He won't be writing any novels but he promises to be a star nonetheless as he's the newest calf of Dazzle, an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin also born at the Marineland attraction.
While this Hemingway was born Sept. 5, zoologists were unsure of his gender. Once they determined he was a boy, staff members set about the task of naming him, said Francesca Allegra Zeifman, spokeswoman of Georgia Aquarium, Marineland's parent company. His name was chosen from a list of submissions.
Ernest Hemingway was known to visit Marineland and the Dolphin Restaurant.
According to the book "Marineland, Images of America," Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Pulitzer-prize winning author of "The Yearling," saw Hemingway across the restaurant one day in 1940 and sent over a note that read: "If you're Ernest Hemingway, won't you join us for a drink?"
He replied, "If you're Marjorie Rawlings, I'd be glad to."
Future Hemingway sightings at Marineland won't be nearly so rare.
"Ninety-five percent of the time, the public has been able to see Hemingway," said Kevin Roberts, curator of marine animals. "The rare times when he's not in one of the main viewing tanks, one of our educators will take you on a guided tour to see him."
Hemingway is still nursing, which Roberts said is something special to watch.
"They don't start to eat for four or six months," Roberts said. "They are very well-adapted to nurse without taking in a bunch of sea water."
Also unique is the opportunity to see the calf along his mother, grandmother, siblings and half siblings.
"Nellie tends to get all the headlines as the oldest dolphin, but we have four at Marineland that are in their 40s," Roberts said. "We're pretty proud of that, too.
http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/local/east-volusia/2011/12/14/hemingway-settles-in-at-marineland.html
Sunday, 11 December 2011
Orcas encountered in three Southland counties in three days
The killer whale watch is on off Southern California after 12 transient orcas made dramatic showings off Ventura on Friday, Rancho Palos Verdes on Saturday and Newport Beach on Sunday, before vanishing early Sunday afternoon. They were last seen headed offshore.
That's three counties in three days for the visiting cetaceans, which were seen preying on California sea lions during at least two of the three rare local encounters.
Researcher Alisa Schulman-Janiger, who was off Palos Verdes on Saturday, said the 12 orcas included four moms (one a grandmother) from three family groups, and two calves that are less than a year old. She provided the accompanying image, which shows one of two brothers—estimated ages 13 and 8—performing what looks like a headstand.
The video below was filmed Saturday by Phil Garner from aboard a different boat.
On Saturday and Sunday the older orcas, after sea lion kills, appeared to be teaching the younger orcas how to attack the pinnipeds. The 12 orcas have been photo-catalogued and are most commonly seen off Monterey. They also have been sighted off British Columbia.
Luke Dutton, an Island Packers employee, witnessed the killer whales off Ventura and posted video clips of 39 and 22 seconds to his Facebook page. In the 22-second clip, a killer whale calf can be heard vocalizing (pay particular attention to the 4-second mark).
Only a handful of whale-watching boats are operating at this time —most landings wait till the day after Christmas to begin their gray whale excursions — but they'll be on orca-watch Monday, weather permitting
http://www.petethomasoutdoors.com/2011/12/orcas-encountered-in-three-southland-counties-in-three-days.html
That's three counties in three days for the visiting cetaceans, which were seen preying on California sea lions during at least two of the three rare local encounters.
Researcher Alisa Schulman-Janiger, who was off Palos Verdes on Saturday, said the 12 orcas included four moms (one a grandmother) from three family groups, and two calves that are less than a year old. She provided the accompanying image, which shows one of two brothers—estimated ages 13 and 8—performing what looks like a headstand.
The video below was filmed Saturday by Phil Garner from aboard a different boat.
On Saturday and Sunday the older orcas, after sea lion kills, appeared to be teaching the younger orcas how to attack the pinnipeds. The 12 orcas have been photo-catalogued and are most commonly seen off Monterey. They also have been sighted off British Columbia.
Luke Dutton, an Island Packers employee, witnessed the killer whales off Ventura and posted video clips of 39 and 22 seconds to his Facebook page. In the 22-second clip, a killer whale calf can be heard vocalizing (pay particular attention to the 4-second mark).
Only a handful of whale-watching boats are operating at this time —most landings wait till the day after Christmas to begin their gray whale excursions — but they'll be on orca-watch Monday, weather permitting
http://www.petethomasoutdoors.com/2011/12/orcas-encountered-in-three-southland-counties-in-three-days.html
Dolphins: New Baby, "what we grew up safely" - / Kagoshima Aquarium Kagoshima
Kagoshima Aquarium Kagoshima teak dolphin was pregnant with (estimated 9 years) 9 night, gave birth. Pregnant dolphins in the museum but last four cases, and stillbirth or death shortly after birth both in the museum director Kotaro Ogino, "what we are becoming the safe," he said.
Teak has been confirmed rupture of membranes around 5 pm Friday, at 8:00 pm birth. In females the estimated length 120cm, body weight was 20 kg. In footage shot by the museum, how to breathe and the water up themselves soon after birth the baby dolphin was seen as hit and how to protect the teak walls of the tank. Around 5:00 am on October 10 was first observed feeding.
In the museum has four horses, including pregnant females head out of five teak in captivity, will continue to give birth until about next May. The dolphin is pregnant more than once rare in the country says. Dolphins live to cases born in one year, however about 20% of the domestic aquarium. Ogino Director "until it is well said, now must be overcome to some mountains. Hope you watch carefully," he said. Kurosawa [Keitaro]
http://mainichi.jp/area/kagoshima/news/20111211ddlk46040365000c.html
Teak has been confirmed rupture of membranes around 5 pm Friday, at 8:00 pm birth. In females the estimated length 120cm, body weight was 20 kg. In footage shot by the museum, how to breathe and the water up themselves soon after birth the baby dolphin was seen as hit and how to protect the teak walls of the tank. Around 5:00 am on October 10 was first observed feeding.
In the museum has four horses, including pregnant females head out of five teak in captivity, will continue to give birth until about next May. The dolphin is pregnant more than once rare in the country says. Dolphins live to cases born in one year, however about 20% of the domestic aquarium. Ogino Director "until it is well said, now must be overcome to some mountains. Hope you watch carefully," he said. Kurosawa [Keitaro]
http://mainichi.jp/area/kagoshima/news/20111211ddlk46040365000c.html
Saturday, 10 December 2011
Minsk Zoo opens Dolphinarium "Nemo.
Today in Minsk Zoo opened Dolphinarium "Nemo." Settled here four dolphins, two northern fur seals and one sea lion. Lump sum for a 45-minute session can observe 700 spectators.
In the future, "Nemo" promises to daily reporting (except Monday), three times a day: at 12.00, 15.00 and 18.00. Ticket price - 50 to 80 thousand rubles. For an extra (note big already) will pay the dolphins can communicate and even swim. Video: zoo.by Video: Channel Download video (5.21 MB) Today is the first visitors to the sea lion Nicholas twirling hula-hoop and juggling a ball, singing dolphins, lambada dancing, playing with balls, hula-hoops and frisbees, flying out of the water at the very dome, enveloping spray spectators seated in the front ranks, and threw her to the same coaches.
http://news.tut.by/summer/263190.html
In the future, "Nemo" promises to daily reporting (except Monday), three times a day: at 12.00, 15.00 and 18.00. Ticket price - 50 to 80 thousand rubles. For an extra (note big already) will pay the dolphins can communicate and even swim. Video: zoo.by Video: Channel Download video (5.21 MB) Today is the first visitors to the sea lion Nicholas twirling hula-hoop and juggling a ball, singing dolphins, lambada dancing, playing with balls, hula-hoops and frisbees, flying out of the water at the very dome, enveloping spray spectators seated in the front ranks, and threw her to the same coaches.
http://news.tut.by/summer/263190.html
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
Don't go in the water!'
Marine experts today warned people not to enter the water after two killer whales were spotted 100 yards off the English coast.
The 'enormous super predators' were described as unpredictable and could attack surfers and bathers mistaking them for prey.
A mother and calf were spotted off the coast of Padstow, Cornwall - just 15 miles from the surfing mecca of Newquay - and experts warned the giant whale may inadvertently harm a human or attack while protecting its young.
A mother and calf were spotted off the coast of Padstow in Cornwall and experts warned the giant whale may inadvertently harm a human or attack while protecting its young (library image of an Orca in Scotland)
Peter Richardson, of the Marine Conservation Society, said: 'Obviously we wouldn't recommend getting into the water with a killer whale.
'They are enormous super predators and are therefore unpredictable.
'There is a pod of killer whales in Scotland and they could be travelling around the country.
More...
Albino baby dolphin photographed off Brazilian coast becomes the first recorded of its species
Morgan the killer whale en route to Spanish amusement park after conservationists lost battle to return her to the wild
'Not a lot is known about the movements of killer whales but the probability is they are here for food.
'There are plenty of seals along the south coast especially around Padstow and Newquay.'
Several people have reportedly seen the whales, a rare sight in the area, over the last ten days.
Ocean scientist Dom Clarke, 25, saw what he believes was a mother and calf near Trevose Head, five miles from Padstow (pictured) while walking along the cliff
Ocean scientist Dom Clarke, 25, saw what he believes was the mother and calf near Trevose Head, five miles from Padstow while walking along the cliff.
He said he saw them heading south towards Newquay.
Mr Clarke told how he came across a man with binoculars who asked him what species of whale he thought they were.
'I thought "wow, that is pretty unusual to see", so I grabbed the binoculars,' he said.
'At the time they were heading south along the coast about 100 metres off the headland. It was pretty special.'
He added that a bird watcher had said he spotted the whales near Trevose the following day.
Fisherman Zyg Gregorek, who has travelled the world hunting fearsome sea predators, said: 'All sea predators present a danger.
ORCA THE KILLER WHALE
Killer whales (Orcinus orca), also known as orcas, can grow up to 32ft in length and weigh up to 9 tonnes.
The distinctive triangular dorsal fin can grow up to 6ft high.
They are mainly found around Iceland, Norway and northern Scotland, but occasionally some are seen as far south as the Atlantic coasts of Spain and Portugal and east into the Mediterranean.
'If a swimmer or a surfer got too close to a killer whale, it only takes one swish of the tail and you've had it.
'A killer whale might be curious around humans and therefore might attack, whether by accident or design. Also, because of over-fishing, their diets have been affected.
'If they are starving, they can be unpredictable and there is a possibility they may go for a human.
Tom Hardy, of the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, said: 'I remember there were reports of a killer whale attacking a basking shark in Cornwall years ago.
'But attacks on humans are extremely rare. You would be very unlucky to get attacked by one.'
According to the SeaWatch Foundation, killer whale sightings are rare in the waters off the coast of South West England, with most sightings between March and September.
The whales were seen just 15 miles from the surfing mecca of Newquay
In September last year, a holidaymaker at the Bedruthan Steps Hotel at Mawgan Porth, around eight miles south of Trevose, spotted a pod of four killer whales while eating breakfast in the cliff-top hotel.
Mr Clarke, who runs a rockpool exploration and education company, Explore the Shore, suggested that the whales could have been feeding locally.
'At the moment there must be a lot of fish inshore. And that day there was also a really huge shoal of porpoises about a kilometre off the headland,' he said.
Angie Gall, marine conservation officer with the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, said the whales may have merely passed through the area en route to more northerly waters around Scotland.
'There is only evidence of one "kill" made by killer whales in Cornish waters and that was a basking shark," she said.
Basking sharks are known to congregate in huge numbers off the Cornish coast in the summer and are a familiar sight for tourists in the area.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2070703/Killer-whales-spotted-100-yards-Cornish-coast.html#ixzz1h0trYdSo
The 'enormous super predators' were described as unpredictable and could attack surfers and bathers mistaking them for prey.
A mother and calf were spotted off the coast of Padstow, Cornwall - just 15 miles from the surfing mecca of Newquay - and experts warned the giant whale may inadvertently harm a human or attack while protecting its young.
A mother and calf were spotted off the coast of Padstow in Cornwall and experts warned the giant whale may inadvertently harm a human or attack while protecting its young (library image of an Orca in Scotland)
Peter Richardson, of the Marine Conservation Society, said: 'Obviously we wouldn't recommend getting into the water with a killer whale.
'They are enormous super predators and are therefore unpredictable.
'There is a pod of killer whales in Scotland and they could be travelling around the country.
More...
Albino baby dolphin photographed off Brazilian coast becomes the first recorded of its species
Morgan the killer whale en route to Spanish amusement park after conservationists lost battle to return her to the wild
'Not a lot is known about the movements of killer whales but the probability is they are here for food.
'There are plenty of seals along the south coast especially around Padstow and Newquay.'
Several people have reportedly seen the whales, a rare sight in the area, over the last ten days.
Ocean scientist Dom Clarke, 25, saw what he believes was a mother and calf near Trevose Head, five miles from Padstow (pictured) while walking along the cliff
Ocean scientist Dom Clarke, 25, saw what he believes was the mother and calf near Trevose Head, five miles from Padstow while walking along the cliff.
He said he saw them heading south towards Newquay.
Mr Clarke told how he came across a man with binoculars who asked him what species of whale he thought they were.
'I thought "wow, that is pretty unusual to see", so I grabbed the binoculars,' he said.
'At the time they were heading south along the coast about 100 metres off the headland. It was pretty special.'
He added that a bird watcher had said he spotted the whales near Trevose the following day.
Fisherman Zyg Gregorek, who has travelled the world hunting fearsome sea predators, said: 'All sea predators present a danger.
ORCA THE KILLER WHALE
Killer whales (Orcinus orca), also known as orcas, can grow up to 32ft in length and weigh up to 9 tonnes.
The distinctive triangular dorsal fin can grow up to 6ft high.
They are mainly found around Iceland, Norway and northern Scotland, but occasionally some are seen as far south as the Atlantic coasts of Spain and Portugal and east into the Mediterranean.
'If a swimmer or a surfer got too close to a killer whale, it only takes one swish of the tail and you've had it.
'A killer whale might be curious around humans and therefore might attack, whether by accident or design. Also, because of over-fishing, their diets have been affected.
'If they are starving, they can be unpredictable and there is a possibility they may go for a human.
Tom Hardy, of the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, said: 'I remember there were reports of a killer whale attacking a basking shark in Cornwall years ago.
'But attacks on humans are extremely rare. You would be very unlucky to get attacked by one.'
According to the SeaWatch Foundation, killer whale sightings are rare in the waters off the coast of South West England, with most sightings between March and September.
The whales were seen just 15 miles from the surfing mecca of Newquay
In September last year, a holidaymaker at the Bedruthan Steps Hotel at Mawgan Porth, around eight miles south of Trevose, spotted a pod of four killer whales while eating breakfast in the cliff-top hotel.
Mr Clarke, who runs a rockpool exploration and education company, Explore the Shore, suggested that the whales could have been feeding locally.
'At the moment there must be a lot of fish inshore. And that day there was also a really huge shoal of porpoises about a kilometre off the headland,' he said.
Angie Gall, marine conservation officer with the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, said the whales may have merely passed through the area en route to more northerly waters around Scotland.
'There is only evidence of one "kill" made by killer whales in Cornish waters and that was a basking shark," she said.
Basking sharks are known to congregate in huge numbers off the Cornish coast in the summer and are a familiar sight for tourists in the area.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2070703/Killer-whales-spotted-100-yards-Cornish-coast.html#ixzz1h0trYdSo
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