Fin whales (also called finback whales) are the second largest living creatures on the planet, smaller only than blue whales, and they are listed as an endangered species in Canada.
Ship strikes remain a very serious threat to many species of whales, including the North Atlantic right whales, of which only about 350 are believed to remain.
Scientists admit, though, that they can’t yet determine if the whales are native to the region or if they have migrated from the coast of North America.
A North Atlantic right whale and calf off Florida (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
The NOAA vessel Auk struck a North Atlantic right whale off the coast of Scituate, MA on Sunday. Officials say the whale’s injuries are not life-threatening.
North Atlantic right whales are among the world’s most endangered species. Scientists believe there are less than 400 of them in existence, and ship strikes are among the leading causes of death for right whales.
Happy Earth Day 2009. Here’s some news from the world of whales:
An Earth Day Message from Hayden Panettiere (Takepart.com)
Having come up short in the Southern Ocean, Japan re-launches its whale boats closer to home. The goal is to kill 60 minke whales for “research” purpose (Euronews 24)
“Whale,” a documentary about Japanese whaling premieres at the Japan Film Festival Los Angeles
I promise to be the only person to avoid “Living on a prayer” references to the dolphin that was found dead in the river near Bon Jovi’s house (Yahoo!/AP)
British Scientist believes he’s fixin’ to create a device that will allow him to talk to dolphins (Sky)
There’s an iPhone app for everything! Including listening to live whale songs under the waters near Maui (iPhone application list)
The Women of Fishing Familes (WOFF) has created a legal defense fund for the Mass. fisherman accused of harassing a whale (Cape Cod Online)
A lobsterman adds now-illegal rope to a pile of illegal rope (AP)
Today’s the day that US lobstermen will have to stop using floating ropes to string together their traps (or pots, as they’re called). They’ll now have to use sinking ropes which should diminish the risk of entangling whales, especially the nearly-extinct North Atlantic right whale.
The controversial law goes into effect as lobster prices remain down in a recession economy. This article quotes one lobsterman saying that he’ll have to invest $40,000 in new ropes. (I have no idea what sort of money it takes to outfit a lobster boat. In fact, I don’t know that they don’t pay that much money for new rope every season…but it sounds like a lot.) The same fisherman says he’s never seen a right whale in 43 years of fishing, but supporters of the law say that between 2002 and 2006, there were 25 confirmed gear entanglements along the East Coast – and keep in mind that there are only about 350 right whales in existence.
But on the plus side, it seems that the now useless rope is behing hand-woven into doormats, which, according to the official web sheet, are “colorful and pleasing to the eye.” According to the site, proceeds will to to help both whales and the people who accidentally kill them by fishing for lobsters.
They do appear to be colorful and pleasing to the eye.
They can grow up to 55 feet long and weigh over 70 tons
They were known as the “right whales” for hunting due to high yield of oil and baleen, slow movement, proximity to shore, and their propensity to float when dead.
They’re extinct in European waters, and at the turn of the 20th century fewer than a hundred existed in North American waters.
Scientists estimate there are currently 325-400 North Atlantic Right Whales
They are no longer hunted, but they are prone to collisions with ships and to being entangled in fishing gear – nearly 85 percent of adults show scars from entanglement.
In December, a North Atlantic Right Whale was spotted in the Azores, the first time since the early 20th century.
Scientists believe that last year, probably for the first time since the 1600s, not one North Atlantic Right Whale was killed by human hands.
What’s working?:
Shipping lane changes, compulsory or voluntary, have reduced collisions
Bush administration mandated last year lower speed limits in coastal waters
US is introducing new gear restrictions aimed to lower fishing entanglements. Canada is considering doing the same thing.
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