Tag Archives | Ocean

Protest Marine Mammal Captivity At uShaka Sea World

April 6, 2013

(ACTIVISM) SOUTH AFRICA — Each year, thousands of dolphins are slaughtered in Taiji on the south coast of Japan. Bottlenose dolphins are then pre-selected by trainers and sold for as much as $200,000 to marine parks all over the world such as Marineland, where the animals remain in captivity and are forced to perform circus acts for their entire lives. Aquariums defend their actions as “rescuing” animals, but in reality, the captive industry is subsidizing hunts which may not have been conducted otherwise. Today and May 25th, Ocean Watch SA is hosting a protest at uShaka Sea World to advocate for the rehabilitation and release of captive animals. Read on to learn more about Ocean Watch SA and sign the petition below telling uSkaka Sea World to retire their wild caught dolphins, Gambit and Frodo, ensure animals not disturbed after hours, stop breeding captive breeding programs, and only practice rehabilitation and release. — Global Animal

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Turf Wars: Sharks Vs. Surfers

April 4, 2013

(OCEANS) According to the International Shark Attack File, between 1989 and 2010, there have been 14 shark attacks on surfers around Réunion, a French island east of Madagascar. Eight of the 14 attacks ended in fatalities. Recently, the island has experienced a severe spike in attacks with 10 occurring within the past two years, and three of which resulting in casualties. This large increase in such a short period of time sparked an investigation which concluded that the area was prime bull-shark habitat, however, not for the natural reasons most would suspect. The conditions have been made more hostile by humans, and the sharks have evolved and adapted to their new environment. In response to these attacks, the mayor of St. Lieu promised a shark cull. Animal-rights groups were outraged that the mayor would make such a drastic decision just to appease surfers. The ocean is a shark’s home. Why would anyone ruthlessly murder a living being in their own home? Check out the article below for more on this controversial turf war between sharks and surfers. — Global Animal

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New Sea Turtle Proposal Rocks Florida Beaches

April 1, 2013

(OCEANS) The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has recently announced a proposal that may help preserve the loggerhead sea turtle’s natural habitat. If passed, the entire coastline of Palm Beach County and a portion of Broward County will be deemed critical habitat for the marine reptile. This designation on certain South Florida beaches does not mean public areas will be turned into wildlife preserves, but federal agencies will have to consult with the USFWS before embarking on projects that may affect protected areas. The critical habitat proposal has definitely stirred up controversy between environmental groups and land developers with both parties firmly standing behind their beliefs. Continue reading for more on the potential effects this new motion may have on sea turtles as well as Florida’s economy. — Global Animal

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Pilot Whales Stranded In South Africa

March 28, 2013

(OCEANS) During 2009, 55 whale carcasses were removed after the marine mammals beached themselves in South Africa. Earlier this week, a similar situation occurred when 19 pilot whales were stranded on Noordhoek Beach near Cape Town. Six of the 19 whales have died, and some of the others may be euthanized. Read on for more on what volunteers and police are doing to help save the remaining 13 whales. — Global Animal

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California Rejects Navy’s Deadly Sonar Program

March 21, 2013

(OCEANS) Following pleas from several animal activists and environmental groups including the Whale & Dolphin Watch team, the California Coastal Commission has voted to reject the U.S. Navy’s plan to increase their use of sonar and underwater explosives during training off the Southern California coast. Opposed by several environmental groups including the Natural Resources Defense Council and Greenpeace, the Navy’s plan was unanimously ruled against for lacking sufficient evidence that the threat to marine life would be negligible. While the Navy estimates that the proposed program would kill 130 marine mammals and cause hearing loss in 1,600 animals over a span of five years, the Natural Resources Defense Council believe these numbers are stark underestimates. Read on to learn more about this ongoing issue and take a moment to give thanks to the activists involved in this grand victory. — Global Animal

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Kmart Not So Smart: Shark Dies Filming Commercial

March 20, 2013

(ANIMAL WELFARE) Despite their tough exterior, sharks are extremely delicate creatures. Changing a shark’s environment can be very stressful for the aquatic animal and can have dire consequences. Earlier in the month, a white-tipped shark used to film a Kmart commercial died—immediately triggering an investigation by the American Humane Association (AHA), the organization responsible for monitoring how animals are used in film and television. The shark had been transported from New York to Los Angeles and was transferred to a backyard pool for the shoot. Read more about this tragic case and the responses to this shark’s untimely death. — Global Animal

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California Sea Lions In “State Of Emergency”

March 19, 2013

(OCEANS) In the midst of a recent upheaval of stranded California sea lion pups in need of medical assistance, the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach, CA has declared their organization in a “state of emergency.” As the only non-profit organization in Orange County licensed to retrieve and care for marine mammals, the center is calling on the public’s help, while encouraging individuals to keep their distance from sea lion pups. Continue reading to learn how else you can help the Pacific Mammal Center and find out what steps to take if you spot a stranded marine mammal on shore. — Global Animal

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Sea Shepherd Calls Off Operation Zero Tolerance

March 14, 2013

(OCEANS) November 5, 2012 marked the official launch date of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society’s (SSCS) ninth annual Southern Ocean campaign, Operation Zero Tolerance (OZT). The extremely successful mission to stop Japanese whalers in their tracks consisted of the organization’s strongest fleet yet, including four ships—Steve Irwin, Bob Barker, Brigitte Bardot, and Sam Simon—as well as a helicopter, eight small RIB’s, three drones, and over 100 international volunteers. Now, Sea Shepherd volunteers can pack up their bags after Captain Paul Watson announced late last week that the Operation Zero Tolerance campaign has prematurely come to an end. Read on to learn more about Sea Shepherd Australia’s success in what is being coined as the most successful Antarctic Whale Defense Campaign yet. — Global Animal

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