Tag Archives | sea life

Gulf Sperm Whales Considered “Special”?

April 13, 2013

(OCEANS) Even though sperm whales are currently listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced it will decide whether or not the 1,300 sperm whales in the Gulf of Mexico should be considered for special protection as a “distinct population segment.” Because sperm whales are genetically different than most whales and face unique threats in the Gulf area, the NOAA will now conduct a 12-month review to consider listing the whales as separate from whales outside of the Gulf—although it’s still unclear what protective measures might be taken. Continue reading to learn more about the reasons for the deliberation and the potential impact this status change could have on the whales as well as the environment. — Global Animal

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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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The Sea Hare’s Weapon Of Choice

March 29, 2013

(ANIMAL SCIENCE) The sea hare, a type of sea slug, possesses a weapon of smell destruction. Aquatic-dwellers tend not to mess with these molluscs, and now scientists know why. A study was conducted analyzing the sea hare’s opaline, a powerful substance the gastropod squirts at enemies conjointly with ink. Scientists tested how other marine animals reacted to the natural chemical defense, and the outcome was not pretty. Read on about the dangerous sea hare and the slug’s venomous weapon of choice. — Global Animal

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Dolphin Mom Mourns Loss Of Calf (VIDEO)

March 28, 2013

(OCEANS) In a heartbreaking show of grief, a mother dolphin was recorded carrying her dead calf on her dorsal fin. Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari in California noticed the dolphin carrying her dead baby on her back off the shores of Dana Point. Read on to find out more about this tender and sad moment, and see the heart-wrenching video for yourself. — 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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