Category Archives: Whale Trackers Blog

Whale Trackers Blog – a series of articles about Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises written by Genevieve Johnson.

The Trouble with Krill

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It’s easy to focus on the big stuff when it comes to climate change and the impacts of rising carbon dioxide emissions.

While we often overlook the smaller life forms in favor of their cuter, more charismatic counterparts, the impact of increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere on less visible species could have enormous ramifications. Krill, a tiny orange crustacean, is a startling example.

As we pump more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, it is most easily absorbed in the cooler waters of the polar regions, in this case, the southern ocean. The result is ocean acidification.

University of Tasmania investigator, Lilli Hale led a recent study at the Australian Antarctic Division involving captive bred krill. Krill were exposed to oceanic conditions expected this century as a result of rising carbon dioxide emissions. Her results showed the ability of krill to survive, let a lone breed will become progressively more difficult. This does not bode well for the long term future of krill, but more alarmingly, it may well lead to a complete collapse of the southern ocean ecosystem as we currently know and depend on it.

Tiny, shrimp-like krill Euphasia superba swarm in their billions and are the basis of the Antarctic food chain. Every other animal, including us, depends directly or indirectly on this abundant food resource. It sustains fisheries in the southern hemisphere. penguins, seabirds and seals depend on it for survival, not to mention whales, which plough through and swallow krill by the tonne in preparation for their annual migration.

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Chile Creates Whale Sanctuary

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Good news about the marine environment seems to be an increasingly rare occurrence these days. However, there was only celebration in Chile yesterday after a Government announcement declaring Chilean waters a Whale Sanctuary.

After a long, passionate pursuit and drawn out political process, the people of Chile, the host of this year’s (IWC) International Whaling Commission meeting, finally have their highly prized whale sanctuary. The sanctuary is a result of sustained public pressure and the remarkable and dedicated efforts of the three organizations behind the “Chile 2008, A Whale Sanctuary” campaign – Centro de Concervacion Cetacea (CCC), Centro Ecoceanus and the National Federation of Artisan Fishers of Chile (CONAPACH).

The civil support for this project was evident in a national survey conducted by CCC that indicated 99% of the public is in favor of protecting cetacean species in their national waters. Meanwhile, its importance was demonstrated by a unanimous 53 to 0 vote in favor of the sanctuary by the Chamber of Deputies.

The organizations involved in the campaign are delighted with the result, and see it as a victory not only for cetaceans in Latin America, but a positive step toward a new and positive relationship with the marine environment.

The following is a press release from Centro de Concervacion Cetacea (CCC) in Santiago -

Chile 2008, A Whale Sanctuary
A campaign of CONAPACH, CCC and Ecoceanos

11/09/08 Centro de Conservación Cetacea, Ecoceanos and the Artisan Fishers of Chile Celebrate the Definite Approval of a National Whale Sanctuary by the Chilean Congress

Valparaiso, Chile. September 11, 2008 (CCC/Ecoceanos News) – Centro de Conservación Cetacea (CCC), Centro Ecoceanos and the National Federation of Artisan Fishers of Chile (CONAPACH), celebrated today the definite and unanimous approval of the project of Law that declares Chilean jurisdictional waters a Whale Sanctuary.

Now, the project of Law will return to the Executive branch to be announced as a Law of the Republic in the next few weeks. The final approval of the project will also allow Chile to attend the intersesional meeting of the International Whaling Commission next week in LA Florida (USA) with a strong message of conservation and non-lethal use of cetaceans.

CCC, Ecoceanos and CONAPACH, who are the organizations behind the campaign “Chile 2008, A Whale Sanctuary”, participated in all the legislative process and thanked the support of the legislators, particularly senators Nelson Avila and Juan Pablo Letelier for supporting the will of the Chilean people regarding cetacean conservation.

For Barbara Galletti, president of CCC, this instance “is a great progress for the country and we are extremely happy by the consensus obtained in support of the Law, including the national and international community, the legislative and executive branch and the Chilean Navy. We are certain that this is the most important marine conservation legacy achieved for future generations and the foundation to construct new agreements oriented to the protection of the marine biodiversity.” Referring to an action alert made last Thursday to collect signatures in support of the sanctuary and that were handed to the President of the Chamber of Senators yesterday, Galletti added that “we would like to thank the thousands of people that responded to our final call to have the project approved, their signatures were fundamental to have a Whale Sanctuary in Chile today.”

Juan Carlos Cardenas, executive director of Centro Ecoceanos, stated “this is the first historical landmark of the 21st century in marine environmental conservation in Chile and demonstrates that the informed participation of the civil society can achieve changes towards a new relation with nature, which is what the majority of the people wants.”

Cosme Caracciolo, secretary of CONAPACH, affirmed “this is the response of the political world to the position and demands of the civil society. With the national survey conducted by CCC to Adminark-GfK last April, it became clear that 99% of the Chilean people demand the protection of cetacean species. This is a project of the Chilean people and the Chilean organizations to defend life. We are extremely happy since this Law will help us as a country to protect the marine biodiversity. It is our duty and obligation to do so.”

The Session in the Senate

Yesterday, during the debate senators Antonio Horvath and Juan Pablo Letelier highlighted that the project of Law incorporated important matters such as conservation measures oriented to avoid vessel collisions with whales in Chilean jurisdictional waters.

Senator Horvath, who did all the necessary arrangements to comply with the dates committed by the Chamber of Senators last week, sustained that the project incorporated several indications to make it stronger.
Senator Juan Pablo Letelier affirmed “the initiative presented by the Executive branch was improved and will allow us to make an act of sovereignty over our maritime territory.” He added “it has been a historical inflection where we say no to those nations that challenge international agreements related to the whale conservation.”

The senator specially highlighted the role of the civil society and the non-governmental organizations, particularly CCC and Ecoceanos, in generating awareness regarding cetacean conservation, non-lethal research and the need to create whale sanctuaries. Additionally he thanked president Michelle Bachelet for taking the demands of the civil society and sending the project of law to the congress.

The Session in the Chamber of Deputies

This morning deputies Guido Girardi, Pablo Galilea and Fernando Meza highlighted the importance of this project for the country. By 53 votes in favor and no votes or abstentions against, the sanctuary of whales was approved by unanimity.

The Minister of the Environment, Ana Lya Uriarte, who attended both sessions, highlighted the consensus achieved by the Law and the work conducted by the civil society organizations that were present in the session, CCC and CONAPACH.

Minister Uriarte qualified the approval of the project “as an emblematic agreement between the executive and legislative branches. In the project prepared by the executive branch, several indications made by parliamentarians were included with the aim of granting effective protection to the cetacean species that navigate Chilean jurisdictional waters. The project reflects the overwhelming and extraordinary support of our people as it was shown by the survey conducted by CCC/Adikmark. This is an example for the protection of our environment in a very special day for our country.”

Fuente: Centro de Conservación Cetacea, Centro Ecoceanos
For details contact: Elsa Cabrera, executive director, CCC. info@ccc-chile.org

It’s All in the Genes – Have Humpbacks Really Recovered?

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I was concerned to read today that the World Conservation Union (IUCN) has downgraded the status of the majority of the world’s humpback whale populations. They have been reclassified from the status of “vulnerable” to that of “least concern”. Exempt are small population in the South Pacific and the Arabian Sea, which maintain their endangered status. To my surprise, Southern Right Whales have also been down listed.

Of course it is encouraging to see that these species once hunted to the brink of extinction are making a slow recovery, what concerns me is the baseline we are using to suggest that they are well on their way to approaching pre-exploitation levels.

Two reasons underlie my skepticism. Firstly, to suggest any species of great whale may be ‘bouncing back’ is an undeniable win for whalers who are quick to advocate a renewed kill, citing that populations can now afford to lose a few animals to the harpoon.

Perhaps what is most disturbing and rarely considered, is how we decide a species has recovered to the point where there are enough animals in relation to historic levels, that they are viewed as recovering sufficiently.

In 2003, a paper published in the journal Science entitled Whales before whaling in the North Atlantic, by US marine ecologists Steve Palumbi and Joe Roman, highlights why we may be making a diabolical error when it comes to estimating safe population levels for great whale species based on what we think we know about historic population levels.

It is the role of scientific experts at the International Whaling Commission (IWC) to attempt to estimate the number of whales before whaling began in earnest in the seventeenth century. Based on whaling logbooks and other historical records, the commission for example calculated that there were probably around twenty thousand humpback whales in the North Atlantic. Therefore this is the baseline we now use to measure the recovery of this species in that region.

However, Palumbi and Roman have challenged these conclusions for humpbacks, and other great whale species, suggesting that early populations were far larger than IWC estimates. Their findings published in Science are summarized by Professor Callum Roberts in his book “The Unnatural History of the Sea”:

“Genetic variability increases with the size of a breeding population. This enables population size to be estimated from analysis of genetic material in tissue samples. Because whales have a long generation time, it takes a very long time for genetic variability in their populations to equilibrate after a change in population size. The genetic heterogeneity of today’s whale populations still reflects population sizes from days before large-scale commercial whaling. Genetic estimates by Roman and Palumbi put the pre-whaling population size for humpback whales at 240 million, nine to twelve times the estimate from whaling records.”

As a keen student of whaling history and literature, these numbers seem far more in line with the kind of whale numbers seen and described by early travelers. In addition, relying on whaling records is notoriously dangerous as many records have been lost, while those that remain are fraught with inaccuracies and omissions. Furthermore, whalers in the twentieth century often failed to record or declare their kills.

Whatever the reason for the difference suggested by genetic data and historical accounts, it remains that we may be greatly overestimating the recovery of whale populations. According to IWC estimates, humpbacks among other species are well on their way to recovery, yet, the truth could be very, very different, and such a false assumption may only imperil whales once more.

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Want to Help the Oceans? Eat Less Shrimp

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Most people I know love to eat shrimp. Most people I know who eat shrimp have no idea where it came from, or how it got to their plate.

When people ask me what they can do to help the oceans, my immediate response is to say, “don’t eat shrimp!” Shrimp fisheries are the most destructive in the world and eating shrimp can be one of the worst things you can do to the oceans and to coastal communities.

For every wild caught shrimp, an estimated 8-10 animals are taken as bycaught– meaning they are caught accidentally and usually killed and discarded. This often includes endangered species such as sea turtles, as well as protected and undersize fish, as well as species such like sea stars and sponges that may be of little direct value to us, but are crucial in maintaining marine ecosystems.

Today, the majority of shrimp we consume is produced in farms. As in any modern industry, technology has revolutionized the production and distribution of shrimp. Today, shrimp once caught solely in the wild, can be farmed, processed, packed, and shipped to destinations worldwide in a matter of days. In 30 years, the shrimp industry has been revolutionized through an unprecedented increase in efficient production, resulting in tremendous profitability for producers. However, the “shrimp boom” is sustained through a staggering, largely hidden, cost to workers, their families, and the environment. Not for the first time, the drive to make a product for the world market quickly and cheaply leaves a trail of abuse, misery, and damaged lives. The true cost of shrimp is not what is seen on a supermarket price tag or a restaurant menu.

Fortunately, not all shrimp is derived from destructive sources, or tainted by labor abuses. For those who can’t live without shrimp, sustainable shrimp fisheries, both wild and farmed do exist, but their products need to be carefully and determinedly sought. So look around for the best option, which usually means eating local, seasonal shrimp.

There is a lot of information online now, so there is no excuse. Don’t be afraid to ask where the shrimp at your local market, or super market came from, and if shrimp is on the menu next time you head out, use your voice to encourage change.

For more information, blogs and articles, visit – www.shrimsuck.org

Australia lets Japan off the hook over whaling!

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Trading on our reputation as the greatest of all whale-loving nations, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has seriously let the people of Australia down this week, not to mention the whales.

The long-awaited talks between Mr. Rudd and his Japanese counterpart, Yasuo Fukudo concluded over the weekend with Mr. Rudd effectively conceding defeat in his efforts to stop Japanese whaling in the southern ocean whale sanctuary. Both leaders said the Japan-Australia relationship was too important to be disrupted by their disagreement over whaling.

One of Rudd’s strongest and most consistent election promises to the people of Australia last year was to take Japan to the international court on the whaling issue, vowing to do more than the previous Howard Government, which was ineffective diplomacy. He also agreed that the International Whaling Commission (IWC) could not stop the hunt and that firm action was needed.

Upon election, Rudd spent $1 million sending the Australian customs vessel Oceanic Viking on an audacious mission to pursue the Japanese whaling fleet and collect evidence of the hunt in Australian Territorial waters. Evidence was collected, including a Minke adult and calf being hauled up the slipway of the Japanese factory ship Nisshin Maru. The Australian public were outraged, but felt confident the Rudd Government now had the evidence needed to act.

Now, a mere 6 months after promising to take up the fight against Japanese whaling in the Southern Ocean whale sanctuary, riding on a wave of support, and with a determination not seen in decades, Rudd left Tokyo exulting the need for diplomacy on the issue. Using the same failed rhetoric of his predecessor, Rudd said simply, “the two countries agree to disagree’ and emphasized the importance of the IWC reform process.

For the whales, and for the people of Australia this means that absolutely nothing has changed, increasing fears that the Rudd Government has toned down its campaign and shied away from offending the business attached to Australia’s largest export customer.

For Australian’s, opinion polls consistently show that action against whaling is a ‘no-brainer’. In the most recent Essential Research poll quoted in Melbourne’s newspaper THE AGE this week, 91% of respondents said we should take international legal action, even if it meant compromising our relationship with Japan.

Australian’s will not take this turn around lying down. We love our whales and look forward to their regular and delightful presence along our coastline every year. This feeling of national pride was evident on Saturday with the nations first National Whale Day when 25 events were celebrated in all states across the nation.

Amvrakikos Dolphins

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We encounter bottlenose dolphins in the Amvrakikos Gulf in western Greece with scientists from the Tethys Research Institute and Earthwatch.

Genevieve Johnson – earthOCEAN

As part of the series “Whales of an Ancient Sea”, Chris and I are in Vonitsa, Greece to film bottlenose dolphins in the Amvrakikos Gulf. Giovanni Bearzi is President of the Tethys Research Institute in Italy and has studied coastal dolphins in the western Mediterranean for two decades.

eo enc amvrakikos1 Amvrakikos Dolphins

Bottlenose Dolphins Photo - Chris Johnson

It is early August (2007) and we are scheduled to meet Giovanni and researchers Joan Gonzalvo and Silvia Bonizzoni, at the dock at 7am. Giovanni and Joan run the Earthwatch program – “Dolphins of Greece”. Joan and the Earthwatch volunteers jump into one zodiac, Giovanni, Silvia, Chris and I, into another. As we head out into the Gulf, the sea surface is flat, and the town glows behind us in that golden light that makes sunrises worth waking up for.

We are looking for common bottlenose dolphins, a population that scientists have studied for several years. Amvrakikos supports a resident population of about 150 animals, the highest known density in the Mediterranean Sea. Bottlenose dolphins used to be regular inhabitants of most coastal areas in the Med, but human pressures have caused populations to decline and fracture. Fortunately, this is not the case in Amvrakikos, and the dolphins appear to thrive in the shallow, protected waters of this semi-enclosed basin. All we have to do now is find them!

Dolphins are unpredictable creatures and the gulf is about 400 square kilometers. The researchers usually encounter smaller groups, and we only had two days out on the water. This is not a lot of time when looking for fast moving, free ranging marine mammals; especially if you want to film them. Also, the weather can frequently be uncooperative. Wind is the enemy of all cetacean researchers and a sea surface with white caps can obscure even the closest animals. But Joan and Giovanni know the area well, and have a hunch about where the dolphins might be. If we find them early we will beat the wind that apparently blows up daily by midday. We scan the sea surface for dorsal fins and the two zodiacs separate to broaden our search area.

It doesn’t take long to spot the first group of animals. We turn the bow in their direction and the dolphins slowly materialize. First just a handful, then 20, then 30. Within minutes we are in the midst of 50 dolphins, one-third of the population in the Gulf. We can’t’ believe our luck. Joan, Giovanni and Silvia are excited, so we now this is special, apparently, the best sighting of the season so far.

This was the last of 9 days on the water for the Earthwatch volunteers. They work side-by-side with the researchers, collecting data and taking photographs. These digital images allow the researchers to identify individual animals. Spending so many days with the dolphins means Giovanni, Joan and Silvia recognize many of the dolphins on sight, especially those with scars, nicks or scratches on their dorsal fins.

Meanwhile, with plenty of dolphins to go around, we concentrated on filming. The dolphins are very active and include adults, juveniles and calves. Some groups are feeding; others leap into the air or laze at the surface. Others are curious and approach us for a free ride under the bow. The water displaced by the boat when underway creates a pressure wave that pushes the dolphins with very little effort on their part. We have watched dolphins bow ride the heads of large whales. It is probably where they learned the skill, long before boats became a permanent fixture in their world.

Chris leans over the bow to film the dolphins. The surface is like glass and the dolphins roll and gambol, turning side on to look up at the boat. The rest of us watch as the dolphins and Chris’s camera lense take a long, and very close look at one another. For the next three hours, the outside world doesn’t seem to exist. It is just the dolphins and us, together in the Gulf, and we are all exuberant. The research team is pleased with the data collected. Of course, we are thrilled with the footage we have taken. Joan decides it is time to leave the dolphins and head back to Vonitsa for lunch, before the Earthwatch team begins downloading and collating data in the afternoon.

eo enc amvrakikos2 Amvrakikos Dolphins

Chris Johnson filming Bottlenose Dolphins - Photo - Joan Gonzalvo / Tethys

We reluctantly left the dolphins. Some of them taking advantage of their last bow riding opportunity for the day. We head back to port past several small islets, and swarms of seabirds. In addition to bottlenose dolphins, the gulf is also a haven for loggerhead sea turtles and birdlife, and contains some of Europe’s most significant wetlands.

We arrive back in town at midday and tie up the zodiacs. We step from the world of the dolphins back onto dry land and the welcoming Greek atmosphere that permeates the now busy village. It is always thrilling to visit areas where local wildlife still is flourishing. It’s rejuvenating and reassuring to know that such places still exist, especially in the densely populated Mediterranean. Most importantly, it reminds us that we cannot afford to lose such places, or take them for granted. Instead, we can play our part in protecting the precious areas that remain. The first step is to get out there and experience these magnificent and charismatic animals in their own environment. That is when we truly understand why it’s all worth protecting.