News

February, 2009

• 27 February

  Freshwater seals may get endangered designation

  

  Harbour seals living in a string of lakes in Nunavik may soon be listed as an endangered species. The decision will depend on what the federal department of Fisheries and Oceans hears until March 31, the deadline for opinions on whether the freshwater harbour seals should be considered as endangered …
• 27 February

  Whale Freed: Humpback Disentangled, But Injured

  

  The juvenile humpback whale, caught in lobster netting and gear near the Ambrose Channel, off Sandy Hook, NJ, was freed yesterday by a rescue team. However, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration”s Teri Frady said, “It does have serious injuries, but it is much better off than being anchored in the …
• 27 February

  Oiled Sea Otter Discovered Off Bay Recovering

  

  An oiled sea otter rescued from a Monterey Bay beach is recuperating and should be released back into the wild within a week, officials at the Department of Fish and Game said Thursday. The female sea otter, which is listed as an endangered species, was most likely the victim of …
• 27 February

  Baby seal hunting banned in Northern Russia

  

  The government has banned the hunting of baby seals in the regions surrounding the White Sea. Russia’s Prime Minister Vladimir Putin called seal hunting a “bloody industry”. “It is clear that it should have been banned a long time ago,” said Putin at a meeting with the Minister of Natural …
• 27 February

  Center for Biological Diversity Announces Support for Global Population Speak Out

  

  The Center for Biological Diversity today announced its support for the  Global Population Speak Out, a collaborative effort by scientists, activists, and others worldwide to highlight the issue of overpopulation in efforts to restore the planet’s ecological health. February 2009 has been declared a month of action and communication on …
• 27 February

  Groups urge COA to protect at risk Chinese White Dolphins

  

  Three conservation groups yesterday petitioned the Cabinet-level Council of Agriculture (COA) to act to safeguard the critically endangered Chinese White Dolphin from becoming extinct in Taiwan waters.  Representatives of the Taiwan Academy of Ecology, Taiwan Sustainable Union, and Taiwan Environmental Protection Union visited the COA, asking it to get concerned …
• 26 February

  Fundraiser for Sea Shepherds held at 1078 Gallery

  

  The Celtic Knights of the Sea will host a fundraiser for the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and the 1078 Gallery on March 7 at the gallery. The event includes music by The Celtic Knights of the Sea Men”s Choir, Rob Davidson & Geoff Baker, Barbara Manning, Jason Cassidy & The …
• 26 February

  Study links seabird deaths to soap-like foam

  

  In late 2007, hundreds of dead and stranded seabirds washed up on the shores of Monterey Bay, their feathers saturated with water and coated with an unknown substance. After an intensive investigation, scientists determined that a massive “red tide” bloom of marine algae had produced a foamy soap-like substance that …
• 26 February

  Humpback Whale Is Stuck Off Sandy Hook

  

  A humpback whale has become entangled in fishing gear about eight miles offshore in New York waters, the Coast Guard said on Wednesday. The Coast Guard boat first arrived at the scene around 12:30 p.m., which is close to the approach to the Ambrose Channel.
• 25 February

  Sea-lion trapping at Bonneville Dam poised to resume

  

  Oregon and Washington wildlife officials are moving ahead with plans to remove sea lions from Bonneville Dam. Trapping could resume as early as Monday. The states and Columbia River tribes claim the protected animals eat too many spring chinook as the fish school up before passing through fish ladders.
• 25 February

  Florida Keys Dolphins Are Dying At Alarming Rate

  

  Bottlenose Dolphins are a welcome, well-known part of South Florida. But a disturbing increase in dolphin deaths in the Keys has local experts worried. So far, the cause of the dolphin deaths is a mystery. Something is killing members of the pod of dolphins, who live in Florida Bay in …
• 25 February

  Supermarket dismay over Icelandic whale decision

  

  Waitrose and M&S have hit out over Iceland’s decision to ramp up its whaling quota. The two supermarkets have written to the Icelandic government to protest over their stance, in which the struggling country voted last month to increase its whaling quota more than sixfold.