Orca Whales - "the most toxic marine mammal in the world."
Wed, 12/19/2007 - 03:53 — Brett
Like many other species, Orca whales are suffering from our lack of foresight into protecting these wonderful creatures. Studies have shown that the Southern community of resident whales in the Pacific Northwest are known to be contaminated with extremely high levels of toxins, notably PCBs (polychlorinated-biphenyls). This pollution and diminishing salmon stocks have caused a reduction in their population which does not seem to be changing in the foreseeable future. Because of the declining salmon populations, the whales have been feeding on rock-fish or bottom-fish, species that carry even higher levels of PCBs, thus accumulating even higher levels of toxins. Because of these high level of PCBs in the whales, they have been called the most toxic marine mammal in the world.
‘According to Hoyt, whale watching makes socio-economic, educational, environmental and scientific contributions while whale hunting has only contributed to a significant decline of most whale species.’‘Whale watching is an educational tool, teaching students about the interconnectedness of the marine environment and the importance of marine conservation, according to Carole Carlson, senior marine biologist and whale watching expert at IFAW.’"There are 83 species of whales and dolphins (and porpoises) we know almost nothing about," said Hoyt."I think whale watching provides a great incentive for communities, and in some cases island communities, to preserve whale and dolphin populations as well as the marine environment itself," said Hoyt. "Conservation at a community level is absolutely vital for whale conservation, or any other maritime conservation, especially when it fuels the economy."
For the full article click here.
‘According to Hoyt, whale watching makes socio-economic, educational, environmental and scientific contributions while whale hunting has only contributed to a significant decline of most whale species.’‘Whale watching is an educational tool, teaching students about the interconnectedness of the marine environment and the importance of marine conservation, according to Carole Carlson, senior marine biologist and whale watching expert at IFAW.’"There are 83 species of whales and dolphins (and porpoises) we know almost nothing about," said Hoyt."I think whale watching provides a great incentive for communities, and in some cases island communities, to preserve whale and dolphin populations as well as the marine environment itself," said Hoyt. "Conservation at a community level is absolutely vital for whale conservation, or any other maritime conservation, especially when it fuels the economy."
For the full article click here.
