North Atlantic Right Whales (Eubalaena glacialis) are one of the most endangered mammal species on the planet. Only about 350 remain. They were hunted to near extinction in the 19th century for their blubber and got their common name because they were the correct target for whalers. They never recovered from the onslaught once whaling was finally stopped in 1935. Now their biggest threat from man is colliding with ships. The slow swimming whales migrate up and down our busy eastern seaboard and are especially vulnerable when heading north after giving birth off Florida. Between 2002 and 2006 reports the Independent 17 right whales were killed by collision with ships, six of which were adult females. The death of a single pregnant female could mean the difference between the species surviving or becoming extinct. Scientist believe that the simple expedient of ships slowing down near whales will help save the remaining individuals. A regulation imposing a 10 knot speed limit around whales (11.5 mph) during the migration season has been pending for over a year, but the Vice President's office has been delaying the implementation of the speed limit. Apparently Darth has never met an animal he would not kill.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Right Whales Run Over by Regulatory Delay
North Atlantic Right Whales (Eubalaena glacialis) are one of the most endangered mammal species on the planet. Only about 350 remain. They were hunted to near extinction in the 19th century for their blubber and got their common name because they were the correct target for whalers. They never recovered from the onslaught once whaling was finally stopped in 1935. Now their biggest threat from man is colliding with ships. The slow swimming whales migrate up and down our busy eastern seaboard and are especially vulnerable when heading north after giving birth off Florida. Between 2002 and 2006 reports the Independent 17 right whales were killed by collision with ships, six of which were adult females. The death of a single pregnant female could mean the difference between the species surviving or becoming extinct. Scientist believe that the simple expedient of ships slowing down near whales will help save the remaining individuals. A regulation imposing a 10 knot speed limit around whales (11.5 mph) during the migration season has been pending for over a year, but the Vice President's office has been delaying the implementation of the speed limit. Apparently Darth has never met an animal he would not kill.