Whale Protection

Animal Planet, where you can find “It’s Me or the Dog” and “River Monsters,” offers the best series for animal lovers everywhere. But since 2008, one show has taken particular focus in the public eye. “Whale Wars” follows the efforts of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society to put an end to illegal whaling- with a particular focus on Japanese whaling.

Captain Paul Watson and his crew have three ships for their expeditions, the Steve Irwin, the Bob Barker and the Ady Gil. The last of these ships is a recent addition, and easily, their best ship. The Ady Gil had “twin 540 horsepower engines and stealth radar-scattering paint” (“Whale Wars” site). The Ady Gil sank after impact with a Japanese ship earlier this year, but no one was seriously harmed. (more…)

admin | whale T.V. shows | 08 26th, 2010 | Comments Off

For years, several species of whale have been close to extinction. While organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund have worked hard to reduce the perils, endangered whales are still at risk. With the oil spill in the Gulf still in our sights, having just occurred April 20^th of this year, the threats to whale species have risen considerably; particularly for the Sperm Whale.

Oil spills are lethal for all marine life. Ocean creatures suffer from oil soaked skin, which not only affects their body temperatures but also their ability to breathe. Other risks include ruined eating abilities (due to swallowing the oil) and a lack of sun reaching the underwater life forms that depend on it (such as plants). Whales have to come up for air, making the threats of an oil spill similar to that of other marine life. Whales are in particular jeopardy of drowning, lung inhalation, reduced food supplies, and severe damages to their habitats. (more…)

admin | whale threats | 08 26th, 2010 | Comments Off

Whenever you see a fluffy whale or dolphin with a WWF symbol, you instantly know that the proceeds go to the protection of the toy’s real life counterparts. The organization behind these toys, the World Wildlife Fund, has been looking out for wildlife, and their environments, since 1961. The organization was born in Switzerland, and since then, has expanded to global proportions. While the fund’s logo features a panda, the organization protects several species, including whales.

With all the dangers that whales face, from whale hunting (to obtain their oil & meat) to fishing hazards and oil spills, the threat of their extinction is all too close for comfort. However, the World Wildlife Fund have established a strict goal in the effort to protect all whale groups:  “The WWF Cetaceans Action Plan aims to ensure that by 2012, a significant reduction of threats to cetacean populations that are either currently endangered, or are likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future, is achieved” (WWF website). (more…)

admin | organizations | 08 26th, 2010 | Comments Off

Whale lovers, if you haven’t been on a whale watching trip yet. . . well, what are you waiting for? Whale tours can be found throughout the world, so there are plenty of locations on offer.  From New Zealand to America’s own coastline, we’ve found some of the best tours for whale lovers of all sizes.

The waters of the San Juan Islands in Washington State are home to one of the better known whale species- Orcas. After all, one of their islands is called Orca Island. One company that offers whale watching tours is Maya’s Westside Charter.  Captain Jim Maya has been providing whale tours since 1988, so he knows exactly where to find the most Orcas. Maya’s is located at Snug Harbor and offers a 3 hour tour. Rates vary, with children costing $65 and adult tickets running for $75. (more…)

admin | whale watching tours | 08 26th, 2010 | Comments Off

There are multiple types of whales through the world, with varieties including Blue Whales, Belugas, Orcas, Great Whales, and Humpbacks. All majestic creatures, each whale group has its own unique characteristics. Here, we take a closer look at three of these beautiful mammals.

The Beluga Whale

Nicknamed the White Whale, the Beluga is easy to distinguish from its whale brothers because of its white skin and oddly shaped head. Belugas belong to the Monodontidae family and make their homes along Arctic coasts (seen in Alaska and as far as Russia).  Depending on their gender, the mammal can reach anywhere from 4.1-5.5 meters in length. Belugas reach that size by eating squid, crab and fish, along with several other crustaceans and cephalopods. (more…)

admin | types of whales | 08 26th, 2010 | Comments Off