So what is the real threat to whales?

[Kim]

As we seem to have many members concerned about the health and welfare of whales I thought it might be reasonable to ask what they are prepared to do about it.
In spite of the views of some that whale harvesting is what is a whale's primary threat, a lot of people would see other things as actually being far more important.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/Conservation/001~Plants-and-Animals/003~Marine-Mammals/Whales/100~Conservation-of-whales-in-the-21st-century/190~Climate-ozone-pollution.asp
http://www.whales-online.org/troubled_waters/watersoftrouble_text.html
http://www.globalpolicy.org/socecon/envronmt/2001/0710whale.htm

Just a few links for those genuinely interested in the survival of these marine creatures.

 

[Mr.X]

As we seem to have many members concerned about the health and welfare of whales I thought it might be reasonable to ask what they are prepared to do about it.
In spite of the views of some that whale harvesting is what is a whale's primary threat, a lot of people would see other things as actually being far more important.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/Conservation/001~Plants-and-Animals/003~Marine-Mammals/Whales/100~Conservation-of-whales-in-the-21st-century/190~Climate-ozone-pollution.asp
http://www.whales-online.org/troubled_waters/watersoftrouble_text.html
http://www.globalpolicy.org/socecon/envronmt/2001/0710whale.htm

Just a few links for those genuinely interested in the survival of these marine creatures.

Very nice links. Thanks for posting. X

 

[cyklon_300]

according to your links are all anthropenic in origin. So, the overriding problem for whales would appear to be humans.

Solutions would include a reduction in human population growth rates, reduced industrial emissions, sensible national energy policies, redesign/elimination of military projects affecting marine mammals, and an enforceable ban on international commercial whaling.

In terms of what people can do to change the situation, voting for officials that have even a vague concept of what constitutes environmental stewardship would be a good start.

 

[Kim]

In terms of what people can do to change the situation, voting for officials that have even a vague concept of what constitutes environmental stewardship would be a good start.

eyebrow

 

[Cacia]

Well my children don't think they should have to take public transportation. They are very well off economically and I make them take the bus almost everywhere and explain why. They now seem used to it and even some of their friends have started.
We are installing solar panels.
I try and teach them that everything that goes in the garbage disposal probably ends up in the ocean. I buy organic milk without the hormones even though it tastes kind of funky. I tell the kids they will get used to it. They never go to Mcdonald's. I made my son go with me to see "Supersize Me". He was not thrilled.
My daughter is on a marine ecology sailing trip to other islands to study marine life, as we speak. I could have bought a Louis Vuitton bag with the cash because I am vain and materialistic, and I am working on that.
I have exposed my children since they were born to marine life and appreciation almost daily. I think they are my best shot at a better environment.
We recently attended the Kukua festival together and support Jack Johnson's push to recycle even more of our household waste.
We do environmental clean ups. Trash and alien algae.
I encourage them to help me with Reefcheck and REEF fish counts
I have never had the exterminator come in four years in Hawaii. we live with the ants and the centipedes. We haven't died. I am always on a quest to try and be a more conscious consumer, what fish to eat, etc. I am not perfect, but I have not given up.
Voicing what I believe even if I am belittled by some and strive to not get angry...encouraging and supporting others who share this agenda to do the same..
Just everyday things like that. Nothing too difficult but moving in the right direction.....

 

[Diver Dennis]

I see this has not garnered much attention Kim. Sad considering only you, with this thread and Catherine with her suggestions made any constructive contributions on the thread that spawned this one.

 

[ScubaGypsy]

Well my children don't think they should have to take public transportation. They are very well off economically and I make them take the bus almost everywhere and explain why. They now seem used to it and even some of their friends have started.
We are installing solar panels.
I try and teach them that everything that goes in the garbage disposal probably ends up in the ocean.
My daughter is on a marine ecology sailing trip to other islands to study marine life, as we speak. I could have bought a Louis Vuitton bag with the cash because I am vain and materialistic, but I am working on that.
I have exposed my children since they were born to marine life and appreciation almost daily. I think they are my best shot at a better environment.
We recently attended the Kukua festival together and support Jack Johnson's push to recycle even more of our household waste.
We do environmental clean ups. Trash and alien algae.
I encourage them to help me with Reefcheck and REEF fish counts
I have never had the exterminator come in four years in Hawaii. we live with the ants and the centipedes. We haven't died. I am always on a quest to try and be a more conscious consumer, what fish to eat, etc. I am not perfect, but I have not given up.
Voicing what I believe even if I am belittled by some and strive to not get angry...encouraging and supporting others who share this agenda to do the same..
Just everyday things like that. Nothing too difficult but moving in the right direction.....

Interesting points as I must admit that I was curious about several of these lifestyle factors based upon your earlier posts concerning the whale meat debates. I found these interesting because you do live in a climate that can fully utilize the power of the sun and wind for most, if not all, of your electrical needs. Perhaps before solar panels, might you consider solar hot-water (which should be cheaper and quite easy to include)? And have you considered a hybrid vehicle for transportation? I'm honestly not trying to pick on you as I have lived off solar and wind since 2001 and I'm in New England. I also drive a hybrid car though I use my old van or motorhome for lugging my diving gear to sites. But I do like the efforts that you are striving towards here and I agree that fundamental changes towards the ecology of our environment will be through our children. And in this vain, I have found that enjoying scuba diving with ones children begins this appreciation in a very real and personal way. Kudos as you lead this mindset through example to your offspring.

 

[Cacia]

I am trying, but far from perfect. I think that is the main lesson I want my kids to get---you will never be perfect so just keep chipping away.
The hybrids I was just looking at and my x-husband claims the technicians here on Oahu are "not there yet". he claimed the service has been an issue. We have to be careful here, often there is no where else to go. Yes, the panels are for hot water. My husband for 15 years made annual trips to third world countries to do surgical repairs on children in places like Vietnam and Honduras. My children were small and even though I am a nurse, I could not go, but we packed instruments, sent gifts to the children, hospital staff etc.We sacrificed monetarily since he received no income.The family vacation time we lost in order to support his efforts probably cost us the most. We were really proud of him. He never talks about it but I know it is what keeps him engaged. I guess, indirectly that could help the planet and the whales in some small way that does not get on 'ol Justin's rational radar "over there". I am no saint and if I have to be perfect in order to begin, well, it will not happen. I do notice that the people that hurl the hypocrisy argument are usually projecting their shadow. Thanks for the support gypsydoc!

 

[Sasquatch]

according to your links are all anthropenic in origin. So, the overriding problem for whales would appear to be humans.

Solutions would include a reduction in human population growth rates, reduced industrial emissions, sensible national energy policies, redesign/elimination of military projects affecting marine mammals, and an enforceable ban on international commercial whaling.

In terms of what people can do to change the situation, voting for officials that have even a vague concept of what constitutes environmental stewardship would be a good start.

Ding, ding, ding...we have a winner!

 

[Diver Dennis]

according to your links are all anthropenic in origin. So, the overriding problem for whales would appear to be humans.

Solutions would include a reduction in human population growth rates, reduced industrial emissions, sensible national energy policies, redesign/elimination of military projects affecting marine mammals, and an enforceable ban on international commercial whaling.

In terms of what people can do to change the situation, voting for officials that have even a vague concept of what constitutes environmental stewardship would be a good start.

Thanks for the intelligent post cyklon. Good points.