Soundings: the Newsletter of the Monterey Bay Chapter of the American Cetacean Society. 2009

Item Type monograph

Publisher American Cetacean Society. Monterey Bay Chapter

Download date 09/10/2021 05:13:41

Link to Item http://hdl.handle.net/1834/22118

Soundings

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay Chapter January 2009 PO Box H E, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 www.starrsites.com/acsmb INSIDE THIS ISSUE

January Meeting Calendar…………………..……2

Date: Thursday, January 29, 2009 JAPAN SELLS ICELANDIC WHALE MEAT…………………...3 Monthly meeting at Hopkins Marine Station, Lecture Hall. Boat SEVEN SOUTHERN RESIDENT Works Building (Across from the American Tin Cannery Outlet Stores). KILLER WHALES MISSING!....…4

Meeting is open to the public WHALES' TEETH ARE AID TO MATING …………………...... 5 Time: 7:30 PM. PLEASE JOINUS AT 7:00 FOR REFRESHMENTS President’s Message …………..6

SIGHTINGS……………...……7 Speaker: Steve I. Lonhart, Ph.D. Notable Books………………….7 Title: Characterization of rocky intertidal and kelp forest habitats Membership …………………..8 along the Big Sur coast The Big Sur coastline is a scenic edge of the continent accessed by Artwork Credits California’s State Highway One. President Franklin Roosevelt was at the Grand Opening of the 139 mile section of the highway from Morro Bay to Fin Whales Page 3: Carmel and the Big Sur coastline is a large part of that stretch of road. In http://www.australianfauna.com/imag 1966, at Bixby Bridge, Lady Bird Johnson dedicated Highway One as es/finwhale.jpg California’s first Scenic Highway. Killer Whale Page 5: Robin Makowski People from all over the world come to California to drive this road, frequently stopping to enjoy the breathtaking views which are often from Right Whale, Page 9: Richard Ellis locations 200 to 300 feet above sea level with a vertical drop to the ocean below. In the summer the highway is a tourist attraction but in the winter, during the rainy season, the highway can be treacherous because of landslides from the mountains above. The dangers of the highway are never more risky than after wild fires strip the hills and mountain faces of stabilizing plants and trees like those which occurred last summer. On the other side of the highway is the Pacific Ocean and a significant portion of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (“Sanctuary”). While tourists are looking at Point Sur or for whale spouts the scientists of the Sanctuary Integrated Monitoring Network (“SIMoN”) are watching the denizens of the rocky intertidal and kelp forest habitats. Debris coming from natural slides or Cal Trans, as part of a road clearing operation, can drop many tons of material into the ocean with significant effects on these habitats. As a SIMoN scientist our speaker is responsible for developing research and monitoring programs within this section of the Sanctuary and for getting that information out to resource managers, researchers, educators and the general public. Please join us for what promises to be a very interesting program about the Big Sur coast and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/ Soundings Page 2 January 2009 CALENDAR Feb 13th-15th. Fourth Annual Whale Quest. January – February 2009 Kapalua Ritz-Carlton. Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii. Presenters will include Jim Darling, Bruce Mate, Marine Science Seminar Weekend Mark Ferrari, David Matilla, John Stern and Flip at Camp Ocean Pines in Cambria, CA Nicklin. For more info go to info@ whaletrust.org.

January 23-25 Session 1 : "Humpback Whales" by Feb 18th-26th. 36th Annual Meeting Of The Dr. Jim Darling. Come to hear the latest updates Pacific Seabird Group Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan. on humpback and gray whales. Get a signed copy Field Trips include visiting the winter roosting of his latest book. Field trips include whale- habitat of the Stellar Sea Eagle and White Tailed watching with Jim from Morro Bay. Sea Eagle. For info go to www.PacficSeabirds.org Jan 29th-Feb 1st Session 2: "All about Abalone" by Dr. John Pearse and Dr. George Trevelyan. Feb 19-22. The 6th Annual San Francisco Ocean Lectures will be given by Dr. Pearse from UCSC Film Festival. Cowell Theatre at Fort Mason about abalone life history. A field trip to local tide Center. For Info Call (415)561-6251 pools and the Cayucos Abalone farm will be included. For more info contact Chris Cameron at Feb 21-Mar 21 Sat 9:00am-4:30pm. Biological 805-927-0254 Field Studies: Marine Mammals of California. This course covers the natural history of marine ACS-MB CHAPTER GRAY WHALE FUNDRAISER. mammals, including life history, behavior, SATURDAY JAN. 24TH, 7 AM-9:30 AM acoustics, physiology, identification, conservation, Cost $40.00. Trip will take place on the 100ft field sampling and research techniques. Class is Princess Monterey out of Monterey Whale being offered at Monterey Peninsula College Watching. Located on Fisherman's Wharf in for more info call(831)646-4125. Monterey, CA. Monterey Bay is the best place along the west coast to observe south-bound Gray “SOUNDINGS” NEWSLETTER NOW ONLINE BACK Whales. Gray Whales migrate across Monterey TO 1980 Bay and resume hugging the coast somewhere With the permission of ACS Monterey, the between Pt. Pinos and Pt. Lobos making Gray Miller Library at Hopkins Marine Station scanned Whale observation along the Monterey coast its print copies of the "Soundings" newsletter to incredibly accessible to whale-watchers. Monterey create a digital archive of searchable PDF files. is home to a plethora of Gray Whale experts and These files have been deposited into the Aquatic we hope to be traveling with a few. Other possible Commons digital archive and are available at sightings include Killer Whales and Dolphins. All http://aquacomm.fcla.edu/. While the library's proceeds from this trip are donated to the Monterey holdings were relatively complete, there were Bay Chapter of ACS. For more information on the some missing issues. A list of the remaining gaps natural history of Gray Whales we recommend is below. If anyone has one or more of these issues Gray Whales by Alan Baldridge and David G. please contact Joe Wible at [email protected] or Gordon. For more trip information and 831-655-6228. Seeking to borrow following issues reservations please call Tony Lorenz at 831-648- of "Soundings": 8968 or Jerry Loomis at 831-419-1051. 1981 – April 1988-Jul, Aug, Oct 1985 – July 1989-Jun, Jul, Aug, Oct Feb. 17th -19th. 29th Symposium on Sea Turtle 1987 – Nov 2002-July Biology and Conservation. Brisbane, Australia For more info go to www.turtlesbrisbane.org

American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings Page 3 January 2009

JAPAN SELLS ICELANDIC WHALE MEAT permitted, he could eventually hunt as many fin By Richard Black whales as Icelandic scientists recommended - Whale meat imported from Iceland and provided the government granted a quota, which is Norway has gone on sale in Japan, according to the likely if there is a proven market. Icelandic firm which caught and exported most of Although the fin is internationally the meat. classified as an endangered species, estimates of Hvalur hf told BBC News that after the north Atlantic stock run to about 30,000, and completing food safety checks, the meat was now Icelandic scientists recently suggested that an being distributed. The consignment is Iceland's annual catch of 200 would not damage the local first whale export to Japan in 20 years. The trade stock. is legal because all three countries have registered But Arni Finnsson of the Iceland Nature exemptions to rules banning international trade in Conservation Association (INCA) believes the whale products. market may not be as welcoming as the exporters There were unconfirmed reports last hope. weekend that the meat was on sale, but this is the "I don't believe there will ever be a market first official notification. in Japan for Icelandic meat that can be profitable," Some environmental groups fear that he said. "If they allow it from Iceland, they have Iceland and Norway want to step up whale meat to allow it from Norway, and then you could have exports to Japan, which is seen as having the thousands of minke whales flooding the market - biggest potential market. it's impossible." The present consignment consists of 65 He believes the export is a political move tonnes of fin whale meat caught by Hvalur hf, and designed to show the coalition government - which five tonnes of minke whale meat exported by the is divided on the issue - that whaling can be a Norwegian company Myklebust Trading. It profitable venture, generating jobs at a time when arrived in Tokyo in June, received an import the country is in dire economic straits. permit last month, and has now been given a clean He also believes Hvalur has an interest in bill of health. scuppering the "peace progress" within the "The meat has now cleared customs in International Whaling Commission which is Japan after undergoing very rigorous testing to exploring whether pro- and anti-whaling countries ensure that it meets every aspect of Japan's food can find a compromise between their very different safety regulations," said Hvalur's CEO Kristjan positions. Loftsson. The next meeting in the process takes place "We were always confident that this would next week in Cambridge. be the case. It was only a question of time, as The whale meat trade is banned under the Japan is legally obliged to handle whale meat Convention on International Trade in Endangered imports in the same way as any other seafood." Species (CITES), but Iceland, Japan and Norway Mr Loftsson, whose company is the only have all registered reservations, as the treaty one in Iceland equipped to hunt fin whales - the permits, exempting second biggest species - told BBC News that this themselves from the export was designed to re-introduce fin meat to ban.

Japanese palates. It is considered one of the tastiest varieties, but has largely been absent from the market in recent years, as Japan's own hunts excluded the species until the 2005/6 Antarctic season. Mr. Loftsson said that if the market http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr//2/hi/science/nature/7767716.st m American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings Page 4 January 2009

SEVEN SOUTHERN RESIDENT KILLER 5% of the known diet of SRKW’s. [For a WHALES MISSING! description and status of all of these salmonids The southern resident killer whale see http://www.nwr.noaa.gov/ESA-Salmon- population (SRKW) is near and dear to us all. In Listings/. fact, this population of the Pacific Northwest’s Killer whales are large dolphins, and diet most magnificent marine mammals is what studies of these animals indicate that they brought me to the San Juan Islands more than consume about 2.5 to 5% of their body weight of thirty years ago, with a US government contract suitable prey species per day. I have calculated to see whether what the late Dr. Mike Bigg said that the 83 killer whales in the SRKW population was true. Mike claimed, and later unequivocally have a total biomass of about 638,000 pounds and verified, that each and every killer whale in the probably eat about 25,000 pounds of fish per day Pacific Northwest could be individually photo- in aggregate. That is a lot of fish!... more than identified; therefore, we could know the status of 1,200 nice 20 pound fish per day! 438,000 fish the regions most charismatic icon then, and per year! Compare that, however, to the historical forevermore. This website is dedicated to catch of Chinook salmon by humans over the past providing all of the information we have gathered thirty years (data from Pacific Fisheries about these whales since Mike’s discovery that Management Council: whales can be individually recognized. Clearly, human harvests of Chinook We always knew that the SRKW’s eat salmon over the most recent three decades have salmon – fishermen used to shoot them to get rid been two to nine times the consumption by of the competition. Now, we know that these SRKW’s (catches down from over 3.5 million whales predominantly eat Chinook salmon (O. Chinook caught in 1976 to less than one million tsawytscha), and that is not surprising because Chinook caught in 1999. Currently, the Chinook these are large nutritious fish that were catches are even lower, and the long term historically and prehistorically very abundant forecast: “wild salmon in California and Pacific year-round. We also know that many populations Northwest almost assuredly will be reduced even (ESU’s in scientific and government-speak) of further by 2100.” (Salmon 2100: The Future of Chinook salmon from California to British Wild Pacific Salmon, American Fisheries Columbia are threatened with extinction, if not Society, 2006). “The causes have been, and in already extinct, and many are recently declining many cases still are 1) Intense commercial, in many parts of their range (see NOAA Fisheries recreational, and subsistence fishing, and Chart http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/ critical especially since the 1990’s, mixed stock fishing; habitat/chinooksalmon.pdf). This is a tragedy for 2) Freshwater and estuarine habitat alteration due the Chinook, the fishermen, and the whales. I am to urbanizing, farming, logging, and ranching; going to largely restrict my comments to the 3)Dams built and operated for electricity tragedy for whales, though I am not insensitive to generation, flood control, irrigation, and other the plight of fish and humans. purposes.” The list continues with virtually no The evidence indicates that about 96% of disagreement among the experts. The abundance the diet of SRKW’s consists of salmon, with 71% of Chinook salmon in this region in 1900 was being Chinook salmon and 22% being Chum more than twelve million adult salmon returning salmon (O. keta in autumn). Some estimates put to spawn each year. the percentage of Chinook in the annual diet as Then, compare this graph of the SRKW high as 80%. Coho (O. kisutch), Pink (O. population status in the Spring of 2008: gorbuscha), Sockeye salmon (O. nerka), and From 1976 until around 1981 the SRKW’s Steelhead (O. mykiss), though seasonally were recovering from the removal of several abundant in some regions, comprise only about dozen young whales for aquaria and marine

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/ Soundings Page 5 January 2009 parks, hence their population size would have WHALES' TEETH ARE AID TO MATING been much larger (probably over one hundred) By Richard Black prior to 1981 had the removals not occurred. The bizarre teeth of male beaked whales My considered opinion is that the total have evolved to help females choose their mates, number of Chinook salmon required to be research suggests. available for the SRKW’s, and the ecosystem, is The males do not seem to use the two on the order of two and a half million adult fish teeth on the outside of their jaws for eating, but per year, and that a recovery goal for both for scratching each other. SRKW’s and Chinook salmon in the region is on Scientists have now used DNA analysis to the order of five million adult fish per year show the teeth probably evolved as secondary (roughly the number of Chinook salmon sexual traits to help females select males of the CAUGHT by fishermen in the Columbia River right species. alone from the mid to late 1800’s!). Regrettably, Beaked whales are a family of about 21 we cannot turn back the clock to those times prior species that make up the least known group of to 1900, and there are many obstacles, including whales or dolphins. They are typically about four dams, in the way of Chinook salmon restoration metres long and spend most of their time deep in to viable population levels; but, it is imperative the ocean foraging for food, surfacing rarely and for the survival of both Chinook salmon and briefly. Some species have never been seen alive, SRKW’s that our society (US and Canada, First and are only known from dead Nation and Arrivals) make whales washed up on shore. the effort to restore these "Beaked whales are icon species to functional among the least known, least levels in the ecosystem. It is understood and, frankly, most not just the fish and the bizarre whales in the ocean," whales at stake, it is our own said Scott Baker, associate survival slipping away. The director of the Marine missing whales are: Mammal Institute at Oregon J43 last seen 2007/11/24, K7 State University in the US. last seen 2007/12/23, L21 last seen 2008/06/29, "They are the only cetacean species with L101 last seen 2008/01/27 in Monterey, CA, J11 tusks, and scientists have long wondered why, last seen 2008/07/19, L111 last seen 2008/08/21, since their diet primarily is squid." and L67. That list accounts for seven whales that TREE OF LIFE have died in a twelve month period, tying the The shape of the teeth, or tusks, varies record for SRKW deaths in 1999 as the worst markedly between different species. In some, survival period in the history of our study. This they actually appear to hinder feeding, as they year is not over and the population number by 31 wrap over the upper jaw, preventing it from December may change again. These numbers are opening fully. examined statistically in several different ways, Females do not show teeth; and this so do not take this as a summary of 2008 just yet. difference between the sexes, or sexual What we present is a twelve month running dimorphism, is virtually the only way to tell them summary that will be updated to a calendar year apart. summary after the 31 December population size The teeth are very different from the long, is determined. The statistical comparison to the slender, spiraling tusks of the narwhal, which are population size of the Northern Resident Killer thought to be primarily sensory organs. Whales (NRKW’s) is made as of 1 July each The research team, which also included year. Dr Merel Dalebout from the University of New http://www.whaleresearch.com/thecenter/2008_News_SevenMissing.html South Wales in Sydney, took DNA samples from

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/ Soundings Page 6 January 2009

14 beaked whale species and used it to construct be attractive to the females for them to choose a family tree depicting how the various species him. had developed. "These parameters all favour the One of the theories of beaked whale hypothesis of sexual selection as a force in evolution is that different groups emerged in shaping the most striking sexual dimorphism ocean canyons that were more or less isolated characteristic in beaked whales, the tusks." from the wider oceans, and that this pattern of Dr Aguilar's group, from the University of evolution was responsible for different shapes of La Laguna in Tenerife, has pioneered the use of tooth. But the genetic work suggests this is photographic identification for beaked whales, unlikely. and has shown that individuals can be identified "It turns out that tusks are largely an by the scars they bear. However, much about ornamental trait that became a driver in species these elusive animals remains a mystery, separation," said Dr Baker, whose research is including how many there are in the seas, where reported in the journal Systematic Biology. "The they live, and exactly how many species exist. tusks help females identify males within their http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr//2/hi/science/nature/7783517.stm species, which could otherwise be difficult as these species are quite similar to each other in shape and coloration." PRESIDENT MESSAGE So females use the shape of the teeth to Dear Members of the Monterey Bay Chapter of select males of the right species to mate with. the American Cetacean Society, They may also choose mates based on the size or Congratulations! You have demonstrated shape of the individual's teeth or of the scars they your commitment to whales and dolphins by your bear. membership in the oldest whale conservation In turn, this also means that the more organization in the world, established in 1967. successful males are the ones with the shape of Locally, you are part of a robust chapter of teeth most characteristic of that particular species, approximately 150 members in one of the world's ensuring that the shapes are preserved and richest marine environments. Our mission is to perhaps enhanced over evolutionary time - a promote research, conservation and education secondary sexual characteristic. The researchers about cetaceans, which we accomplish through believe this is the first time that secondary sexual various activities throughout the year. selection has been shown to have shaped the The new year has brought a lot of change, evolution of any marine mammal. including changes in the ACSMB Board of FIGHTING TALK Directors. Our chapter is deeply grateful for the Well-studied secondary sexual leadership of Jerry Loomis as president for the characteristics include the antlers of deer. They past several years. With your approval, I am are much more prominent on males, indicate honored and humbled to have the torch passed to strength, and are used for fighting. me. Natacha Aguilar, who has been studying Renowned cetacean sculptor and first beaked whales in the Canary Islands for a decade, ACSMB president, Randy Puckett, will become agreed that the theory made sense. vice-president, changing roles with Dave Zaches, "Little is known about the social structure who will be a member-at-large. We welcome Art of beaked whales, but at least some species live in Haseltine to the board, joining member-at-large harem-like groups where one adult male Dida Kutz. accompanies a group with females and juveniles," ACSMB is probably most well known for she told BBC News. its outstanding program presentations at the "In this context, the male will need to fight with monthly meetings at Hopkins Marine Station. other males for access to a female group, and to Program co-chairs Alan Baldridge and Bob

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/ Soundings Page 7 January 2009

Mannix continue to lure top-notch researchers 12/30 p.m. 4 Gray Whales and scientists to provide programs to enlarge our 100 Risso's Dolphins 12/30 a.m. 6 Gray Whales knowledge about marine life. Angel-at-large 50 Risso's Dolphins Sheila Baldridge maintains responsibility for our 12/29 p.m. 2 Gray Whales meeting site at the Boatworks Building and 410 Risso's Dolphins ensures that refreshments are provided. 12/29 a.m. 3 Gray Whales Gratitude is extended to the following 350 Risso's Dolphins 12/28 p.m. 1 Gray Whale board members for continuing to provide their 12/28 a.m. 3 Gray Whales time and talent to our local chapter: Soundings 50 Risso's Dolphins editors Tony Lorenz and Mary K. Paul; 12/27 p.m. 7 Gray Whales Treasurer, Katy Castagna; Membership, Sally 2 Killer Whales Eastham; Secretary, Gina Thomas; Conservation, 150 Risso's Dolphins 12/27 a.m. 10 Gray Whales Carol Maehr; Education, Rene Rodriquez and 100 Long-beaked Common Dolphins Morgen Puckett; Newsletter mailing, Barbara 300 Risso's Dolphins Oliver; Special Events,Tony Lorenz; and Webmaster Evelyn Starr. We also appreciate the Skipped dates indicate no trip contributions of our scientific advisory board who NOTABLE MEDIA read and rank research grant proposals for funding. Members include Jud Vandevere, Esta DVD: National Geographic Live: Wings of the Lee Albright, Richard Ternullo, Tom Kieckhefer, Albatross Frans Lanting Alan Baldridge, and Jerry Loomis. Frans Lanting's live Albatross presentation given We gratefully acknowledge both last February at the Rio Theatre in Santa Cruz Monterey Whale Watching and Monterey Bay shown in it's entirety on DVD. Whale Watch for their continuing support of our chapter fundraising efforts. Please patronize these Albatross Their World, Their Ways informative, whale-sensitive organizations Tui De Roy and Mark Jones, 2008. whenever visiting cetaceans in Monterey Bay. One of the most comprehensive books available We are charged with the responsibility to make on the natural history of Albatross positive changes for the world's whales and dolphins. Thank you for being a member of the Witness To Extinction: How We Failed To Save American Cetacean Society, Monterey Bay The Yangtze River Dolphin. Chapter. Save the Whales, Samuel Turvey- 2008 Oxford University Press Diane Glim, President In Defense of Dolphins: The New Moral Frontier. Thomas I. White, Ph.D. 2008 Blackwell SIGHTINGS compiled by Monterey Bay Publishing Whale Watch. For complete listing and updates see www.gowhales.com/sighting.htm Trying Leviathan: The Nineteenth-Century New York Court Case That Put the Whale on Trial and Date # Type of Animal(s) Challenged the Order of Nature. Graham Burnett, 1/1 p.m. 10 Gray Whales 2008 Princeton University Press. Won the 2008 1000 Risso's Dolphins New York City Book Award. 1/1 a.m. 8 Gray Whales 600 Risso's Dolphins 12/31 p.m. 5 Gray Whales (For Young Readers) Davy's Dream: A Young 100 Risso's Dolphins Boys Adventure With Wild Orca Whales by Paul 12/31 a.m. 11 Gray Whales Owen Lewis 500 Risso's Dolphins

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/ Soundings Page 8 January 2009

Nonprofit American Cetacean Society Organization Monterey Bay Chapter U.S. Postage P.O. Box H E PAID Pacific Grove, CA 93950 Monterey, CA www.starrsites/acsmb Permit No. 338

ACSMB American Cetacean Society Membership Application Chapter#24 Board Members for 2008 Diane Glim, President New Membership/Subscription ___ Gift Membership/Subscription___ Randy Puckett, Vice-president Renewal ___ Katy Castagna, Treasurer

Name ______Sally Eastham, Membership Gina Thomas, Secretary Address______Email______Diane Glim, Publicity Tony Lorenz, Special Events City, State, Zip______Carol Maehr, Conservation

Membership level ______Barbara Oliver, News Mailing Bob Mannix, Alan Baldridge, Membership levels and Annual dues: Programs Lifetime $750Patron $500Contributing$250 Rene Rodriguez, Morgen Puckett, Supporting $75Foreign $45Family $45Active$35 Education Student/Teacher/Senior $25 Subscription only * $15/11 issues (*not entitled to membership benefits) David Zaches, Dida Kutz, Art Haseltine Check___Mastercard___Visa___Expiration date______Members at Large

Signature______Evelyn Starr, Webmaster

Make checks payable to: ACS/Monterey Bay Chapter Tony Lorenz, Mary K. Paul, Return to: Membership Secretary, ACS Monterey Bay Chapter Editors P.O. Box H E Pacific Grove, CA 93950 Email:[email protected] [email protected]

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay Chapter February 2009 PO Box H E, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 www.starrsites.com/acsmb INSIDE THIS ISSUE

February Meeting Calendar……………..……2

Date: Thursday, February 26, 2009 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT Monthly meeting at Hopkins Marine Station, Lecture Hall. Boat CONSIDERS B AN ON Works Building (Across from the American Tin Cannery Outlet Stores). IMPORTED S WORDFISH TO

Meeting is open to the public PROTECT MARINE MAMMALS ………..……...3 Time: 7:30 PM. PLEASE JOINUS AT 7:00 FOR REFRESHMENTS IS THIS THE END OF THE

Speaker: Chad Widmer, Senior Aquarist and Jelly Wrangler BLUEFINTUNA?...... 4

Title: Jelly Blooms and Climate Change; and, Deep Sea Jellies EW PAPER ON ONE OF N Jellies are some of the more beautiful and interesting denizens of the sea. Even HAWAI’ I'S RAREST SPECIES though they have no brain, no heart, no circulatory system no lungs or no gills, OF WHALES, THE PYGMY Jellies captivate us with their graceful movement and often beautiful color. They KILLER WHALE……...... 5 are important links in food webs transferring nutrition from zooplankton up the food system to the charismatic mega fauna such as dolphin, leather back turtles SIGHTINGS………...……6 and the largest boney fish in the ocean, the mola mola or ocean sun fish. The best excursions into the world of Jellies are those which are lead by Notable Books……………….7 a special guide called a Jelly Wrangler. We, in the Monterey Bay area, are fortunate to have a world famous Jelly Wrangler in the person of Chad Widmer, Senior Aquarist at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Membership ………………..8 Chad has managed the display, the culturing and the acquisition of jellies at the Aquarium for eight years. Additionally, Chad spent five years working with the penguins in Splash Zone. Chad’s research into the world of deep sea jellies has been going on for about three years. He recently completed a feasibility study regarding a display featuring Humboldt squid at the Aquarium. As a Jelly Wranglers, Chad and his team are responsible for keeping 15 exhibits in the Drifters Gallery full of jellies. This is a challenge for many reasons including the fact that wild jellies are not always available for collection. So, to keep things more under control, Chad runs a culturing lab for the jellies. He raises his own. Chad’s success at raising jellies culminated in a book: How to Keep Jellyfish in Aquariums: an Introductory Guide for Maintaining Healthy Jellies. So if you want to include an aquarium of jellies in your living room décor you should start with a copy of this book to keep your tank healthy and looking good. For more information check out Chad’s web site by googling: Jelly Keeping 101. As for Chad’s research, some preliminary findings about jellies in the Southern Monterey Bay were published in 2005 in Ecosystem Observations for the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Chad will also update us on his more recent work with deep sea jellies. Please join us for what promises to be a fun and informative evening. Soundings Page 2 February 2009 CALENDAR

Feb 13th-15th. Fourth Annual Whale Quest. Sunday April 19th 13th Annual Point Mugu Whale Kapalua Ritz-Carlton. Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii. Festival will be held atnLeo Carrillo State Presenters will include Jim Darling, Bruce Mate, Park/Beach. For more info go to Mark Ferrari, David Matilla, John Stern and Flip www.malibuinterp.com Nicklin. For more info go to info@ whaletrust.org.

th th Saturday May, 30th ACS National Humpback Feb. 17 -19 . 29th Symposium on Sea Turtle Whale Watch Santa Barbara, CA. Trip will take Biology and Conservation. Brisbane, Australia place on the 'Condor Express'. For more info go to For more info go to www.turtlesbrisbane.org ACS.org or call Bernardo Alps at 310-548 8966

Feb 18th-26th. 36th Annual Meeting Of The Lectures and Classes Pacific Seabird Group Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan. Saturday, February 14, 2:00pm Celebrate Charles Field Trips include visiting the winter roosting Darwin's Birthday with birthday cake and listen to habitat of the Stellar Sea Eagle and White Tailed Steven Palumbi, Director, Hopkins Marine Sea Eagle. For info go to Laboratory. Lecture:" Evolution Explosion: How www.PacficSeabirds.org Humans Cause Rapid Evolutionary Change" Feb 19-22. The 6th Annual San Francisco Ocean Film Festival. Cowell Theatre at Fort Mason Jim Estes- Friday February 20th 12:00 noon Center. For Info Call (415) 561-6251 Science and the Endangered Species Act: Using trophic cascades to develop ecosystem based Feb 21-Mar 21 Sat 9:00am-4:30pm. Biological recovery for Sea Otters in Alaska. Lecture to be Field Studies: Marine Mammals of California. given at Moss Landing Marine Laboratory This course covers the natural history of marine mammals, including life history, behavior, John Ryan-Friday May 8th 12:00 noon acoustics, physiology, identification, conservation, Seasonal and episodic variability of the Monterey field sampling and research techniques. Class is Bay Upwelling Shadow. Lecture to be given at being offered at Monterey Peninsula College Moss Landing Marine Laboratories. for more info call(831) 646-4125 Shark Days: Sat and Sun February 21-22 March 29-April 3 MMPA. The First International Monterey Bay Aquarium 10:00am-6:00pm Conference on Marine Mammal Protected Areas Learn more about shark biology, ecology, and Conference will be held at the Grand Wailea conservation and how important sharks are in Resort in Maui,Hawaii. For more info go to maintaining ocean ecosystem health and ICMMPA.org biodiversity.

April 3-5 SEAMAMMS. Southeast and Mid Claudio Campagna Ph.d Wednesday February 12 Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium. For more 3:00pm. Centro National de Patagonia-The Sea info go to www.unc.edu/seamamms and Sky Project: Conservation of the Patagonian Sea. Lecture will take place in the Pacific Forum Saturday April 18th 8:00am-3:00pm. Room, MBARI 2009 Sanctuary Currents Symposium to be held at the Hyatt Regency Conference Center in Monterey Art Miller Ph.d U.C. San Diego- Wednesday, For more info go to www.sanctuarysimon.org March 11th, 3:30pm. Ocean climate circulation changes associated with the decline of Stellar sea

American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings Page 3 February 2009 lion populations in the Gulf of Alaska. Lecture will The Marine Mammal Protection Act was take place at U.C. Santa Cruz at 3:30-5:00pm in designed to help ensure that U.S. fishers are not the earth and ocean science building. put at a competitive disadvantage from poorly- Point Sur Lighthouse Whale Watch: Sat and Sun regulated foreign fleets and to put market pressure 10:00am and 1:00pm. 3 hour tour during the gray on foreign nations to improve their fishing whale migration season (Jan-March). Hike begins practices to reduce impacts on marine mammals. on west side of Highway 1-19 miles south of Rio Nevertheless, despite the fact that most swordfish Rd., Carmel. Cost is $20.00.First come first serve is caught with fishing gear that entangles and kills marine mammals, the U.S. government has allowed the importation of swordfish from more than 40 countries without requiring any proof of FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS BAN impacts on marine mammals. Banning swordfish ON IMPORTED S WORDFISH TO P ROTECT imports would also benefit endangered sea turtles MARINE MAMMALS SAN FRANCISCO — The U.S. Commerce that are captured and killed on longlines set to Department announced today that it is considering catch swordfish — a primary cause of the decline banning the imports of foreign swordfish until and near-extinction of the Pacific leatherback sea exporting countries can provide proof that their turtle. The U.S. is the one of the world’s top fishing practices are equally protective of marine importers of swordfish, bringing in more than 20 mammals — including whales, dolphins, and sea million pounds every year. lions — as methods used by U.S. fishermen. “Right now most consumers have no clue Today’s announcement, published in the Federal that the swordfish steak on their plate comes with a Register, comes in response to a petition filed in side of dead dolphins, whales, seals and sea lions,” March by the Turtle Island Restoration Network said Andrea Treece, staff attorney for the Center and the Center for Biological Diversity seeking for Biological Diversity. “By banning imported enforcement of the Marine Mammal Protection swordfish until foreign fleets clean up their acts, Act. See the Federal Register Notice. the United States can lead the way in making The Act requires any country wishing to international fisheries more sustainable and ensure export fish products to the United States to provide that U.S. consumers aren’t unintentionally harming proof that the country’s fishing practices do not the creatures they care about.” harm or kill marine mammals in excess of U.S. Domestic swordfish fishers use longlines, standards. Information gained from a Freedom of gillnets, and harpoons to catch swordfish. While Information Act request has revealed that the U.S. U.S. longline and gillnet fisheries still catch government has ignored this mandatory duty for significant numbers of marine mammals and other decades, though evidence shows that foreign non-target species, regulations imposing time-area fishing fleets kill hundreds of thousands of marine closures and requiring the use of net-extenders, mammals every year. Swordfish fleets, which use acoustic deterrents, dehooking devices, and various gillnets and longlines, are particularly deadly to safe-handling measures have substantially reduced marine mammals. marine mammal bycatch and mortality in U.S. “All the U.S. government has to do to save fisheries. A harpoon fishery for swordfish in thousands of whales, dolphins, and seals each year southern California has no marine mammal is enforce existing law,” said Mike Milne, of Turtle bycatch. Island Restoration Network. “Restricting access to “Marine mammal populations around the the U.S. market is a golden opportunity to make globe are suffering because the shelves of the the global fishing fleet more sustainable.” American supermarkets are filled with illegal imports of foreign swordfish,” Milne added. “It’s time the U.S. government followed the law and

American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings Page 4 February 2009 protected the American people’s love of and desire nations with trade sanctions if they supported for healthy marine mammal populations.” lower catch limits and extended closed seasons. The government is accepting comments on During the meeting, the names of some countries the petition for the next 45 days. appeared and disappeared from the more scientifically based proposals. The EU is representing the interests of IS THIS THE END OF THE BLUEFIN several countries who have big fishing fleets TUNA? hunting the multi-million-dollar bonanza that the They are among the most legendary and annual catch represents. In the lead are the French, majestic fish in the sea – and beyond doubt the with about 600 tuna boats, followed by the Italians, most valuable. A decision taken this week, who have a fleet of about 200 vessels. It is thought however, means that the bluefin tuna of the that half the Italian fleet may be unlicensed boats, Mediterranean are probably now also the most especially those from Calabria in southern Italy, endangered fish in the sea, with overfishing and Sicily, where Mafia connections to some of the pushing the stock towards the brink of collapse. fishing operations are strongly suspected. Algeria, Celebrated since the time of Homer, the Croatia, Greece, Libya, Malta, Spain, Morocco, mighty and meaty bluefin these days have ardent Tunisia and Turkey are other countries with tuna admirers on the other side of the world: the fishing fleets. Japanese, who prize them above all other fish for The hunt is based around the spawning use in sushi and sashimi. But so great is the habits of a specific subspecies of the bluefin tuna, Japanese demand that it is driving catches well the eastern Atlantic bluefin, which swims every beyond what scientists consider to be safe limits May from the Atlantic, where it spends the winter, and towards commercial extinction. through the Straits of Gibraltar to spawn in June Earlier this week, however, a vital and July in the warmer waters of the opportunity to pull the bluefin back from the brink Mediterranean. The migration takes place in huge was missed when the official body charged with schools of fish which, in the past, were miles wide preventing the stock from collapsing agreed to and millions strong – and even with today's allow catch quotas for 2009 far higher than its own depleted numbers it can still be a remarkable scientists recommended. spectacle. Spawning sites, where the females Amid a chorus of protests and dismay from releases millions of eggs at night, are scattered conservationists, the International Commission for from one end of the Mediterranean to the other. the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), Intercepting the huge shoals has been done meeting in Marrakech, Morocco, endorsed a total for thousands of years but, in recent years, allowable catch (TAC) of 22,000 tonnes for next advances in fishing technology, as well as demand, year – while ICCAT's own scientists had have made the contest entirely one-sided. ICATT recommended a TAC ranging from 8,500 to has established rules for the fishery but 15,000 tonnes per year, warning there were real conservationists claim they are being consistently risks of the fishery collapsing otherwise. broken by the hunters. For example, the use of The scientists also urged a seasonal closure spotter aircraft to locate the tuna shoals has been during the fragile spawning months of May and banned in the month of June since 2001 but such June, but the meeting agreed to allow industrial spotter planes have been seen operating from fishing up to 20 June. Libya, Malta and Italy. Similarly, drift nets have The decision, which was branded "a also been banned but Italian fishermen have been disgrace" by the World Wide Fund for Nature found to be using them. (WWF) and fiercely attacked by other conservation But the most serious and frequent bodies, was driven by the European Union, amid malpractice is exceeding catch quota limits, which allegations that the EU had threatened developing American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings Page 5 February 2009 is thought to happen with all countries involved in lobbied to overexploit bluefin tuna will come cap the fishery. For example, the French this year had a in hand for more EU money. This must not be quota of 4,300 tonnes but are thought to have allowed to happen." caught about 7,000 tonnes. Most of the catching is done with purse-seines, which are very large bag- like nets capable of scooping up an entire tuna NEW PAPER ON ONE OF HAWAI’I'S RAREST school. The purse-seines allow the tuna to be taken SPECIES OF WHALES, THE PYGMY KILLER alive and transported to tuna ranches – there are WHALE about 40 scattered about the Mediterranean – Summary where they are fattened for the Japanese market. The first evidence of a resident population The greater the fat content of the fish, the higher of pygmy killer whales anywhere in the world is the price the Japanese will pay. They are provided in a paper published on-line in the journal slaughtered in the autumn and freighted to Japan. Marine Mammal Science on December 29, 2008. The tuna ranching is driven by Japanese This is an extremely rare species of whale that has demand, which in turn, say conservationists, is never been studied in detail in the wild and was driving the overfishing. The meeting at Marrakech previously thought to live primarily in the open had a chance to bring the fishery back under ocean. Based on photos taken over a 22-year control, but the decision, taken by politicians with period off the island of Hawai‘i, this study powerful fishing groups in their constituencies, indicates that there is a small resident population went the other way. It was fiercely attacked by off the island. Analyses of associations also groups such as WWF. "This is not a decision, it is indicate that this species forms long-lasting bonds a disgrace which leaves WWF little choice but to among individuals, similar to the more well-known look elsewhere to save this fishery from itself," pilot whales and killer whales. The population is at said Dr Sergi Tudela, head of the WWF's risk from human impacts because of the small Mediterranean fisheries programme. population size. With only very infrequent The Green Party group in the European encounters, monitoring trends in this population in Parliament also lashed out at the decision. "The response to potential impacts from naval sonar ICCAT quotas are a death sentence for the bluefin exercises or fishing activities in Hawai‘i will be tuna," said the Green Party MEP Raül Romeva, almost impossible. who attended the meeting. "It is completely More information on our Hawai‘i unacceptable that the body responsible for odontocete research is available on our Hawai‘i managing stocks has set a TAC that is 50 per cent web page. higher than the scientific advice. The EU had pressed for even higher catches. It is morally Background and additional details bankrupt for [the EU Fisheries] Commissioner Joe The pygmy killer whale, a small toothed Borg to make noises about the need to conserve whale found in tropical oceanic waters world-wide, bluefin tuna before the ICCAT meeting, when the is one of the least-frequently encountered species European community then proceeds to use strong- of delphinids (oceanic dolphins) in the world. This arm, bullying tactics to try to impose a maximum study was primarily undertaken off the island of total catch two-thirds higher than the scientific Hawai‘i, using photographs taken by researcher advice. Dan McSweeney of the Wild Whale Research "The EU has bankrolled the decimation of Foundation, a non-profit group based on the island bluefin stocks by subsidising the new large fishing of Hawai‘i. These photos were taken over a 22- vessels that are responsible for overfishing, to the year period during studies of the more commonly detriment of certain traditional fishing fleets. When observed short-finned pilot whales. These the stocks are gone, the same ship owners who observations were combined with additional photo-

American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings Page 6 February 2009 identification effort since 2000 by researchers from McSweeney, D.J., R.W. Baird, S.D. Mahaffy, D.L. Cascadia Research Collective. Additional photos Webster, and G.S. Schorr. 2008. Site fidelity and were also provided by Tori Cullins of the Wild association patterns of a rare species: pygmy killer Dolphin Foundation, Deron Verbeck, and Beth whales (Feresa attenuata) in the main Hawaiian Goodwin. Islands. Marine Mammal Science 25. DOI: This study has shown that although they are 10.1111/j.1748-7692.2008.00267.x encountered only very infrequently, there appears Pdf copies are available from the journal publisher to be a small resident population of pygmy killer Wiley InterScience or obtained by contacting whales off the island of Hawai‘i. This is the first Robin Baird at rwbaird (at) cascadiaresearch.org evidence of a resident population of this species anywhere in the world. Individuals were re-sighted over periods of up to 21 years, and there is evidence they use the area year-round. In addition, SIGHTINGS compiled by Monterey Bay using photographs of individuals traveling together Whale Watch. For complete listing and updates see in the same group, it is clear that some associations www.gowhales.com/sighting.htm among individuals are very stable, similar to the long-term associations seen in some other species Date # Type of Animal(s) of whales such as killer whales and short-finned 1/29 p.m. 20 Gray Whales 10 Pacific White-sided Dolphins pilot whales. 50 Long-beaked Common Dolphins There are several important conservation 150 Risso's Dolphins and management implications of this work. 30 Northern Right Whale Dolphins Because of the small population size the 1/29 a.m. 5 Gray Whales population is more at risk from human impacts 1/28 10 Gray Whales 50 Pacific White-sided Dolphins than most species of whales and dolphins in 400 Risso's Dolphins Hawaiian waters. A stranded pygmy killer whale 1/27 p.m. 10 Gray Whales found dead on O‘ahu in 2006 had evidence of 1/27 a.m. 15 Gray Whales interacting with fishing gear (a hook and line 1000 Long-beaked Common Dolphins injury in the mouth), and Hawai‘i is also home to 345 Risso's Dolphins 1/25 a.m. 1 Gray Whale regular naval sonar exercises that potentially could 1/25 early a.m. 12 Gray Whales impact this species. With the very low encounter 70 Pacific White-sided Dolphins rates it will be almost impossible to determine 20 Dall's Porpoise whether the population is increasing or decreasing 1/24 p.m. 20 Gray Whales or monitor the impacts of such activities as naval 100 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 100 Northern Right Whale Dolphins exercises. Also, the standard methods NMFS uses 1/24 a.m. 16 Gray Whales for monitoring population trends, large-vessel line- 200 Pacific White-sided Dolphins transect surveys, will not be feasible, given the low 100 Northern Right Whale Dolphins encounter rates. 1/23 18 Gray Whales Cascadia Research and the Wild Whale 30 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 100 Risso's Dolphins Research Foundation are continuing studies of this 10 Northern Right Whale Dolphins species in Hawai‘i. In early December 2008 the 1/21 8 Gray Whales first-ever satellite tag was deployed on a pygmy 1/20 a.m. 58 Gray Whales killer whale off the island of Hawai‘i to examine 8 Risso's Dolphins movements. 1/20 early a.m. 25 Gray Whales 5 Dall's Porpoise The complete citation of the on-line version 1/19 p.m. 40 Gray Whales of the paper is: 35 Risso's Dolphins 1/19 a.m. 45 Gray Whales 1/18 p.m. 18 Gray Whales American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings Page 7 February 2009

20 Risso's Dolphins 20 Dall's Porpoise 1/18 a.m. 20 Gray Whales NOTABLE MEDIA 20 Long-beaked Common Dolphins 1/18 early a.m. 7 Gray Whales National Geographic Atlas of 1/17 p.m. 25 Gray Whales the Ocean: The Deep Frontier 200 Risso's Dolphins by Sylvia A Earl. December 1/17 a.m. 30 Gray Whales 2008 1/17 early a.m. 20 Gray Whales 50 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 1/16 p.m. 40 Gray Whales Sustainable Sushi: A Guide to Saving the Oceans 1/16 a.m. 30 Gray Whales One Bite at a Time by Classon Trenor. January 1/15 p.m. 30 Gray Whales 2009 1/15 a.m. 15 Gray Whales 1/14 p.m. 10 Gray Whales The Complete Guide to Antarctic Wildlife: Birds 500 Long-beaked Common Dolphins 1/14 a.m. 8 Gray Whales and Mammals of the Antarctic and Southern 500 Long-beaked Common Dolphins Ocean (Second Edition). Hadoram Shirihai. 12 Risso's Dolphins Princeton University Press 2008 1/13 p.m. 27 Gray Whales 20 Pacific White-sided Dolphins A Wildlife Guide to Chile: Continental Chile, 1/13 a.m. 30 Gray Whales 400 Long-beaked Common Dolphins Chilean Antarctica, Easter Island, Juan Fernandez 1/12 p.m. 18 Gray Whales Archipelago by Sharon Chester. 2008 Princeton 45 Risso's Dolphins University Press 1/12 a.m. 19 Gray Whales 1/11 p.m. 15 Gray Whales Birds and Mammals of Coastal Patagonia by 1/11 a.m. 30 Gray Whales 1/10 p.m. 11 Gray Whales Graham Harris. 2008 Princeton University Press 15 Risso's Dolphins 1/10 a.m. 25 Gray Whales DVD- Island of the Great White Shark by 1/9 p.m. 20 Gray Whales Filmmaker Richard Theiss. 2008 RTSea 1/9 a.m. 15 Gray Whales Productions 20 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 1/8 11 Gray Whales 20 Pacific White-sided Dolphins "How Accurate Are Observer Reported Kills of 1/7 17 Gray Whales Albatrosson Longlines?" blueocean.org 12 Risso's Dolphins Albatross Report 2008.pdf 1/6 p.m. 5 Gray Whales 20 Risso's Dolphins 1/6 a.m. 11 Gray Whales For Young Readers and Educators: 1/5 5 Gray Whales 20 Pacific White-sided Dolphins Look Who Lives in the Ocean by Brook Bessesen 250 Risso's Dolphins 2009 Arizona Highways Press 1/4 p.m. 4 Gray Whales www.brookbessesen.com 1/4 a.m. 27 Gray Whales 1000 Risso's Dolphins 1/4 early a.m. 9 Gray Whales Reign of the Sea Dragons by Sneed B.Collard 700 Risso's Dolphins 2008 2 Northern Right Whale Dolphins 1/3 p.m. 15 Gray Whales Sea Secrets: Tiny Clues To A Big Mystery 300 Risso's Dolphins by Mary M. Cerullo and Beth E. Simmons 2009 Skipped dates indicate no trip

American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

SoundingsAmerican Cetacean Society Page 8 FebruaryNonprofit 2009 Monterey Bay Chapter Organization

P.O. Box H E U.S. Postage

Pacific Grove, CA 93950 PAID

www.starrsites/acsmb Monterey, CA

Permit No. 338

Enjoy LOCAL WHALES with companies that have supported ACS Monterey Bay: MONTEREY WHALE WATCHING 1 800 200 2203 MONTEREY BAY WHALE WATCH

ACSMB Board Members for 2008 American Cetacean Society Membership Application Chapter#24 Diane Glim, President Nonprofit

New Membership/Subscription ___ Gift Membership/Subscription___ Randy Puckett, Vice-president Organization Renewal ___ Katy Castagna, Treasurer U.S. Postage Sally Eastham, Membership PAID Name ______Gina Thomas, Secretary Monterey, CA Diane Glim, Publicity Permit No. 338 Address______Email______Tony Lorenz, Special Events City, State, Zip______Carol Maehr, Conservation Barbara Oliver, News Mailing Membership level ______Bob Mannix, Alan Baldridge, Programs Membership levels and Annual dues: Lifetime $750Patron $500Contributing$250 Rene Rodriguez, Morgen Puckett, Supporting $75Foreign $45Family $45Active$35 Education Student/Teacher/Senior $25 David Zaches, Dida Kutz, Art Haseltine Subscription only * $15/11 issues (*not entitled to membership benefits) Members at Large

Check___Mastercard___Visa___Expiration date______Evelyn Starr, Webmaster Signature______Tony Lorenz, Mary K. Paul, Editors Make checks payable to: ACS/Monterey Bay Chapter Email:[email protected] Return to: Membership Secretary, ACS Monterey Bay Chapter P.O. Box H E Pacific Grove, CA 93950 [email protected]

Soundings

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay Chapter MARCH 2009 PO Box H E, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 www.starrsites.com/acsmb INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Calendar……………..…….…2 February Meeting

Date: Thursday, March 26, 2009 HAWAII TUNA LONGLINERS

Monthly meeting at Hopkins Marine Station, Lecture Hall. Boat SNAG AND KILL MORE Works Building (Across from the American Tin Cannery Outlet Stores). DOLPHINS, WHALES, AND SEABIRDS IN 2008……….…...3 Meeting is open to the public

Time: 7:30 PM. PLEASE JOINUS AT 7:00 FOR FOSSIL OF PREGNANT WHALE REFRESHMENTS FOUND………………………..3

Speaker: Kristen C. Ruegg, Ph.D., Palumbi Lab, SAVE THE WHALE (AGAIN): Hopkins Marine Station SECRET PLAN TO LIFT

HUNTING BAN ..…………...... 5 Title: Reconstruction of the Historical Population Size of the Antarctic Minke Whale SIGHTINGS………...…….…7 As we all know, the need for effective marine conservation continues to become more apparent the more we learn about that Notable Books…………….….7 environment and its importance to a healthy planetary ecosystem. The activities of humans over time have disrupted Nature’s balance in so many Membership ………………....8 ways. Effective conservation requires an accurate understanding of the past so that the management programs designed and implemented will Minke Whlae Photo Credit: http://www.nzetc.org/etexts/Bio20Tuat01/ have a real chance to restore a healthy balance to our planet. Bio20Tuat01_018a(h280).jpg Among other things, our speaker will discuss the “Krill Surplus Hypothesis” which posits that the hunting of nearly 2 million great whales led to competitive release for smaller krill eating species like the Southern Ocean minke whale. If true, the current size of the Southern Ocean minke whale population could be artificially high as an indirect result of past whaling. Kristen’s research involves estimating long-term Southern Ocean minke whale population by sequencing eleven nuclear genetic markers from 52 modern samples purchased in Japanese meat markets. The results of this research call into question the link between large baleen whale exploitation and the current size of the Southern Ocean minke whale population. These results suggest that managing Antarctic ecosystems under the assumption that minke whales are unusually abundant is not warranted. Please join us for an informative presentation about this important and cutting edge research. Soundings Page 2 March 2009 CALENDAR

Calendar of Scheduled Public Events at the PG Sunday April 19th: 13th Annual Point Mugu Museum of Natural History: Whale Festival will be held at Leo Carrillo State • Darwin Exhibit in the Museum's Yadon Park/Beach. For more info go to Gallery- On Exhibit Through March. www.malibuinterp.com

• Saturday March 21, 2p.m.-Dr.Andres May 5 through June 7: Santa Cruz Museum of Dursrenfeld, Resolving Darwin's dilemna Natural History. IIlustrating Nature: Student and evolution of complexity: How modern works from the Science IIlustration Program at biology fills the gap between the peppered U.C.S.C. moth and the Burgess Shale. Friday, May 15- Saturday, May 16 Cooking For • March 28, April 25, June 27, Solutions 2009. All cooking for solutions events Science Saturday's: Hands on activities support the Aquarium's Seafood Watch Program with themes that tie into a special exhibit or For more info go to www.mbayaq.org chosen permanent exhibit. Saturday May, 30th ACS National Humpback • March 28: Marine Protected Areas opening Whale Watch Santa Barbara, CA. Trip will take reception (5-7p.m. main Exhibit hall) place on the 'Condor Express'. For more info go to ACS.org or call Bernardo Alps at 310-548 8966 • May 3: Paul Ehrlich fundraiser (afternoon- eve, Exhibit hall ) Point Sur Lighthouse Whale Watch: Sat and Sun For more info please contact the museum's 10:00am and 1:00pm. 3-hour tour during the gray education coordinator Annie Holdren at whale migration season (Jan-March). Hike begins 831-648-5716 on west side of Highway 1- 19 miles south of Rio Rd., Carmel. Cost is $20.00.First come first serve Sunday, March 15, 10 a.m. & Tuesday, March 17, 1p.m. : Kingdom of the Blue Whale on the National Geographic Station. DVD to be released Lectures and Classes March 31, 2009 Art Miller Ph.d U.C. San Diego- Wednesday, March 29-April 3 MMPA. The First International March 11th, 3:30pm. Ocean climate circulation Conference on Marine Mammal Protected Areas changes associated with the decline of Stellar sea Conference will be held at the Grand Wailea lion populations in the Gulf of Alaska. Lecture will Resort in Maui, Hawaii. For more info go to take place at U.C. Santa Cruz at 3:30-5:00pm in ICMMPA.org the earth and ocean science building.

April 3-5 SEAMAMMS: Southeast and Mid John Ryan-Friday May 8th 12:00 noon Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium. For more Seasonal and episodic variability of the Monterey info go to www.unc.edu/seamamms Bay Upwelling Shadow. Lecture to be given at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories. Saturday April 18th 8:00am-3:00pm. 2009 Sanctuary Currents Symposium to be held at the Hyatt Regency Conference Center in Monterey For more info go to www.sanctuarysimon.org

American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings Page 3 March 2009

HAWAII T UNA LONGLINERS SNAG “The Obama administration needs to step AND K ILL MORE D OLPHINS, up and reduce US fisheries impacts on protected species, which has been largely ignored in the past WHALES, AND SEABIRDS IN 2008 eight years, so it can reassert its leadership in Recently released data from National protecting these species on the global stage,” said Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) indicates Todd Steiner, executive director of Turtle Island Hawaii’s tuna longliners’ bycatch rose Restoration Network. dramatically in 2008. It is estimated more than 60 Recent DNA analysis of Hawaii’s false dolphins and whales were caught in 2008, a 50% killer whales has shown they are genetically increase from the 40 caught the year before, distinct and are the only known island-associated including such species as Risso’s and spotted population of false killer whales in the world. The dolphins, short-finned pilot whales, and false killer best estimates suggest there may be as few as 123 whales. In addition, 15 “unidentified” whales and island-associated false killer whales. Scientists are another 10 “unidentified” marine mammals were concerned that bycatch in the tuna longline fishery included in the take numbers recorded by may lead to their extinction. See a fact sheet on government observers. See the NMFS report at: this species: http://www.seaturtles.org/downloads/2008_Hawaii http://www.seaturtles.org/downloads/False%20Kil _Tuna_bycatch.pdf ler%20Whale.pdf “With government observers present on only one of every five Hawaiian tuna longline vessels, we don’t know the true magnitude of the US slaughter,” said Mike Milne of Sea Turtle FOSSIL OF PREGNANT WHALE FOUND Restoration Project. He continued, “When the US By Roberta Kwok bycatch is combined with the unknown death toll Fossils of a female whale and fetus suggest from the foreign tuna fleets, which outnumber the that early whales gave birth on land. University of US fleet at least 10- to-1, it is clear why the Michigan Museum of Paleontology carnage on the open seas is driving many protected Scientists have discovered the first known species to the verge of extinction.” fossils of a pregnant early whale and her unborn Almost 2 1/2 times more Black-footed calf, and with them evidence that these ancient albatross—listed as globally Endangered on the creatures may have given birth on land. International Union for the Conservation of The 48-million-year-old whale fetus is Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species—were positioned for a head-first delivery typical of land killed as collateral damage in the tuna fishery mammals, says palaeontologist Philip Gingerich of compared to 2007. The Northwest the University of Michigan in Hawaiian Islands is this species most Ann Arbor, who led the study. important nesting ground, home to over The findings lend credence to 90% of the world's Black-footed albatross the idea that early whales — population. See a fact sheet about the Black- protocetids — were footed albatross at: amphibious animals that fed in http://seaturtles.org/downloads/Black_Foot the oceans but came ashore to ed_Albatross_Factsheet.doc. Highly sleep, mate and give birth. migratory sea turtles were also not exempt The report is from the tuna fleet’s longlines-- 15 "fascinating", says Ewan endangered olive ridley sea turtles and 5 Fordyce, a palaeontologist at critically endangered Pacific leatherback sea the University of Otago in turtles were likely captured to be released injured Dunedin, New Zealand, who was not involved in or dead. the work. "These protocetid whales truly were

American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings Page 4 March 2009 transitional between fully marine and fully Because the male was only 12% longer than the amphibious," he says. female, the males probably did not encounter intense competition that would have favoured Head first bigger individuals, Gingerich says. That, in turn, Protocetids, which lived 49 million–37 could mean that food in the area was spread out, million years ago and were roughly 2-5 metres preventing males from staking claims over long, had four legs with elongated flipper-like feet congregated females. and small hooves that allowed them to roam on Jonathan Geisler, a palaeontologist at shore. They are thought to have evolved from land Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, mammals called artiodactyls, which today include cautions that it is too early to conclude that these animals such as goats and cows. whales gave birth on land. Modern hippos, which Gingerich and his colleagues searched for are closely related to whales, deliver babies both preserved skeletons in a rock formation called on land and in water, and published accounts Habib Rahi in Pakistan. The area, now inland, was describe births as feet-first, he says. Fetal position once beneath a sea in which early whales may have and birth environment may not have a "one-to-one made their transition from land to water. The correlation", says Geisler. researchers found the fossil fetus nestled in its mother's ribcage, as well as a nearly complete skeleton of what they believe to be a male nearby. The fossils belong to a newly identified whale WAR AGAINST IVORY TRADE TAKES species, which the researchers have dubbed TO THE SEA by Michael McCarthy Maiacetus inuus. It's the "other" ivory. And this week, The fetus, estimated to have been about 66 conservationists in London stepped in to stop its centimetres long when alive, appeared to be near sale. It might not be as well known as the stuff that term and was oriented for a head-first delivery, the comes from elephants, but the ivory from the researchers report in PLoS ONE1. Land mammals narwhal, the tusked whale of the northern seas, is are normally born in this way, presumably to allow just as much in demand – and with that demand the young to breathe immediately, whereas comes a threat just as severe as the one elephants mammals that live in the sea tend to be born tail- face. first, perhaps to avoid drowning. Not only is the narwhal's single spear-like tusk (which can be 8ft long) an object of great Well preserved beauty, it is the object of myth and legend – in the The fossils are "beautiful and very Middle Ages it was considered to come from the informative", says Hans Thewissen, a whale unicorn – and so is highly prized by collectors. The palaeontologist at Northeastern Ohio Universities demand for tusks is increasing and, as a result, so College of Medicine in Rootstown and a former is hunting in the narwhal's core area of northern student of Gingerich's. Although fragments of Canada and Greenland. young whales have been found before, he says, this Campaigners from the Whale and Dolphin fossil fetus is unusually well preserved. Conservation Society (WDCS) believe the rising Because of the presence of the fetus, the hunting rate is a threat to the animal and so when team could confidently identify one fossil as seven narwhal tusks were entered into a major female. The other adult fossil was 2.6 metres long antiques sale at Bonhams, the London auction and the animal's weight when alive was estimated house, this week – where they were expected to to be 390 kilograms. This specimen was designated fetch up to £10,000 each – they pressed for them to as male on the basis of its dimensions, large teeth be withdrawn. The company agreed to do so, now and pelvic structure and the development of the the campaigners are calling on Bonhams to teeth and bones suggested it was fully-grown. exclude narwhal tusks permanently, although the American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings Page 5 March 2009 auction house confined itself to saying the tusks "endangered" or "critically endangered" within five were withdrawn from the sale "for procedural years. reasons" and gave no indication about future The society has also contacted Bonhams' policy. US branch, Bonhams and Butterfields, with its "We welcome Bonhams' decision to concerns, as it has sold at least four narwhal tusks remove the narwhal tusks from sale, and we hope at its Los Angeles salesroom in the past two years, that the company will extend this decision to future for prices ranging from $11,000 (£8,000) to sales both at its UK auction houses and overseas $20,400 for a single tusk. salerooms," said Chris Butler-Stroud, the WDCS "The publicity surrounding sales such as chief executive. these, and the high prices fetched by the tusks, The tusks were entered in The Gentleman's adds to the motivation for hunters to take as many Library Sale, an annual auction bringing together narwhals as possible, and for management natural history curiosities of the sort that might agencies to set quotas way above sustainable have adorned the library or the levels," Mr. Butler-Stroud said. smoking room of a wealthy Kate O'Connell, a WDCS Victorian: when it took place researcher in the United States, on Wednesday, the full sale of said: "I think most people would more than 1,000 items – find it abhorrent that such a trade featuring items from antique should impact on such a beautiful globes to antlered deer heads – animal." raised nearly £900,000. Narwhals: The facts: The narwhal WDCS believes that the (Monodon monoceros) is a toothed seven tusks originally listed for whale closely related to the all- auction would have white beluga. Its single tusk is an represented the largest single elongated incisor tooth that in offering of narwhal ivory in the fully-grown males ranges from 7ft UK since the European Union banned its import to 10ft long. An exclusively arctic species, it is from Canada in 1984 and limited imports from hunted only in Canada and Greenland, where Greenland to personal effects only (ie, not for between 300 and 500 animals are taken annually resale) in 2004. by native people. However, last November, Although elephant ivory is banned from hundreds of narwhals were trapped in the ice on general sale, apart from in specially licensed the northern coast of Baffin Island, perhaps auctions – one such took place last year – the sale because the ice-formation regime in the arctic is of narwhal ivory is still legal, although the trade being altered by climate change. Eventually all 629 has to be monitored. But the WDCS believes that were killed by Inuit hunters. demand is steadily growing, with prices rising accordingly, and that this is pushing native peoples in artic Canada and Greenland to hunt more and more of the animals. SAVE THE WHALE (AGAIN): SECRET One of the main narwhal populations in PLAN TO LIFT HUNTING BAN by Geoffrey Greenland has been listed as critically endangered Lean on Greenland's Red List of Species, and in 2008, Twenty years ago, commercial whaling was the International Union for the Conservation of outlawed. But hush-hush meetings between Nature, cited over-hunting as the major threat and officials have paved the way for its return warned that the species as a whole could become Governments are preparing to breach the worldwide whaling ban, legitimising commercial

American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings Page 6 March 2009 killing of the giant creatures for the first time in proposal to put to a meeting of the full commission more than 20 years. in Rome in two weeks’ time. Key whaling and anti-whaling nations have The proposal is so sensitive that the thrashed out a plan at a series of unpublicised document containing it is officially classified as a closed-door meetings to allow Japan to kill the “non-paper”, and only two people – the chairmen leviathans for gain, after outlawing it for two of the IWC and of the working group – formally decades. It is to be presented to a special meeting take responsibility for it. But sources say it has of the official International Whaling Commission been thrashed out by Japan and five leading anti- (IWC) early next month. whaling nations, including the United States. Environmentalists say that the plan The package would accede to a long- amounts to “waving the white flag” to Japan and standing Japanese demand by allowing it to hunt they fear that it will usher in a new era of legal minke whales near its coasts for an initial five-year whaling around the world. period. It presents two options for dealing with All commercial whaling has been banned “scientific” whaling – phasing it out over five since 1986 after the governments who make up the years or effectively legitimising it – but Japan has IWC voted by a three-quarters majority for a already ruled out ending the practice, leaving only moratorium on the practice which drove species legitimisation on the table. after species to the brink of extinction. Patrick Ramage, of the International Fund But Japan has continued to slaughter in the for Animal Welfare, yesterday denounced the plan Southern Ocean around Antarctica, by exploiting a as “a political fix to give Japan what it wants” and loophole in the international law which allows accused conservationist nations of “waving the whales to be killed for “scientific” purposes. white flag”. Conservationists have harried these annual Mark Simmons, of the Whale and Dolphin whale hunts on the high seas with their own ships, Conservation Society, said that the package but the IWC has been powerless to stop the killing, amounted to a “de facto lifting of the moratorium”. even though Japan has steadily increased it beyond He feared that other nations would seek similar anything that could be justified for scientific deals, leading to a worldwide revival of legal research, and has sold the whale meat for food; this whaling. winter it is aiming to catch 935 minke and 50 fin But Alvaro de Soto, a Peruvian diplomat whales. who chairs the working group, called the package The international body has remained “eminently practical”. He added: “If it is followed powerless and deadlocked for decades, and even it will require compromise, possibly painful, by all though both whaling and anti-whaling nations have concerned, which we profoundly hope they will be assiduously recruited other countries to join them, willing to make.” neither side has been able to accumulate enough votes to give it victory under the IWC’s complex decision-making processes. A year ago, as The Independent on Sunday exclusively reported at the time, the IWC began a Enjoy LOCAL WHALES with series of closed meetings to try to find a companies that have supported ACS compromise. Monterey Bay: Since then a working group of 28 nations MONTEREY WHALE WATCHING has met twice – in St Petersburg, Florida, in MONTEREY BAY WHALE WATCH September and in Cambridge in December – and its leaders have thrashed out a package-deal

American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings Page 7 March 2009

SIGHTINGS compiled by Monterey Bay 1 Humpback Whale 110 Risso's Dolphins Whale Watch. For complete listing and updates see 2/5 a.m. 5 Gray Whales www.gowhales.com/sighting.htm 2/4 15 Gray Whales 1000 Risso's Dolphins Date # Type of Animal(s) 2/3 6 Gray Whales 3/4 p.m. 12 Gray Whales 400 Risso's Dolphins 30 Risso's Dolphins 6 Dall's Porpoise 3/5 a.m. 40 Killer Whales (Resident type) 2/2 p.m. 16 Gray Whales 3/4 p.m. 12 Gray Whales 200 Risso's Dolphins 3/4 a.m. 15 Gray Whales 2/2 a.m. 7 Gray Whales 3/3 2 Gray Whales 2/1 p.m. 4 Gray Whales 3/2 4 Gray Whales 100 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 2/28 a.m. 10 Gray Whales 2/1 a.m. 4 Gray Whales 2/28 early a.m. 5 Gray Whales 400 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 2/27 a.m. 10 Gray Whales Skipped dates indicate no trip 2/26 p.m. 10 Gray Whales 2/26 a.m. 16 Gray Whales 2/25 p.m. 8 Gray Whales NOTABLE MEDIA

2/25 a.m. 12 Gray Whales Darwin's Universe: Evolution from A-Z by Richard 2/24 4 Gray Whales Milner. 2009 UC Press 1 Black-footed Albatross

2/22 p.m. 6 Gray Whales 2/22 a.m. 5 Pacific White-sided Dolphins Charles Darwin: On the Origin of Species-The 2/21 p.m. 6 Gray Whales Illustrated Edition by David Quammen, General Editor 2/21 a.m. 5 Gray Whales 200 Pacific White-sided Dolphins Darwin's Sacred Cause:Race,Slavery,and the Quest for 200 Northern Right Whale Dolphins Human Origins by Adrian Desmond and James Moore 2/20 p.m. 2 Gray Whales 2/20 a.m. 5 Gray Whales Great Naturalist: from Aristotle to Darwin to Mary 2/19 p.m. 3 Gray Whales Anning by Robert Huxley 2/19 a.m. 3 Gray Whales 2/18 p.m. 13 Gray Whales For Young Readers and Naturalist's: 2/18 a.m. 4 Gray Whales 2/17 Sea lions, seals, otters 2/14 p.m. 2 Gray Whales Animals Charles Darwin Saw: An Around the World 2/14 a.m. 3 Gray Whales Adventure by Sandra Markle. 2009 Chronicle Books 2/13 3 Gray Whales 2/12 5 Gray Whales What Darwin Saw;T he Journey That Changed The 500 Long-beaked Common Dolphins World by Rosalyn Shanzer. 2009 National Geographic 20 Risso's Dolphins Publishing 2/11 2 Gray Whales 1000 Long-beaked Common Dolphins DVD'S: 8 Risso's Dolphins Kingdom of the Blue Whale; 2009 National 2/10 6 Gray Whales 2/8 p.m. 3 Gray Whales Geographic Productions. Available March 31, 2009 2/8 a.m. 2 Gray Whales 10 Risso's Dolphins Last Journey for the Leatherback; Dr. Stanely M. 1 Salmon Shark Minasian in conjunction with the Sea Turtle Island 2/8 early a.m. 8 Gray Whales Restoration Project 2/7 p.m. 6 Gray Whales 2/7 a.m. 5 Gray Whales Darwin's Secret Notebooks: A National Geographic 6 Risso's Dolphins Production 2009 2/6 a.m. 3 Gray Whales 30 Risso's Dolphins 2/5 p.m. 5 Gray Whales American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

SoundingsAmerican Cetacean Society Page 8 FebruaryNonprofit 2009 Monterey Bay Chapter Organization

P.O. Box H E U.S. Postage

Pacific Grove, CA 93950 PAID

www.starrsites/acsmb Monterey, CA

Permit No. 338

ACSMB American Cetacean Society Membership Application Chapter#24 Board Members for 2009

New Membership/Subscription ___ Gift Membership/Subscription___ Diane Glim, President Nonprofit Renewal ___ Randy Puckett, Vice-president Organization Katy Castagna, Treasurer U.S. Postage Name ______Sally Eastham, Membership PAID Gina Thomas, Secretary Monterey, CA Address______Email______Diane Glim, Publicity Permit No. 338 City, State, Zip______Tony Lorenz, Special Events Carol Maehr, Conservation Membership level ______Barbara Oliver, News Mailing Bob Mannix, Alan Baldridge, Membership levels and Annual dues: Lifetime $750Patron $500Contributing$250 Programs Supporting $75Foreign $45Family $45Active$35 Rene Rodriguez, Morgen Puckett, Student/Teacher/Senior $25 Education David Zaches, Dida Kutz, Subscription only * $15/11 issues (*not entitled to membership benefits) Art Haseltine

Check___Mastercard___Visa___Expiration date______Members at Large

Signature______Evelyn Starr, Webmaster Tony Lorenz, Mary K. Paul, Make checks payable to: ACS/Monterey Bay Chapter Editors Return to: Membership Secretary, ACS Monterey Bay Chapter P.O. Box H E Pacific Grove, CA 93950 Email:[email protected] [email protected]

Soundings

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay Chapter APRIL 2009 PO Box H E, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 www.starrsites.com/acsmb INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Calendar……………..…….…2 April Meeting

Date: Thursday, April 16, 2009 DR. SAM RIDGWAY - 2009

Monthly meeting at Hopkins Marine Station, Lecture Hall. Boat NORRIS AWARD WINNER ….....3

Works Building (Across from the American Tin Cannery Outlet Stores). PLASTIC GARBAGE ACCOUNTS Meeting is open to the public FOR ONE-THIRD OF LEATHER BACK SEA TURTLE Time: 7:30 PM. PLEASE JOINUS AT 7:00 FOR MORTALITIES…..…………….3 REFRESHMENTS

Speaker: Thomas A. Jefferson, Ph. D., Southwest Fisheries Science Center, CONSERVATION GROUPS SUE NOAA Fisheries Service TO PROTECT FALSE KILLER WHALES IN HAWAI‘I LONGLINE Title: CAPTURING THE CRITICALLY ENDANGERED FISHERY KILLING WHALES AT VAQUITA…WITH A CAMERA TWICE SUSTAINABLE LEVELS…3

“The Vaquita is the world’s smallest porpoise. They live only in the CANNED TUNA: GO BEYOND northern reaches of the Gulf of California, Mexico. Scientists estimate that 150 THE LABEL TO FIND HEALTHY, animals remain. This shy, elusive porpoise is disappearing due to accidental DOLPHIN-FRIENDLY TUNA……..4 entanglement in fishing nets set for shrimp. Following the loss of the Baiji (Yangtze River Dolphin) in 2006, the Vaquita is the next marine mammal in line SLAUGHTER OF THE SEALS IN for extinction.”(http://www.whaletrackers.com/vaquita/) RUSSIA IS STOPPED BY VLADIMIR PUTIN….………...... 5 In 2008 our speaker spent one month in Mexico photographing vaquitas (Phocoena sinus) and came away with the first high-quality images of this KILLING SEA LIONS WON'T species ever taken. He and his crew also showed that SAVE SALMON……..……………6 photo- identification of individuals is possible with this species. He plans to use photo- SIGHTINGS………...…….…7 identification techniques to build-up a long-term catalog of individuals to Notable Books…………….….7 investigate biological aspects that will aid in its future management and Membership ………………....8 conservation.

Please join us for this important presentation about the most endangered species of cetacean in the world. Soundings Page 2 April 2009 CALENDAR

Calendar of Scheduled Public Events at the PG May 5 thru June 7: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural Museum of Natural History History. IIlustrating Nature: Student works from the Science IIlustration Program at U.C.S.C. April 25 Science Saturday's: Hands on activities with themes that tie into a special exhibit or chosen Friday, May 15- Saturday, May 16 Cooking For permanent exhibit. For more info call Lori Mannel 831- Solutions 2009. All cooking for solutions events 648-5718 support the Aquarium's Seafood Watch Program

May 3: Paul Ehrlich fundraiser (afternoon-eve, Exhibit For more info go to www.mbayaq.org hall ) th Saturday May 30 : ACS National Humpback Whale Saturday May 9 1:30pm-3 pm: Workshop: "Grunion Watch Santa Barbara, CA. Trip will take place on the Greeters Workshop" For more info call Lori Mannel at 'Condor Express'. For more info go to ACS.org or call 831-648-5718 Bernardo Alps at 310-548 8966

Point Sur Lighthouse Whale Watch: Sat and Sun Thru June 13: "Celebrate Our Underwater Parks" Local 10:00am and 1:00pm. 3-hour tour during the gray Photographer Kip Evans will take you on a journey of whale migration season (Jan-March). Hike begins on majestic kelp forests, deep canyons, rocky shores and west side of Highway 1- 19 miles south of Rio Rd., the open ocean of the California coast. For more info Carmel. Cost is $20.00.First come first serve call Lori Mannel at 831-648-5718 Friday May 8th 12:00 noon: John Ryan- Seasonal and For more info please contact the museum's education episodic variability of the Monterey Bay Upwelling coordinator Annie Holdren at 831-648-5716 Shadow. Lecture to be given at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories. Sun April 26 from 10am-4pm Earth Day Celebration at Custom House Plaza. ACSMB will have a new booth SUMMER CLASSES and we’re looking for volunteers for 2 hour shifts and Working with Marine Mammals at MLML with Dr. for folks just to stop by to say hello. Please contact Jennifer Zeligs Hurley: Diane Glim at 646-8743 to help. Session 1-Techniques and Theories of Animal Training: Bio 348 July 6-12, 2009 9:00am-5:00pm Saturday April 18th 8:00am-3pm. 2009 Sanctuary Currents Symposium to be held at the Hyatt Regency Session 2- Working With Marine Mammals: Bio 347 Conference Center in Monterey. For more info go to July 20-26 9:00am-5:00pm www.sanctuarysimon.org Certificate of Completion in Beginning Marine Mammology with completion of both classes and 5 day Sunday April 19th: 13th Annual Point Mugu Whale internship. For more info contact Jennifer at Festival will be held at Leo Carrillo State Park/Beach. [email protected] For more info go to www.malibuinterp. Sat & Sun April 25-26: Moss Landing Marine Marine Science Courses at UCSC: Laboratory Open House: Open House will include-Lab Biology of Marine Mammals: Bio 126 Session one: Exhibits,Student Prospects and Activities, Puppet June 22-July 24 Introduction to marine mammal Show, BBQ, T-Shirt, Bake Sale and More physiology, anatomy, evolution and ecology with For more info call 831-771-400 or go to emphasis on marine mammals of Monterey Bay mlmlblog.wordpress.com Marine Science Illustration: Scientific Communication May 18-21: 60th Tuna Conference Lake Arrowhead, 126 Session Two: July 22-August 28

California Yellowfin Tuna Art on Tuna Conference For more info go to summer.ucsc.edu Website Illustrated by Monterey Bay Whalewatch Naturalist Kate Spencer. For more info go to www.tunaconference.org

American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings Page 3 April 2009

DR. SAM RIDGWAY - 2009 NORRIS AWARD has long been theorized that leatherbacks often WINNER by Andrew Read confuse plastic trash, especially plastic bags, with I am very happy to report that the winner of one of their favorite prey—jellyfish. In an the 2009 Kenneth S. Norris Career Achievement unfortunate connection, both jellyfish and plastic Award is Dr. Sam H. Ridgway. This award was trash are often found at where oceanic water established in honor of the Society’s founding masses meet. president as an acknowledgement of exemplary “After reviewing the results of 371 lifetime contributions to science and society necropsies since 1968, we discovered over one through research, teaching, and service in marine third of the turtles had ingested plastic,” James mammal science. The award is granted every says. second year, in association with the Society’s Plastic consumed by turtles leads to partial Biennial Conference. or complete obstruction of gastrointestinal tract. Sam has made an enormous contribution to While the plastic takes its toll on the turtle's diet, our field, from his pioneering work on the energy, and reproduction, a complete blockage can physiology of marine mammals, to studies of lead to starvation. The more plastic a turtle ingests marine mammal medicine and, more recently, the the more likely the trash will kill it, but even a little effects of anthropogenic sound on marine plastic can weaken a turtle significantly. mammals. We are honored to recognize Sam’s “The frustrating, yet hopeful aspect is that contribution to our field in this way. As this year’s humans can easily begin addressing the solution, honoree, Sam will deliver a plenary lecture at the without major lifestyle changes,” says Dr. James. Conference in Quebec City and write an associated “It's as simple as reducing packaging and moving paper for Marine Mammal Science. Please join me towards alternative, biodegradable materials and in congratulating Dr. Sam Ridgway on this award. recycling.” Leatherbacks are currently classified by the IUCN Redlist as critically endangered. Having PLASTIC GARBAGE ACCOUNTS FOR ONE- inhabited the earth for over a hundred million THIRD OF LEATHERBACK SEA TURTLE years—surviving comets, global warming, and ice MORTALITIES by Jeremy Hance (mongabay.com) ages—it would be sadly ironic if the leatherback A new study in Marine Pollution Bulletin should go extinct due to something humans has confirmed consider as innocuous as plastic bags. that the world's largest sea turtle CONSERVATION GROUPS SUE TO PROTECT is succumbing in FALSE KILLER WHALES IN HAWAI‘I startling numbers to an LONGLINE FISHERY KILLING WHALES AT environmental TWICE SUSTAINABLE LEVELS issue that Honolulu, Hawai‘i – Seeking an end to the receives little continuing slaughter of false killer whales attention: plastic (Pseudorca crassidens) in the waters of Hawai‘i, trash in the oceans. Earthjustice, representing a coalition of To conduct his study Dr. Mike James from conservation groups, filed suit in federal court in Dalhousie University and colleagues looked back Honolulu today against the National Marine over four decades of leatherback necropsies, i.e. Fisheries Service, challenging the agency’s failure post-mortems of animals. to devise a plan to protect the whales from the “We wanted to see if plastics ingestion in Hawai‘i-based longline fishery. The coalition leatherbacks was hype or reality,” says James. It includes Hui Mälama i Koholä, the Center for

American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings Page 4 April 2009

Biological Diversity, and Turtle Island Restoration Background: On August 10, 2004, under pressure Network. from an Earthjustice lawsuit representing the same Each year, the Hawai‘i-based longline fleet three conservation groups, the National Marine hooks and entangles false killer whales, resulting Fisheries Service re-classified the Hawai‘i-based in serious injury or death through drowning. The longline fishery as “Category I” due to its Fisheries Service’s own studies show that, for excessive incidental take of Hawai‘i’s false killer nearly a decade, the Hawai‘i longline fishery has whales. This reclassification officially triggered been killing Hawai‘i’s false killer whales at rates the Marine Mammal Protection Act’s requirement far beyond what the population – which currently to establish a “take reduction team” to devise a numbers only about 500 – can sustain. plan to bring the fishery’s incidental take “to “Longlines attempting to catch tuna and insignificant levels approaching a zero mortality swordfish indiscriminately kill whales, dolphins, and serious injury rate.” Instead, for more than four and sea turtles. For far too long, the Bush years, the Fisheries Service has done nothing, administration ignored its obligation to save claiming inadequate funding, while refusing to ask Hawai‘i’s false killer whales,” said Todd Steiner, Congress for additional money. biologist and executive director of Turtle Island A December 2008 Government Restoration Network. “We call on the Obama Accountability Office study found that “the false administration to end this slaughter quickly, before killer whale is the only marine mammal for which it’s too late.” “In 1994, incidental take by commercial fisheries is above its Congress amended the Marine Mammal Protection maximum removal level that is not covered by a Act to require the Fisheries Service to try to take reduction team.” eliminate marine mammal death and serious injury The National Marine Fisheries Service’s in commercial fisheries,” explained David Henkin, longstanding refusal to establish a take (killing) an attorney with Earthjustice who is representing reduction team for Hawai‘i’s false killer whales the coalition in court. “For years, the agency has contravenes Congress’s command that commercial ignored its legal duty to develop a plan to reduce fisheries “reduce incidental mortality and serious the longline fishery’s deadly interactions with false injury of marine mammals to insignificant levels killer whales and other marine mammals. approaching a zero mortality and serious injury Hawai‘i’s marine mammals are paying with their rate.” The GAO report found “it is important that lives for the Fisheries Service’s refusal to comply NMFS adhere to the deadlines in the MMPA, as with the law.” delays in establishing teams and developing and “The Hawaiian values of mälama (to care finalizing take reduction plans could result in for) and kuleana (to be responsible for) mean that continued harm to already dwindling marine we all have to take part in protecting Hawai‘i’s populations.” false killer whales from needless deaths in the Read the GAO study here:http://gao.gov/new.items/d0978.pdf View a copy of the complaint here: longline fishery’s gear,” explained William Ailä of http://www.seaturtles.org/downloads/False_killer_whale_lawsuit.pdf Hui Mälama i Koholä. “The National Marine Fisheries Service has ignored our pleas to address the slaughter of false killer whales, claiming inadequate funds, but it’s never bothered to ask Congress to appropriate the money needed to get the job done,” said Andrea Treece, a senior attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity.

American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings Page 5 April 2009

CANNED TUNA: GO BEYOND THE LABEL accused Norwegian companies of encouraging the TO FIND HEALTHY, DOLPHIN-FRIENDLY killing because seal hunting was no longer allowed in their own country. TUNA by Paul McRandle Environmental groups said yesterday that Canned tuna has been a lunchtime staple they were delighted by their victory after 15 years for generations, and its ubiquity has led to of campaigning. Igor Belyatsky, spokesman for the widespread consumer attention to fish and oceans. International Fund for Animal Welfare, said: “It’s In the 1970s, consumers became concerned about obvious that without Putin it would have been the unintended “bycatch” of dolphins in tuna nets. more difficult. The quick reaction of the authorities In the last decade, there’s been an additional was because of his words. When someone like concern: the high mercury content in some tuna, Putin speaks in favour of a ban then it is difficult to especially steaks from large bluefin tuna and oppose it.” canned chunk white. No one wants to pack a Igor Chestin, the chief executive of the heavy metal in their child’s lunch box. WWF in Russia, said that it would now press the Yet tuna can be high in omega-3 fatty Transport Ministry to restrict ship movements near acids, providing a low-fat, heart-healthy source of the seals’ breeding grounds because global protein. So when you’re shopping for canned tuna, warming was thinning ice cover in the White Sea. whether for yourself or a child, what’s the best An estimated 5,000 “whitecoat” seals less than two choice? Learn how to decode the user-unfriendly weeks old were dying after falling prematurely into labels so you can pick it out in store shelves. the sea because ships were breaking the ice, he said. Villagers in the region opposed a ban, arguing SLAUGHTER OF THE SEALS IN RUSSIA IS that earnings from the cull were vital to their STOPPED BY VLADIMIR PUTIN communities. The Government said that it would The dewy-eyed innocence of baby seals has provide 48 million roubles (£1 million) in financial prompted a rare burst of environmental activism in support to hunters over the next three years. Russia that has moved Vladimir Putin to end their Mr Putin, who enjoys an action-man image slaughter. The annual spring cull in the northern and has been photographed bare-chested with a White Sea region has been scrapped after Mr Putin hunting rifle, has clearly had a change of heart over condemned the clubbing of baby seals for their fur the plight of baby seals. As President, he vetoed as a “bloody trade”. legislation in 2000 that would have banned seal The Natural Resources and Ecology hunting despite a 273-1 vote in favour in Ministry said that it was responding to public parliament. concern, but the Prime Minister’s words appeared Death on the ice to have been decisive. — Annual quotas previously allowed up to 35,000 Yuri Trutnev, the Natural Resources baby seals to be killed in the White Sea in March Minister, reacted swiftly, outlawing the cull of — Hunters normally club seal pups to kill them to harp seals younger than one year old after Mr Putin avoid damaging pelts told a Cabinet meeting that “it’s clear that it should — The International Fund for Animal Welfare have been banned long ago”. reported the birth of about 300,000 seals in the The ministry said: “This is a serious step White Sea population in 2003 and only 120,000 in forward to protect Russia’s biological diversity. 2008 This decision was made largely thanks to public — The world’s largest annual commercial seal environmental organisations which took an active hunt, due to begin this month, takes place in position on this issue.” Conservation groups have Canada staged protests in 20 Russian cities this week, demanding an end to the slaughter. Activists

American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings Page 6 April 2009

— 207,000 seals were caught in Canada last year, themselves. Salmon recovery is hindered by a earning the 6,000 licensed sealers a total of $7 number of factors. Foremost is the inability of the million (£4.8 million) fish to successfully navigate their traditional — The EU is considering a ban on all seal products spawning rivers: dams block passage, water is taken from their rivers and pristine habitats are KILLING SEA LIONS WON'T SAVE SALMON degraded. While they are in the ocean, they are by Scott Beckstead, caught in commercial fisheries. As they spawn in Oregon, Washington and Idaho have now the spring, fishermen await them. received permission to start shooting sea lions in A government biological assessment lists the Columbia River. Sea lions, lazing in the sun, the top two factors limiting recovery as poor scratching their heads with their hand-like back survival of the out-migrating juvenile salmon and flippers, will now be in the crosshairs. They can be fish hatchery practices. Neither of these is shot at Bonneville Dam, at Astoria or at any other addressed by killing sea lions, whose predation place in the river or along the coast that is not a was among the least of the factors considered in breeding colony. the government's assessment. The crime that merits this death sentence? It may be frustrating for anglers to watch a Eating fish. sea lion catch a salmon for which they were About 25 percent of the spring salmon fishing. But sea lions and salmon have been in a migrating in the Columbia are listed under the natural cycle for decades. Salmon and other fish Endangered Species Act. Because salmon are migrate in runs as a strategy for "swamping" their expected to return in record high numbers to the predators to assure that enough get through to Columbia this spring, up to 13 percent of these survive. However, the fish can't adapt to survive ESA-listed fish can die as a result of human the impediments that humans put in their path. anglers - while sea lions will eat less than 4 Soon the quiet of the Columbia may be percent. disturbed by the sound of gunshots. Soon a walk Recent government documents along its banks may reveal a dead or injured sea acknowledge that predation by sea lions is fairly lion. Killing sea lions will not save the salmon stable at about 4,000 fish. This is not true for the from further decline, it will just kill sea lions. pressure on fish from fishermen lining the banks Scott Beckstead is senior state director for Oregon of The and plying the river with their nets. Washington Humane Society of the United States. and Oregon allow the percentage of mortality to the listed fish to increase when the run is larger. Enjoy LOCAL WHALES Rather than capping the with companies that have kill at a specific, and low, supported ACS Monterey level and allowing more Bay: fish to escape to spawn in years with a higher run size, fishermen are MONTEREY WHALE allowed to kill more -- up WATCHING to 17 percent, depending on the size of the run. If we are to save the fish, we must address MONTEREY BAY WHALE WATCH the real problems facing the fish, not just address the frustration of fishermen who want the fish for

American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings Page 7 April 2009

SIGHTINGS compiled by Monterey Bay 3/8 a.m. 17 Gray Whales 100 Pacific White-sided Dolphins Whale Watch. For complete listing and updates see 200 Risso's Dolphins www.gowhales.com/sighting.htm 3/7 p.m. 8 Gray Whales 3/7 a.m. 13 Gray Whales Date # Type of Animal(s) 1000 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 3/27 p.m. 6 Humpback Whales 500 Risso's Dolphins 350 Risso's Dolphins 3/6 p.m. 10 Gray Whales 3/27 a.m. 5 Humpback Whales 15 Bottlenose Dolphins 3/26 500 Risso's Dolphins 3/6 a.m. 14 Gray Whales 5 Harbor Porpoise 50 Risso's Dolphins 3/25 p.m. 3 Gray Whales 3/5 p.m. 12 Gray Whales 2 Humpback Whales 30 Risso's Dolphins 3/25 a.m. 2 Humpback Whales 3/5 a.m. 40 Killer Whales (Resident type) 3/24 p.m. 4 Humpback Whales 3/4 p.m. 12 Gray Whales 7 Harbor Porpoise 3/4 a.m. 15 Gray Whales 3/24 a.m. 7 Gray Whales 3/3 2 Gray Whales 3/21 p.m. 3 Gray Whales 3/2 4 Gray Whales 5 Humpback Whales 3/1 p.m. 10 Gray Whales 3/21 a.m. 11 Gray Whales 3/1 a.m. 15 Gray Whales 3 Humpback Whales Skipped dates indicate no trip 3/20 p.m. 8 Gray Whales 3/20 a.m. 6 Gray Whales 3/19 p.m. 8 Gray Whales NOTABLE MEDIA

2 Humpback Whales National Geographic Complete Birds of the World 3/19 a.m. 18 Gray Whales All New Regional Field Guide 2009 National 5 Killer Whales (Transient type) Geographic Publication includes 900 illustrations 20 Risso's Dolphins 3/18 p.m. 14 Gray Whales Dolphin Mysteries: Unlocking the Secrets of 6 Risso's Dolphins Communication by Toni Frohoff and Kathleen M. 3/18 a.m. 16 Gray Whales Dudzinski. 2008 Yale University Press 3/17 p.m. 15 Gray Whales 3/17 a.m. 14 Gray Whales Princeton Encyclopedia of Mammals. Edited by David 3/16 p.m. 16 Gray Whales W. Macdonald. 2009 Princeton University Press 3/16 a.m. 12 Gray Whales 1,529 color illustrations, 172 color maps, 163 line 3/15 p.m. 29 Gray Whales illustrations 3/15 a.m. 20 Gray Whales

3/15 early a.m. 33 Gray Whales Animal Migration: Remarkable Journeys in the Wild 3/14 p.m. 12 Gray Whales Edited by Ben Hoare. 2009 U.C. Press 3/14 a.m. 600 Pacific White-sided Dolphins

10 Northern Right Whale Dolphins March 2009 National Geographic Magazine: "Still 3/14 early a.m. 23 Gray Whales Blue" excellent article about eastern North Pacific Blue 3/13 p.m. 17 Gray Whales Whale migration and calving grounds at the Costa Rica 3/13 a.m. 19 Gray Whales Dome. Photographs by Flip Nicklin and Phil Colla 3/12 p.m. 28 Gray Whales 70 Risso's Dolphins Orca Field Guide: Laminated North Pacific Coast Killer 3/12 a.m. 26 Gray Whales Whale Field Guide. Features descriptions and 3/11 p.m. 14 Gray Whales behaviors of fish eating resident and mammal eating 3/11 a.m. 20 Gray Whales killer whales of the North Pacific. Available at the 6 Killer Whales Whale Museum in Friday Harbor 3/10 a.m. 6 Gray Whales American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

SoundingsAmerican Cetacean Society Page 8 FebruaryNonprofit 2009 Monterey Bay Chapter Organization

P.O. Box H E U.S. Postage

Pacific Grove, CA 93950 PAID

www.starrsites/acsmb Monterey, CA

Permit No. 338

ACSMB American Cetacean Society Membership Application Chapter#24 Board Members for 2009

New Membership/Subscription ___ Gift Membership/Subscription___ Diane Glim, President Nonprofit Renewal ___ Randy Puckett, Vice-president Organization Katy Castagna, Treasurer U.S. Postage Name ______Sally Eastham, Membership PAID Gina Thomas, Secretary Monterey, CA Address______Email______Diane Glim, Publicity Permit No. 338 City, State, Zip______Tony Lorenz, Special Events Carol Maehr, Conservation Membership level ______Barbara Oliver, News Mailing Bob Mannix, Alan Baldridge, Membership levels and Annual dues: Lifetime $750Patron $500Contributing$250 Programs Supporting $75Foreign $45Family $45Active$35 Rene Rodriguez, Morgen Puckett, Student/Teacher/Senior $25 Education David Zaches, Dida Kutz, Subscription only * $15/11 issues (*not entitled to membership benefits) Art Haseltine

Check___Mastercard___Visa___Expiration date______Members at Large

Signature______Evelyn Starr, Webmaster Tony Lorenz, Mary K. Paul, Make checks payable to: ACS/Monterey Bay Chapter Editors Return to: Membership Secretary, ACS Monterey Bay Chapter P.O. Box H E Pacific Grove, CA 93950 Email:[email protected] [email protected]

Soundings

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay Chapter MAY 2009 PO Box H E, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 INSIDE THIS ISSUE

May Meeting Calendar..…..…….………2 Date: Thursday, May 28, 2009

Monthly meeting at Hopkins Marine Station, Lecture Hall. STUDY FINDS 6,000 RARE Boat Works Building (Across from the American Tin Cannery Outlet Stores). IRRAWADDY DOLPHINS OFF BANGLADESH……..….3 Meeting is open to the public

Time: 7:30 PM. PLEASE JOINUS AT 7:00 FOR REFRESHMENTS COASTAL LIVING AWARDS MAMMAL CENTER …..…...3 Speaker: Jodi Frediani, Photographer and Swimmer

Title: Swimming with Humpback Whales on the Silver Bank: a OVER-FISHING TO WIPE photograph journey! OUT BLUEFIN TUNA IN 3 YEARS…………………….4 The Silver Bank, lying 70 miles north of the coast of the Dominican Republic, is one of the few places on earth where one can freely swim with NEW PUBLICATION ON BLUE humpback whales in their environment, on their terms. Photographer Jodi Frediani WHALE MOVEMENTS AND has spent eight weeks over the past eight years following her passion, snorkeling POPULATION STRUCTURE ...5 with and photographing the North Atlantic humpbacks, which congregate on the Silver Bank each year. From January through April, they give birth and raise their SATELLITE TAGGING OF calves before making the long voyage up the east coast of North America where they MAMMAL-EATING feed off Massachusetts’ “Stellwagen Bank”, and as far north as the waters of Iceland KILLER WHALES…...... …...6 and Greenland for the summer. These whales are also believed to breed along the Bank, though no one has yet been privileged to see them either give birth or mate. SIGHTINGS………...…...7 Established as the Silver Bank Humpback Whale Sanctuary in 1986, the

Sanctuary was enlarged in 1996 and renamed the Sanctuary for the Marine Mammals of the Dominican Republic. Swimming with the whales is highly regulated with Notable Books……..….…7 only three vessel permits issued each year. Individuals fortunate enough to share the whale-swim experience snorkel in Membership……..……....8 close proximity to mothers and calves, may swim with “singers” and sometimes float alongside a pair of “valentines” or “dancers.” Curious calves often approach swimmers for an up-close view and it is hard to discern who is watching whom. Jodi has captured the full experience in color photographs and will share the excitement, the energy and wonder of these close in-water encounters, while offering a bit of natural history and tales of special whales. You can see some of Jodi’s photography at www.jodifrediani.com. Please join us for what promises to be an entertaining an informative evening about humpbacks from the “other” coast. Soundings Page 2 May 2009 CALENDAR

Calendar of Scheduled Public Events at the PG June 29-July 3: NMEA09-One World Conserving One

Museum of Natural History Ocean at Asilomar Conference Grounds. Conference will include a whale watch field trip aboard the 100ft Saturday May 9 1:30pm-3 pm: Workshop: "Grunion Princess Monterey. For more info go to www.nmea.org Greeters Workshop" For more info call Lori Mannel at 831-648-5718 Sat August 15: ACS National Blue Whale Watch aboard the Condor Express. 8am-4pm. Cost $88.00- Thru June 13: "Celebrate Our Underwater Parks" $104.00. Trip Local Photographer Kip Evans will take you on a Departs from the journey of majestic kelp forests, deep canyons, Santa Barbara rocky shores and the open ocean of the California Harbor. coast. For more info call Lori Mannel at For more info call 831-648-5718 310-548-7821

For more info please contact the museum's education coordinator Annie Holdren at 831-648-5716

SUMMER CLASSES & SEMINARS th Friday May 8 noon: John Ryan- Seasonal and episodic Working with Marine Mammals at MLML with Dr. variability of the Monterey Bay Upwelling Shadow. Jennifer Zeligs Hurley: Lecture to be given at Moss Landing Marine Session 1-Techniques and Theories of Animal Training: Laboratories Bio 348 July 6-12, 9:00am-5:00pm

Friday, May 15- Saturday, May 16 Cooking For Session 2- Working With Marine Mammals: Bio 347 Solutions 2009. All cooking for solutions events July 20-26 9:00am-5:00pm support the Aquarium's Seafood Watch Program Certificate of Completion in Beginning Marine For more info go to www.mbayaq.org Mammology with completion of both classes and 5 day internship. For more info contact Jennifer at May 18-21: 60th Tuna Conference Lake Arrowhead, [email protected] California Yellow-fin Tuna Art on Tuna Conference Website Illustrated by Monterey Bay Whalewatch Marine Science Courses at UCSC: Naturalist Kate Spencer. For more info go to Biology of Marine Mammals: Bio 126 Session one: www.tunaconference.org June 22-July 24 Introduction to marine mammal physiology, anatomy, evolution and ecology with May 5 thru June 7: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural emphasis on marine mammals of Monterey Bay

History. Illustrating Nature: Student works from the Marine Science Illustration: Scientific Communication Science Illustration Program at U.C.S.C. 126 Session Two: July 22-August 28

Saturday May 30th: ACS National Humpback Whale For more info go to summer.ucsc.edu Watch Santa Barbara, CA. Trip will take place on the 'Condor Express'. For more info go to ACS.org or call Marine Science Seminars at MBARI; Bernardo Alps at 310-548 8966 Wed June 3: Deborah Cramer, Ph.D: Across the Great Divide: Bridging Complex Science to the Public Point Sur Lighthouse Whale Watch: Sat and Sun Pacific Forum-3:00pm 10:00am and 1:00pm. 3-hour tour during the gray whale migration season (Jan-Mar). Hike begins on Wed June 10: Marcus Eriksen, Ph.D and Anna west side of Highway 1- 19 miles south of Rio Rd., Cummins. Synthetic Sea, Synthetic Me. Plastic Debris Carmel. Cost is $20.00.First come first serve in the Marine Environment. Pacific Forum 3:00pm

American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings Page 3 May 2009

STUDY FINDS 6,000 RARE IRRAWADDY The news release did not say when the study was DOLPHINS OFF BANGLADESH conducted but Bangladeshi researchers in the team Thousands of rare Irrawaddy dolphins have said it was launched in 2004. been found in Bangladeshi waters, a wildlife Ainun Nishat, the Bangladesh head of advocacy group said today, a hopeful sign for a International Union for Conservation of Nature, vulnerable species found only in small numbers said the finding was an indication that "ecology in elsewhere. the area is not dead yet." However, the newly discovered population "There is plenty of food, mainly fish, in the is already threatened by climate change and fishing area for the dolphins to eat," said Nishat, who was nets, the New York-based Wildlife Conservation not involved in the study. "What is now needed is Society said. to restrict fishing in the area to protect the Nearly 6,000 Irrawaddy dolphins, which dolphins." are related to orcas or killer whales, were found During the study, researchers encountered living in freshwater regions two dolphins that of Bangladesh's had become Sundarbans mangrove entangled and forest and the adjacent subsequently waters of the Bay of drowned in fishing Bengal, the Wildlife nets — a common Conservation Society occurrence, announced. according to local Prior to this study fishermen. the largest known Rising sea populations of Irrawaddy levels caused by dolphins numbered in the climate change also low hundreds or less, a news release from the threaten the group said. freshwater dolphins, the researchers said. "This discovery gives us great hope that Wildlife Conservation Society has asked there is a future for Irrawaddy dolphins," said Bangladeshi authorities to establish a sanctuary for Brian D Smith, the study's lead author. the dolphins in the Sundarbans mangrove forest. "Bangladesh clearly serves as an important "The sanctuary may take time," said sanctuary for Irrawaddy dolphins, and conservation Mohammad Jalilur Rahman, an official at the state- in this region should be a top priority." run Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute. "But The Irrawaddy dolphin grows to up to 2.5 we are already motivating the fishermen not to metres in length and frequents large rivers, harm the dolphins which get entangled in their estuaries, and freshwater lagoons in south and nets." southeast Asia. Scientists do not know exactly how many THEY'RE SAVING MORE THAN WHALES Irrawaddy dolphins remain. In 2008, they were WINNER FOR EDUCATION: THE MARINE listed as vulnerable in the International Union of MAMMAL CENTER, SAUSALITO, CA. Conservation of Nature's Red List based on COASTAL LIVING AWARDS MAMMAL population declines in known populations, according to the news release. CENTER by Kate Finley The results of the study were made public In 1975, while working at a natural history today at the First International Conference on museum in San Rafael, California, Lloyd Smalley Marine Mammal Protected Areas in Maui, Hawaii. had a problem: People had nowhere else to bring

American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings Page 4 May 2009 sick/injured wild sea animals, and the museum’s OVERFISHING TO WIPE OUT BLUEFIN TUNA doorstep was getting pretty crowded. So he did IN 3 YEARS (Reporting by Ben Harding) what anyone with a background in zoology would MADRID (Reuters) - Overfishing will do—he started a grassroots operation to help the wipe out the breeding population of Atlantic wounded and return them to their coastal habitat. bluefin tuna, one of the ocean's largest and fastest Out of his efforts grew The Marine predators, in three years unless catches are Mammal Center. Its ongoing rehabilitation, dramatically reduced, conservation group WWF conservation, preservation, and education said on Tuesday. programs and events now reach more than 100,000 As European fishing fleets prepare to begin people. The center rescues and rehabilitates 500 to the two-month Mediterranean fishing season on 1,200 animals each year. In the past 24 years, it has Wednesday, WWF said its analysis showed the helped return more than 12,000 of them—sea bluefin tuna that spawn -- those aged four years lions, elephant seals, sea otters, harbor seals, fur and older -- will have disappeared by 2012 at seals, dolphins, porpoises, and more—to the wild. current rates. And it conducts some 600 to 700 educational "For years people have been asking when programs annually, all with only 30-plus staff the collapse of this fishery will happen, and now members and almost 800 dedicated volunteers. we have the answer," said Sergi Tudela, Head of Their creative programs target Fisheries at WWF Mediterranean. schoolchildren, lower-income students, and the The fish, which can weigh over half a ton community at large. “Our ultimate goal is to and accelerate faster than a sports car, are a inform each generation about marine mammals and favorite of sushi lovers. Demand from Japan has their importance,” says Ann Bauer, the center’s triggered an explosion in the size of the director of education. “We want people to know Mediterranean fleet over the past decade and many that marine mammals are indicator species,” adds of those boats use illegal spotter planes to track the communications specialist Mieke Eerkens. “They warm-blooded tuna. inform us about the health of our oceans. They "Mediterranean (Atlantic) bluefin tuna is have a lot to teach us.” collapsing as we speak and yet the fishery will kick With the completion of a new $32 million off again tomorrow for business as usual. It is facility opening to the public in June, funded absurd and inexcusable to open a fishing season through donations and grants and built to meet when stocks of the target species are collapsing," Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design added Tudela. (LEED) certification rating standards, The Marine Environmental groups condemned an Mammal Center is ensuring we’ll always have a agreement signed in November by states setting place to learn. bluefin quotas -- a body dominated by EU For more information, call 415/289-7355 or members. The groups called it "a disaster" and "a visit marinemammalcenter.org. disgrace," saying the states again chose to ignore

Winning Strategies • Hands-on curriculum in Bay Area schools, courtesy of the interactive Whale Bus • On-site classroom and internship program to cater to the needs of inner-city students • Leave Seals Be, a public awareness initiative that cautions beachgoers against disturbing vulnerable seal pups

American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings Page 5 May 2009 their own scientists and set quotas 47 percent California and in the eastern tropical Pacific since higher than recommended. the 1970s, but it was not known if these animals Illegal fishing is also rife for the bluefin, were part of the same population that previously the dried, dark red meat of which once fed Roman ranged into Alaskan waters. We document 15 blue armies on the march. whale sightings off British Columbia and in the Growing numbers of restaurants and Gulf of Alaska made since 1997, and use retailers including Carrefour's Italian supermarkets identification photographs to show that whales in are boycotting it. these areas are currently part of the California WWF said that analysis of official data feeding population. We speculate that this may showed the average size of mature tunas had more represent a return to a migration pattern that has than halved since the 1990s and that this has had a existed for earlier periods for eastern North Pacific disproportionately high impact since bigger fish blue whale population. One possible explanation produced many more offspring. for a shift in blue whale use is changes in prey The bluefin can only be saved by a driven by changes in oceanographic conditions, complete halt to fishing in May and June as the including the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), fish rush through the Straits of Gibraltar to spawn which coincides with some of the observed shifts in the Mediterranean, WWF and other campaign in blue whale occurrence groups say.

NEW PUBLICATION ON BLUE WHALE MOVEMENTS AND POPULATION STRUCTURE The following article as recently been published on-line and will appear in a 2009 issue of Marine Mammal Science: Calambokidis, J., J. Barlow, J.K.B. Ford, T.E. Chandler, and A.B. Dougals. 2009. “Insights into the population structure of blue whales in the eastern North Pacific from recent sightings and photographic identifications.” Marine Mammal Science (DOI:10.1111/j.1748- 7692.2009.00298.x). The definitive version is available at Wiley InterScience

Abstract Blue whales were widely distributed in the North Pacific prior to the primary period of modern commercial whaling in the early 1900s. Despite concentrations of blue whale catches off

British Columbia and in the Gulf of Alaska, there Identification photographs showing match between had been few documented sightings in these areas blue whale seen in Alaska and California (top two) since whaling for blue whales ended in 1965. In and British Columbia and California (bottom two) contrast, large concentrations of blue whales have been documented off California and Baja

American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings Page 6 May 2009

SATELLITE TAGGING OF MAMMAL-EATING KILLER WHALES Cascadia Research has been collaborating with the Northwest Fisheries Science Center of NOAA Fisheries, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Alaska SeaLife Center, and the Center for Whale Research, to examine movements and habitat use of mammal-eating killer whales using satellite tags. Researcher Russ Andrews (of the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the Alaska SeaLife Center) and colleagues recently published a paper using remotely-deployed satellite tags to examine movements of killer whales in the Antarctic and researchers in Alaska are also using Three days of movements of T11 as of the evening of April them to study movements of both fish-eating and 9th mammal-eating killer whales. We have been using these same tags to study movements of cetaceans in Hawaiian waters. Mammal-eating killer whales are important top predators in the North Pacific. In recent years there has been a great deal of debate on the role these whales play in influencing their prey populations, particularly in Alaska. Understanding the movements of these animals is a critical component to assessing their influence on prey populations. Consequently, like researchers in Alaska we are deploying satellite-linked transmitters to determine whale movements. An understanding of large-scale movements will compliment our time depth-recorder deployments, Six days of movements of T11 as of the morning of April which provide fine scale subsurface behavior. 12th In September 2008 we deployed three of these tags on mammal-eating killer whales in Juan de Fuca Strait. We were able to track the daily Enjoy LOCAL WHALES with movements of these whales for 21, 47 and 94 days, companies that have supported yielding new information on the extent of the range ACS Monterey Bay: in the fall as well as detailed information on the areas they occur most frequently. More information on the results of the September MONTEREY WHALE WATCHING tagging can be found at our update page for that project. http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/robin/kwsattagging.htm MONTEREY BAY WHALE WATCH

American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings Page 7 May 2009

4/8 a.m. 10 Killer Whales ! 1 Gray Whale SIGHTINGS compiled by Monterey Bay 1 Humpback Whale 4/7 p.m. 12 Killer Whales *! Whale Watch. For complete listing and updates see 2 Gray Whales www.gowhales.com/sighting.htm 2 Humpback Whales 15 Harbor Porpoise Date # Type of Animal(s) 4/7 a.m. 5 Humpback Whales 50 Harbor Porpoise 4/27 p.m. 30 Killer Whales 4/6 p.m. 2 Humpback Whales 3 Humpback Whales 4 Harbor Porpoise 4/27 a.m. 30 Killer Whales * 4/6 a.m. 7 Humpback Whales 4 Humpback Whales 8 Harbor Porpoise 4/26 a.m. 24 Killer Whales 4/5 p.m. 2 Gray Whales 4/26 early a.m. 24 Killer Whales 2 Humpback Whales 4/25 a.m. 3 Humpback Whales 4/5 a.m. 4 Killer Whales ! 4/25 early a.m. 1 Humpback Whale 1 Humpback Whale 4/24 14 Killer Whales 550 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 70 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 4/5 early a.m. 18 Killer Whales ! 4/23 p.m. 23 Killer Whales 8 Gray Whales 4/23 a.m. 23 Killer Whales 4/4 p.m. 2 Gray Whales 4/22 a.m. 20 Killer Whales* 4 Humpback Whales 4/21 p.m. 3 Humpback Whales 4/4 a.m. 5 Humpback Whales 4/21 a.m. 22 Killer Whales ! 3 Harbor Porpoise 4/20 p.m. 19 Killer Whales 4/4 early a.m. 2 Humpback Whales 2 Humpback Whales 4/2 9 Gray Whales 4/20 a.m. 10 Killer Whales* 2 Dall's Porpoise 2 Humpback Whales Skipped dates indicate no trip 4/19 p.m. 26 Killer Whales * predation on gray whale 4/19 a.m. 26 Killer Whales ! transient type 10 Harbor Porpoise 4/19 early a.m. 26 Killer Whales! 4/18 p.m. 3 Humpback Whales NOTABLE MEDIA 9 Harbor Porpoise Ocean Our Water Our World Our Lives by Deborah 4/18 a.m. 5 Humpback Whales Cramer. 2009 Smithsonian Publications.

12 Harbor Porpoise Big Fish by Richard Ellis. Richard blends natural 4/18 early a.m. 8 Harbor Porpoise history, science and art to describe the lives of sharks, 4/17 p.m. 28 Killer Whales ! billfish, tuna, and many more species of magnificent 4/17 a.m. 22 Killer Whales ! fish in this wonderful book. 4/16 18 Killer Whales ! 4/12 p.m. 1 Humpback Whale Whales and Dolphins of the European Atlantic 35 Long-beaked Common Dolphins By Dylan Walker and Graeme Creswell. 4/12 a.m. 1 Gray Whale 2009 Wild Guides Publications 1 Humpback Whale 4/12 early a.m. 2 Humpback Whales Remarkable Creatures-Epic Adventures The Search For 4/10 7 Humpback Whales The Origin Of Species by Sean B. Carroll. 2009 4/9 p.m. 30 Risso's Dolphins Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. 4/9 a.m. 6 Humpback Whales 15 Harbor Porpoise National Geographic Magazine May 2009 4/8 p.m. 10 Killer Whales “Ancient Mariner” -Article about Leatherback Sea 10 Risso's Dolphins Turtles by Tim Appenzeller.

American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

SoundingsAmerican Cetacean Society Page 8 FebruaryNonprofit 2009 Monterey Bay Chapter Organization

P.O. Box H E U.S. Postage

Pacific Grove, CA 93950 PAID

www.starrsites/acsmb Monterey, CA

Permit No. 338

ACSMB American Cetacean Society Membership Application Chapter#24 Board Members for 2009

New Membership/Subscription ___ Gift Membership/Subscription___ Diane Glim, President Nonprofit Renewal ___ Randy Puckett, Vice-president Organization Katy Castagna, Treasurer U.S. Postage Name ______Sally Eastham, Membership PAID Gina Thomas, Secretary Monterey, CA Address______Email______Diane Glim, Publicity Permit No. 338 City, State, Zip______Tony Lorenz, Special Events Carol Maehr, Conservation Membership level ______Barbara Oliver, News Mailing Bob Mannix, Alan Baldridge, Membership levels and Annual dues: Lifetime $750Patron $500Contributing$250 Programs Supporting $75Foreign $45Family $45Active$35 Rene Rodriguez, Morgen Puckett, Student/Teacher/Senior $25 Education David Zaches, Dida Kutz, Subscription only * $15/11 issues (*not entitled to membership benefits) Art Haseltine

Check___Mastercard___Visa___Expiration date______Members at Large

Signature______Evelyn Starr, Webmaster Tony Lorenz, Mary K. Paul, Make checks payable to: ACS/Monterey Bay Chapter Editors Return to: Membership Secretary, ACS Monterey Bay Chapter P.O. Box H E Pacific Grove, CA 93950 Email:[email protected] [email protected]

Soundings

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay Chapter JUNE 2009 PO Box H E, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 INSIDE THIS ISSUE

June Meeting Calendar..…..…….………2 Date: Thursday, June 25, 2009

Monthly meeting at Hopkins Marine Station, Lecture Hall. PASSING OF KEN BLOOD….3

Boat Works Building (Across from the American Tin Cannery Outlet Stores). Meeting is open to the public GIANT COD AND WHALES WERE ONCE PLENTIFUL: Time: 7:30 PM. PLEASE JOINUS AT 7:00 FOR REFRESHMENTS RESEARCHER……………...3

SPEAKER: GENA BENTALL, RESEARCH BIOLOGIST, WORLD'S LARGEST COLONY MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM OF ENDANGERED TURTLES TITLE: NOT JUST A PRETTY FACE: UNDERSTANDING CALIFORNIA’S SEA FOUND OFF WEST AFRICA…4 OTTERS Monterey Bay is the home of many THIEVING WHALE CAUGHT different species of “charismatic mega ON VIDEO GIVES RARE fauna” but if there was a vote to CLUES ABOUT HUNTING determine which one was the most STRATEGY, SOUND PRODUCTION……………...5 charismatic, chances are the sea otter would win. Otters are so cute and they SIGHTINGS………...…...7 are fun to watch, even when they are sleeping with their front paws covering Membership……..……....8 their eyes to shield them from the sun. They spend a lot of their lives in the kelp forest so they are close to shore and it is easy to see their day to day activities. Moms caring for their pups and otters doing summersaults in the water, an essential part of their grooming process, are easily observed from the coast line. These behaviors attract and engage even mildly interested observers. But the California sea otter is so much more than cute and fun to watch. They are considered by some biologists to be a keystone species, one that has effects on other living things outside of their own food system; an indicator species, giving us clues about the health of the near shore ecosystem and apex predators playing an important role in their own food web. Our speaker this month will cover the basics about California sea otters and she will also bring us up to date about the latest developments in sea otter research. Please join us for what promises to be an informative program about Monterey Bay’s most charismatic marine mammal. Soundings Page 2 June 2009 CALENDAR Sat, Sept 12th Noon-5: MBARI's Open House. Thru June 13: "Celebrate Our Underwater Parks" Local Open house will feature science and technology Photographer Kip Evans will take you on a journey of exhibits, research presentations, children's activities, majestic kelp forests, deep canyons, rocky shores and ocean science career info and much more. the open ocean of the California coast. For more info call Lori Mannel at 831-648-5718 Sept. 24-27: Monterey Bay Birding Festival ''Bridging the Americas". Watsonville Civic Plaza, Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Watsonville, CA Natural Science Camp Boys and Girls, Entering 3, 4, and 5th Grades October 12-16: Society for Marine Mammology 18th Session 1: June 22-26 Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Session 2: July 20-24 Mammals., in Quebec City, QC, Canada. 2 Day Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:00pm Workshop will take place on October 10th and 11th. Campers will investigate a new topic daily, For more info go to www.marinemammalogy.com including different animals and plants and their habitats, rocks and minerals, fossils, archeology, and botany. For more info call Annie Holdren at 831-648- SUMMER CLASSES & SEMINARS

5716 Ext 17 Working with Marine Mammals at MLML with Dr. Jennifer Zeligs Hurley: June 29-July 3: NMEA09-One World Conserving One Session 1-Techniques and Theories of Animal Training: Ocean at Asilomar Conference Grounds. Conference Bio 348 July 6-12, 9:00am-5:00pm will include a whale watch field trip aboard the 100 ft. Princess Monterey. For more info go to www.nmea.org Session 2- Working With Marine Mammals: Bio 347 July 20-26 9:00am-5:00pm Sat July 25th: ACS Monterey Bay Chapter Annual Certificate of Completion in Beginning Marine Indian Spring BBQ Indian Springs Village, Pebble Mammology with completion of both classes and 5 day Beach, CA. Cost-$25.00. For more info call internship. For more info contact Jennifer at Tony Lorenz at 831-901-7259 [email protected]

st Sat, August 1 8am-4: ACS L.A. Chapter Blue Whale Marine Science Courses at UCSC: Watch. Trip will take place on the Condor Express Biology of Marine Mammals: Bio 126 Session one: in Santa Barbara, CA Cost $93.00-104.00 June 22-July 24 Introduction to marine mammal For more info call 310-548-7821 physiology, anatomy, evolution and ecology with emphasis on marine mammals of Monterey Bay th Sat. August, 15 8am-4: ACS National Blue Whale Watch , Aboard the Condor Express in Santa Barbara, Marine Science Illustration: Scientific Communication CA. For info please call trip chair at 310-548-7821 126 Session Two: July 22-August 28 For more info go to summer.ucsc.ed Sat, Sept 1st 9am-1:30: ACS Monterey Bay Chapter Summer Whale Watch Fundraiser. Join cetacean experts for a day of whale watching in one of the most Enjoy LOCAL WHALES with productive marine ecosystems in the world in search of companies that have supported the largest animal that has ever existed the "Great Blue Whale". We will also be on the lookout for Humpback ACS Monterey Bay: Whales, Fin Whales, Killer Whales, Dolphins and Leatherback Sea Turtles. For More Info Call Tony MONTEREY WHALE WATCHING Lorenz at 831-901-7259 MONTEREY BAY WHALE WATCH

American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings Page 3 June 2009

PASSING OF KEN BLOOD Toward the end of the memoir, Ken Ken Blood, beloved husband of Carol wrote, Maehr, departed from this life on May 11, 2009, "If anything is clear this side of the grave, it is as a result of a stroke. As he lived a beautiful life, that the stream of life changes each moment. I his wife and daughter, both nurses, said he died a have no concerns about my departed relatives beautiful death. Ken was 87 years young, and since I believe the Universe deals lovingly and lived many lifetimes of experiences during his equally with all. We share the same providence time here. after death whether it be a state of unimaginable A dear friend of our local ACS chapter bliss or total unending stillness and peace. Just and of whales, Ken was fascinated with the brains the same, I miss them." of whales, and spent time with them on the water Wherever you are, Ken, we know that you and studying them. As a practicing clinical don't want us to be concerned, and that you are psychologist since the 1940s, he lived a chapter part of that loving and equitable Universe to of his life in Africa, where he had a young gorilla which you as a house guest. As a WW II fighter pilot, Ken have always felt connected. Just the same, we was shot down and spent the remainder of the miss you war years in a prisoner of war camp until his Derede escape. Ken was generous about sharing his life experiences through well-written memoirs. He GIANT COD AND WHALES WERE ONCE loved to make music, and was a life-long dog PLENTIFUL: RESEARCHERS lover, outdoorsman, musician, and dancer, and as by Virginie Montet all who knew him know, a deeply intelligent and WASHINGTON (AFP) – Just 200 spiritual person with a gift for reaching and years ago, tens of thousands of whales swam understanding others. the waters around New Zealand while sharks Carol and Ken have an award-winning patrolled the British coastlines, say dog, Daisy, who shines in agility competitions. Through their dog club, SMART, Ken made researchers who tell of lost abundance in the many friends, including Derede, who eloquently world's oceans. wrote about Ken’s passing and whose words are Around 100 global experts have united included here: under a group called the Census of Marine A couple of weeks ago, chatting at Life to study the state of the Earth's waters SMART, he mentioned to me he'd written a from a historical viewpoint and how advances memoir, and his life sounded so interesting that I in technology have wielded devastation on asked if I could borrow it. I have it by me now, sea life. wishing so much I could tell him I'd started The decade-long project brings reading it and how funny and well-written and researchers to Vancouver, Canada from full of wisdom I was finding it. I want to tell him Tuesday and aims to publish its final report in how inspired I am by the wonderful inscriptions 2010 with inputs from historical accounts as and songs and stories he wrote about his "Sunny Carol" and how strong and deep and also just well as geological, botanical and plain happy their relationship seemed. And I want archaeological research. to thank him for all the insights he drew from "What we are looking at is a global high culture and low, from various religions and picture of decline because of fisheries and philosophies in its pages, and to tell him how habitat destruction," said Poul Holm, much I admire the synthetic mind who could professor at Trinity college Dublin and one of draw all these strands together. Soundings Page 4 June 2009 the authors of a report to be presented at the In most of the zones studied, changes three-day conference. brought on by human activity stretched on for The revolution in fishing first came in periods of more than a thousand years but the 1600s, when boaters began taking their radical changes are also observable within the vessels out in pairs to fish with nets. Then, space of just a few dozen years. large scale fisheries began to take hold in the In south Florida's Key West for 1800s. example, the average size of a fish in the mid "The impact of early fisheries was 1950s was 20 kilograms (50 pounds). Today substantial," Holm told AFP. "The impact on it is 2.3 kilograms (five pounds). ocean life has been enormous. And it Still Holm says the findings give happened earlier than anyone would have reason for hope. "It's very useful to just be thought." aware of what we have lost," said Holm. Not so long ago, marine fauna was "Although we are detecting a story of more abundant, fish were bigger and decline, its actually a hopeful message," he predators more numerous. added. But the size of fish began to decline in "Because we can use the evidence to Europe from the Middle Ages with the first suggest that if we step back, if we introduce mass-scale fisheries, and the variety of conservation measures, fisheries regulations underwater sea life began to shrink as well. and avoid some of the stresses that cause Today, even the predator population is harm to ocean life, we will be able to rebuild but 10 to 15 percent of what it was at the start ocean life to a level which provides a lot of of the 19th century, researchers say. hope and would be able to feed many more One hundred years ago, cod measuring people than the oceans are able today." 1.5 meters (nearly five feet) was frequently sold while today the biggest are around 50 WORLD'S LARGEST COLONY OF centimeters (20 inches) because of ENDANGERED TURTLES FOUND OFF WEST overfishing and the trend of catching the cod AFRICA too early. Discovery of up to 40,000 leatherback The cod's average lifespan has also sea turtles may see species removed from dropped dramatically from 10 years to barely critically endangered list 2.8, according to Holm. The world's largest colony of Researchers point to losses in the leatherback sea turtles has been identified by whale population particularly around New scientists, raising hopes that the giant creature Zealand, whose waters boasted between may not be as endangered as previously 22,000 and 32,000 whales at the start of the thought. A new survey has revealed that 1800s but only had about 25 in 1925. Around Gabon, west Africa, has between 15,730 and a thousand live today off the country's 41,373 female turtles using its nesting southern coast. beaches. In the same area, where historians say Matthew Witt of the University of settlers began moving to in the 13th century, Exeter, who led the research, said: "We knew the snapper population was seven times that Gabon was an important nesting site for higher then. leatherback turtles but until now had little idea of the size of the population or its global

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/ Soundings Page 5 June 2009 ranking. We are now focusing our efforts on THIEVING WHALE CAUGHT ON VIDEO working with local agencies, to coordinate GIVES RARE CLUES ABOUT HUNTING conservation efforts to ensure this population STRATEGY, SOUND PRODUCTION is protected against the threats from illegal ScienceDaily (May 24, 2009) — For fisheries, nest poaching, pollution and habitat decades scientists have been intrigued by the disturbance." variety of sounds emitted by sperm whales, Concern for the leatherback grew after partly due to a popular theory that suggests populations in the Indo-Pacific crashed by that the sounds might contain information more than 90 percent in the 1980s and 1990s. about the animals' size. But historically it has The International Union for Conservation of been extremely difficult to demonstrate that Nature (IUCN) lists the species as critically these curious clicking noises can reveal endangered globally, with numbers of information about the physical characteristics females thought to be as low as 34,000, but of the massive marine mammals. Now, detailed population assessments in much of researchers at Scripps Institution of the Atlantic, especially Africa, had not Oceanography at UC San Diego are previously been unlocking some of the carried out. The mysteries of sperm whale new research is sound production. published in the In a paper published in journal Biological the May issue of the Journal Conservation. of the Acoustical Society of The survey, America, Delphine Mathias led by the and Aaron Thode of Scripps University of Exeter Oceanography for the first with the Wildlife A female leatherback digs into the beach to lay her eggs time describe a direct Conservation on the coast of Gabon. Photograph: Michael comparison between sperm Society (WCS), Nichols/NGPL/Getty Images whale clicking sounds and the counted nests physical features of the animal's head, and nesting females during three nesting including its size and internal organ structure. seasons between 2002 and 2007. They found The study provides a glimpse into a 79% of nesting happens within national parks possible new approach for investigating and other already protected areas. the biology behind marine mammal sounds Angela Formia of the WCS, said: and perhaps more accurately counting their "These findings show the critical importance populations. of protected areas to maintain populations of The roots of the unique study began sea turtles. Gabon should be commended for years ago in Alaska, after sperm whales creating a network of national parks in 2002 developed the ability to steal black cod off that have provided a sanctuary for this "longlines," deep-sea fishing gear that endangered species as well as other rare features a main fishing line draped across the wildlife." ocean and fastened with shorter lines bearing baited hooks. Frustrated black cod fishermen began to realize that their longline fishing boats were attracting groups of whales—

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/ Soundings Page 6 June 2009 which typically forage alone— to their The Alaska video allowed Mathias and longlines, somehow alerting the animals like Thode to not only match the size of the a dinner bell. whale's head with its acoustic signal, but To help fishermen and scientists better permitted them to infer the size of its understand this behavior, Scripps researchers spermaceti organ, which produces a white, deployed acoustic recorders on longlines in waxy substance previously used in candles 2004 off Sitka, Alaska, as part of the and ointments, as well as the so-called "junk" Southeast Alaska Sperm Whale Avoidance inside the whale's head. The junk is a large Project (SEASWAP). The results helped organ that is believed to play a role in identify the sounds that attract whales to the transmitting sound from the whale's head. fishing vessels. Encouraged, the researchers Thode said the study could be a first added video cameras to the fishing gear in step in the broader use of acoustics to census 2006, which led to some unexpected results. whale populations as supplements to visual The resulting video, recorded using counts of the animals. Currently it is difficult ambient light at 100 meters (328 feet) depth, to relate the number of whale sounds not only successfully gave the fishermen a recorded to the number of animals present. clear idea of how the thieving whales were The ability to tease individuals apart stealing the fish—they pluck the line at one acoustically would be a basic step toward end to jar the black cod free at the other end, solving the problem. somewhat like shaking apples from a tree— "It's interesting to see if you can but it gave scientists a chance to match the identify an individual animal from its sounds animal's acoustics with video depictions of its and that's something people have been physical features. Sperm whales typically fascinated by for a long time," said Thode. dive to dark depths spanning 300 to 2,000 "Humans can recognize individual people meters (984 to 6,500 feet) to catch prey, over the telephone using features of their making it virtually impossible to capture such sounds, but it's been quantitatively very activity on video. The fact that the animals difficult to do this for individual animals." produce foraging sounds at such shallow Thode said the video also may assist depths around fishing vessels is the main fishermen in reducing sperm whale reason the Alaska footage is so unique. encounters with their gear. Besides being The clicks emitted by the whales are economically damaging, the encounters are produced more rapidly as they approach their potentially dangerous to both humans and targets of interest and are among the loudest marine mammals due to the possibility of and most intense sounds produced by any entanglement. Thode said the video recording animal, according to Thode, an associate has encouraged the U.S. National Marine research scientist with Scripps Fisheries Service to start deploying acoustic Oceanography's Marine Physical Laboratory. recorders during black cod surveys off the "The sounds can be louder than a Alaskan Coast to measure the scale of the firecracker," said Thode. "But until this video sperm whale problem. recording was made, scientists had not been The research was supported by the able to get a direct measurement of the size of National Geographic Society and North the animal and the foraging sounds at the Pacific Research Board. same time."

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/ Soundings Page 7 June 2009

SIGHTINGS compiled by Monterey Bay 300 Risso's Dolphins 80 Northern Right Whale Dolphins Whale Watch. For complete listing and updates 5/17 p.m. 4 Humpback Whales see www.gowhales.com/sighting.htm 5/17 a.m. 2 Humpback Whales 75 Pacific White-sided Dolphins Date # Type of Animal(s) 5/16 p.m. 1 Humpback Whale 600 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 5/26 p.m. 2 Humpback Whales 1200 Risso's Dolphins 1000 Risso's Dolphins 500 Northern Right Whale Dolphins 800 Northern Right Whale Dolphins 5/16 a.m. 10 Killer Whales ! 5/26 a.m. 4 Humpback Whales 400 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 50 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 700 Risso's Dolphins 1400 Risso's Dolphins 200 Northern Right Whale Dolphins 1500 Northern Right Whale Dolphins 5/15 300 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 5/25 p.m. 4 Humpback Whales 800 Risso's Dolphins 75 Risso's Dolphins 50 Northern Right Whale Dolphins 5/25 a.m. 5 Humpback Whales 5/14 4 Humpback Whales 1200 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 250 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 2200 Risso's Dolphins 200 Risso's Dolphins 2500 Northern Right Whale Dolphins 200 Northern Right Whale Dolphins 5/24 p.m. 8 Humpback Whales 5/13 p.m. 2 Humpback Whales 1800 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 75 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 200 Risso's Dolphins 5/13 a.m. 7 Humpback Whales 1400 Northern Right Whale Dolphins 600 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 5/24 a.m. 11 Humpback Whales 800 Risso's Dolphins 1500 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 500 Northern Right Whale Dolphins 800 Northern Right Whale Dolphins 5/11 12 Humpback Whales 5/23 p.m. 1 Humpback Whale 350 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 125 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 75 Northern Right Whale Dolphins 50 Northern Right Whale Dolphins 5/10 10 Humpback Whales 5/23 a.m. 1 Humpback Whale 800 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 1300 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 150 Northern Right Whale Dolphins 40 Risso's Dolphins 5/9 1 Humpback Whale 900 Northern Right Whale Dolphins 750 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 7 Bottlenose Dolphins 100 Northern Right Whale Dolphins 5/22 p.m. 2 Humpback Whales 5/8 2 Humpback Whales 35 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 400 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 120 Risso's Dolphins 5/7 2 Humpback Whales 5/22 a.m. 1 Humpback Whale 5/6 p.m. 22 Humpback Whales 400 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 150 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 30 Risso's Dolphins 5/6 a.m. 4 Humpback Whales 8 Harbor Porpoise 350 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 5/21 p.m. 15 Risso's Dolphins 5/5 a.m. 9 Killer Whales (feeding on gray 5/21 a.m. 2 Killer Whales ! whale, predation on elephant seal) 200 Risso's Dolphins 5/4 p.m. 7 Humpback Whales 3 Harbor Porpoise 5/4 a.m. 4 Humpback Whales 5/20 5 Humpback Whales 2000 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 1200 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 300 Northern Right Whale Dolphins 1000 Northern Right Whale Dolphins 5/3 p.m. 14 Killer Whales 1 Harbor Porpoise 4 Humpback Whales 5/19 p.m. 1 Humpback Whale 5/3 a.m. 14 Killer Whales* 5 Harbor Porpoise 4 Humpback Whales 5/19 a.m. 1 Humpback Whale 10 Harbor Porpoise Skipped dates indicate no trip 5/18 p.m. 3 Humpback Whales * predation on gray whale 5/18 a.m. 900 Pacific White-sided Dolphins ! transient type

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/ AmericanSoundings Cetacean Society Page 8 June 2009 Monterey Bay Chapter Nonprofit P.O. Box H E Organization Pacific Grove, CA 93950 U.S. Postage www.starrsites/acsmb PAID Monterey, CA Permit No. 338

ACSMB American Cetacean Society Membership Application Chapter#24 Board Members for 2009 Diane Glim, President Nonprofit New Membership/Subscription ___ Gift Membership/Subscription___ Randy Puckett, Vice-president Organization Renewal ___ Katy Castagna, Treasurer U.S. Postage Sally Eastham, Membership PAID Name ______Gina Thomas, Secretary Monterey, CA

Address______Email______Diane Glim, Publicity Permit No. 338 Tony Lorenz, Special Events City, State, Zip______Carol Maehr, Conservation Barbara Oliver, News Mailing Membership level ______Bob Mannix, Alan Baldridge,

Membership levels and Annual dues: Programs Lifetime $750 Patron $500 Contributing $250 Rene Rodriguez, Morgen Puckett, Supporting $75 Foreign $45 Family $45 Active$35 Education Student/Teacher/Senior $25 David Zaches, Dida Kutz, Art Haseltine Subscription only * $15/11 issues (*not entitled to membership benefits) Members at Large Check___Mastercard___Visa___Expiration date______Evelyn Starr, Webmaster Signature______Tony Lorenz, Mary K. Paul, Editors Make checks payable to: ACS/Monterey Bay Chapter Return to: Membership Secretary, ACS Monterey Bay Chapter Email:[email protected] P.O. Box H E Pacific Grove, CA 93950 [email protected]

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay Chapter JULY 2009 PO Box H E, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Calendar..………………..2

EUROPE TO HUNT MORE WHALES THAN JAPAN, FIGURES SHOW………...... 3

UN CALLS FOR GLOBAL BAN ON PLASTIC BAGS TO SAVE OCEANS…………………...4

'BYCATCH' WHALING A GROWING THREAT TO COASTAL WHALES…...... 4

POLAR BEAR AND WALRUS POPULATIONS IN TROUBLE, STOCK ASSESSMENT REPORT SUGGESTS…...... 5

SIGHTINGS…...... …...7

Membership…………...... 8

Soundings Page 2 July 2009 CALENDAR Sat Sept 12th Noon-5: MBARI's Open House. Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Open house will feature science and technology Natural Science Camp exhibits, research presentations, children's Boys and Girls, Entering 3, 4, and 5th Grades activities, ocean science career info and much Session 2: July 20-24 more. Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:00pm th Campers will investigate a new topic daily, Saturday, September 19 : 25th Annual California including different animals and plants and their Coastal Cleanup Day. See You at the Beach habitats, rocks and minerals, fossils, archeology, Sept. 24-27: Monterey Bay Birding Festival and botany. For more info call Annie Holdren at ''Bridging the Americas". Watsonville Civic 831-648-5716 Ext 17 Plaza, Watsonville, CA th Sat July 25 : Annual ACS Monterey Bay Oct 10th and 11th: Mammology 18th Biennial Chapter BBQ honoring Carol Maehr and Sheila Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals in Baldridge. Indian Village Picnic Area, Pebble Quebec City, QC, Canada. 2 Day Workshop. For Beach. Send $15 per person to ACSMB, PO more info go to www.marinemammalogy.com BOX HE, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, or contact Diane Glim at 831-646-8743 Nov 7, 2009-Feb 28, 2010: Darwin: Evolution/

st Revolution. San Diego Museum of Natural Sat August 1 8am -4: ACS L.A. Chapter Blue History. Whale Watch. Trip will take place on the Condor Express in Santa Barbara, CA Cost $93.00- Feb 17-20, 2010: Pacific Seabird Group 37th 104.00. For more info call 310-548-7821 Annual Meeting. Long Beach, CA

Sat. August 15th 8 am-4: ACS National Blue Sept 7-11, 2010: 1st World Seabird Conference Whale Watch , Aboard the Condor Express in Hosted by: Pacific Seabird Group Victoria Santa Barbara, CA. For info please call trip chair Conference Center Victoria, B.C. at 310-548-7821. SUMMER CLASSES & SEMINARS th Thu Aug 27 : Monthly ACSMB meeting with Marine Science Courses at UCSC: Daniela Maldini, PhD, who will discuss her work Marine Science Illustration: Scientific with bottlenose dolphins in Monterey Bay. Communication 126 Hopkins Marine Station, 7pm refreshments, Session Two: July 22-August 28. 7:30pm talk. For more info go to summer.ucsc.ed

Sat Sept 12th 9am-1:30pm: Blue Whale Fundraiser for ACS Monterey Bay Chapter. Join cetacean experts with Monterey Bay Whale Watch Enjoy LOCAL WHALES with for a half day of whale watching in one of the most companies that have supported productive marine ecosystems in the world, in ACS Monterey Bay: search of the largest animal that has ever existed. We will also be on the lookout for humpback whales, killer whales, dolphins, leatherback sea MONTEREY WHALE WATCHING turtles and other marine life. Cost is $45 for members, $55 for non-members. Send checks to MONTEREY BAY WHALE WATCH ACSMB, PO Box HE, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950 or contact Tony Lorenz at 831-901-7259. American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings Page 3 July 2009

EUROPE TO HUNT MORE WHALES THAN country's expected application to join the EU that JAPAN, FIGURES SHOW it abandon commercial whaling. Fisheries Europeans are killing whales in increasing minister Huw Irranca-Davies said: "If Iceland numbers as Norway, Denmark and Iceland were to join Europe then Britain would expect propose to hunt 1,478 whales compared to they would be obliged to end their whaling Japan's 1,280 in 2009 operation. We would urge renegotiation." Europe plans to hunt more whales than A spokesman for the new Iceland Japan for the first time in many years, dividing government said: "The government has said it EU countries and dismaying conservationists who will honour this year's quota but will reassess the say that whaling is escalating in response to the whaling situation by the end of the year. A study worldwide recession. is being done by the economic institute of the Figures seen by the Guardian before a University of Iceland. Whaling will obviously be meeting of more than 80 countries next week, part of the talks when Iceland negotiates its entry show that Norway, Denmark and Iceland propose to the EU." to hunt 1,478 whales compared to Japan's 1,280 An independent economic report in 2009. This would be an increase of nearly 20% commissioned by conservation groups WWF and by Europe on last year. WDCS released today in advance of the "Europe likes to point the finger at Japan International whaling commission (IWC) summit as a rogue whaling nation but Europeans are in Madeira, concludes that whaling is no longer killing whales in increasing numbers in their own economically viable. waters. Europe has become whale enemy number Japan, it claimed, has spent $164m one", said Kate O'Connell, campaigner for the (£100m) backing its whaling industry since 1988, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society and Norwegian subsidies equal almost half of the (WDCS). gross value of all whale-meat landings. Sales of Iceland – which today began its 2009 hunt whale meat, blubber, and other whale products in by killing the first two of 150 fin whales – and Japan "have made financial losses for most of the Norway, are the only two countries to hunt last 20 years", it said. whales commercially. This breaches a 23-year- The research says that killing more whales old worldwide moratorium introduced to preserve will only hurt the growing whale-watching critically endangered whale populations. industry, and damage the international image of This year, Norway proposes to kill 885 Norway and Japan. "Norway and Japan are minke whales, and Iceland 350 whales in total. hurting tourism, a potential growth industry in Denmark will apply to hunt 245 on behalf of both countries in order to spend millions of indigenous Inuit hunters in its semi-autonomous dollars obtaining whale meat, the sale of which territory Greenland. Most of the whale meat makes no profit. How much longer are they going caught in European waters will be sold to Japan. to keep wasting their taxpayer's money?" said a Japan, which practises thinly disguised spokeswoman for WWF. commercial whaling under the guise of scientific Earlier this year more than 115,000 research, plans to kill 850 whales in Antarctic people pledged to visit Iceland as soon as the waters this season, as well as more than 400 in government announced an end to whaling. the Pacific. It wants to kill fewer whales than last The number of pro- and anti-whaling year but is seeking permission to hunt more in its countries are finely balanced within the IWC, coastal waters. with both sides continuing to recruit as many Britain today increased diplomatic countries as possible to boost their positions. pressure on Iceland to stop its whaling, warning Japan in the past has offered many small that it intended to make it a condition of the countries development aid to vote with them, but Soundings Page 4 July 2009

Britain and other countries have also leaned on should be banned or phased out rapidly eastern European countries to join. everywhere. There is simply zero justification for Australia and New Zealand said this week manufacturing them anymore, anywhere," said that they would mount a non-lethal whale Achim Steiner, executive director of the U.N. research expedition to the Antarctic, as a direct Environment Program. challenge to Japan's research programme, which Steiner’s call comes after the U.N. maintains it must kill whales to study them. The Environment Program released a comprehensive six-week expedition aims to prove that whales report on litter in the world’s ocean, which needn't be killed for study, the two governments identified plastic as the most common form of said in a joint statement. ocean litter. When plastic enters the marine food - The IWC meeting is being held amidst chain it can devastate marine life and even affect fears that environmental groups are stepping up humans when they consume seafood that have campaigns to stop whaling. A previously eaten plastic debris. unknown Norwegian group called Agenda 21 The plastic problem is so bad that a attacked a whaling ship in April, bringing to six floating island of plastic debris has been the number of whaling boats sabotaged in discovered in the northern Pacific which is Norway. double the size of the United States. Sea Shepherd, a radical California-based China and Bangladesh have both banned group which has admitted sabotaging whalers in plastic bags, while Ireland has reduced plastic bag Iceland and elsewhere, has also threatened to consumption by 90 percent by levying a fee on return to Europe. each bag. Such measures have only just reached Today , the Icelandic whaling ship Hvalur the United States: San Francisco is the only city 9 returned to the Hvalfjord whaling station to to ban plastic bags, although Los Angeles will process its first catch. have a ban in place next year. New York City FLASHPOINTS rejected such a fee on bags last year, but GREENLAND: The semi-autonomous Danish Washington D.C. is considering a 5-cent-fee this territory wants to hunt 50 endangered fin whales week. for indigenous consumption, but most of the meat will be sold to Japan 'BYCATCH' WHALING A GROWING RUSSIA: Oil companies on the Sakhalin THREAT TO COASTAL WHALES peninsular in the far east of Russia threaten ScienceDaily — Scientists are warning feeding grounds of critically endangered whales that a new form of unregulated whaling has NORWAY: The Lofoten islands are the centre of emerged along the coastlines of Japan and South Norwegian whaling, but also target of anti- Korea, where the commercial sale of whales whaling groups killed as fisheries "bycatch" is threatening coastal ANTARCTICA: The entire sea around Antarctica stocks of minke whales and other protected has been declared a whale sanctuary but Japan species. regularly hunts whales there Scott Baker, associate director of the ICELAND: Government may be forced to stop Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State whaling if it wants to joins EU University, says DNA analysis of whale-meat products sold in Japanese markets suggests that UN CALLS FOR GLOBAL BAN ON PLASTIC the number of whales actually killed through this BAGS TO SAVE OCEANS by Jeremy Hance "bycatch whaling" may be equal to that killed The UN’s top environmental official through Japan's scientific whaling program – called for a global ban on plastic bags yesterday. about 150 annually from each source. "Single use plastic bags which choke marine life,

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/ Soundings Page 5 July 2009

Baker, a cetacean expert, and products from scientific whaling. However, Vimoksalehi Lukoscheck of the University of Baker and his colleagues have developed genetic California-Irvine presented their findings at the methods for identifying the species of whale-meat recent scientific meeting of the International products and determining how many individual Whaling Commission (IWC) in Portugal. Their whales may actually have been killed. study found that nearly 46 percent of the minke Baker said bycatch whaling also serves as whale products they examined in Japanese a cover for illegal hunting, but the level at which markets originated from a coastal population, it occurs is unknown. In January 2008, Korean which has distinct genetic characteristics, and is police launched an investigation into organized protected by international agreements. illegal whaling in the port town of Ulsan, he said, Their conclusion: As many as 150 whales reportedly seizing 50 tons of minke whale meat. came from the coastal population through Other protected species of large whales commercial bycatch whaling, and another 150 detected in market surveys include humpbacks were taken from an open ocean population whales, fin whales, Bryde's whales and critically through Japan's scientific whaling. In some past endangered western gray whales. The years, Japan only reported about 19 minke whales entanglement and death of western or Asian gray killed through bycatch, though that number has whales is of particular concern given the increased recently as new regulations governing extremely small size of this endangered commercial bycatch have been adopted, Baker populations, which is estimated at only 100 said. individuals. Japan is now seeking IWC agreement to It will be published in a forthcoming issue initiate a small coastal whaling program, a of the journal Animal Conservation. proposal which Baker says should be scrutinized carefully because of the uncertainty of the actual POLAR BEAR AND WALRUS catch and the need to determine appropriate POPULATIONS IN TROUBLE, STOCK population counts to sustain the distinct stocks. ASSESSMENT REPORT SUGGESTS Whales are occasionally killed in ScienceDaily — The U.S. Fish and entanglements with fishing nets and the deaths of Wildlife Service has released reports large whales are reported by most member documenting the status of polar bears and Pacific nations of the IWC. Japan and South Korea are walrus in Alaska. The reports confirm that polar the only countries that allow the commercial sale bears in Alaska are declining and that Pacific of products killed as "incidental bycatch." The walrus are under threat. Both species are sheer number of whales represented by whale- imperiled due to the loss of their sea-ice habitat meat products on the market suggests that both due to global warming, oil and gas development, countries have an inordinate amount of bycatch, and unsustainable harvest. Baker said. “Polar bears and walrus are under severe "The sale of bycatch alone supports a threat, and unless we act rapidly to reduce lucrative trade in whale meat at markets in some greenhouse pollution and protect their habitat Korean coastal cities, where the wholesale price from oil development, we stand to lose both of of an adult minke whale can reach as high as these icons of the Arctic,” said Brendan $100,000," Baker said. "Given these financial Cumming, oceans program director at the Center incentives, you have to wonder how many of for Biological Diversity. these whales are, in fact, killed intentionally." The reports, issued pursuant to the Marine In Japan, whale-meat products enter into Mammal Protection Act, summarize information the commercial supply chain that supports the on population abundance and trends of polar nationwide distribution of whale and dolphin bears and walrus, threats to the species, and products for human consumption, including

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/ Soundings Page 6 July 2009 include calculations of human-caused mortality without their sea-ice habitat they are likely and whether that mortality is sustainable. doomed.” There are two polar bear populations in The Marine Mammal Protection Act Alaska: a Southern Beaufort Sea stock, which is requires that the secretary of the interior and the shared with Canada, and a Chukchi/Bering Sea secretary of commerce prepare stock assessments stock which is shared with Russia. The Pacific for marine mammals. The assessments are meant walrus occurs in the Bering and Chukchi seas and to be used as the basis for management decisions is shared with Russia. such as permitting the killing or harassment of the For the Southern Beaufort Sea polar bear animals from commercial fisheries, oil and gas stock, the Fish and Wildlife Service estimated a exploration, boating and shipping, and military minimum population of 1,397 bears and an exercises. annual human-caused mortality of 54 animals, To ensure that decision-makers have the well above the calculated sustainable rate of 22 most accurate information, stock assessments are animals per year. The stock assessment states that supposed to be revised every year for endangered “the Southern Beaufort Sea population is now marine mammals and every three years for other declining.” species. While the National Marine Fisheries For the Chukchi/Bering Sea polar bear Service – the agency responsible for whales, stock, the Service estimated a minimum dolphins, and seals – has largely complied with population of 2,000 bears and an annual human- this requirement, the Fish and Wildlife Service, caused mortality of 37 animals from Alaska and responsible for polar bears, walrus, sea otters, and between 150-250 bears killed per year in Russia. manatees, had completely ignored it. The calculated sustainable rate of harvest is 30 In 2007 the Center sued the Wildlife animals per year. The stock assessment states that Service and obtained a court order requiring the “the population is believed to be declining” and is release of updated reports. Stock assessments for “reduced based on harvest levels that were the Florida manatee were released last week, demonstrated to be unsustainable.” while sea otter reports were issued last year. For the Pacific walrus, the Service The polar bear is currently listed as estimated a minimum population of 15,164 threatened under the Endangered Species Act as a animals and an annual human-caused mortality of result of a petition and litigation by the Center for between 4,963 and 5,460 animals. The calculated Biological Diversity. The Fish and Wildlife sustainable rate of harvest is 607 animals per Service is under court order to make a finding on year. the Center’s petition to protect the Pacific walrus Of the three population estimates, only the under the Endangered Species Act by September estimate for the well-studied Beaufort Sea polar 10, 2009. bears is considered reliable. The Chukchi/Bering A copy of the stock assessments released Sea polar bear population is based on incomplete June 18 can be found at data and could be an overestimate, while the http://alaska.fws.gov/fisheries/mmm/reports.htm walrus estimate is an underestimate as it only represents surveys in about half of the walrus SIGHTINGS compiled by Monterey Bay habitat and does not account for walrus not Whale Watch. For complete listing and updates counted because they were in the water rather see www.gowhales.com/sighting.htm than hauled out on ice. “These reports publicly confirm what Date # Type of Animal(s) scientists have known for several years: Polar bear and walrus populations in Alaska are in 7/4 p.m. 3 Humpback Whales trouble,” added Cummings. “And even if the 2 Blue Whales 30 Risso's Dolphins population numbers are not precise, we know that 7/4 a.m. 2 Humpback Whales

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/ Soundings Page 7 July 2009

1 Blue Whale 6/24 5 Humpback Whales 75 Risso's Dolphins 20 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 7/3 p.m. 4 Humpback Whales 800 Risso's Dolphins 7/3 a.m. 2 Humpback Whales 12 Northern Right Whale Dolphins 4 Killer Whales ! 6/23 p.m. 2 Humpback Whales 3 Minke Whales 200 Risso's Dolphins 45 Risso's Dolphins 35 Northern Right Whale Dolphins 7/2 p.m. 2 Humpback Whales 6/23 a.m. 4 Humpback Whales 60 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 6/22 p.m. 9 Humpback Whales 150 Risso's Dolphins 12 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 7/2 a.m. 4 Humpback Whales 35 Risso's Dolphins 1 Minke Whale 6/22 a.m. 8 Humpback Whales 550 Risso's Dolphins 30 Risso's Dolphins 100 Northern Right Whale Dolphins 6/21 3 Humpback Whales 5 Harbor Porpoise 15 Risso's Dolphins 7/1 p.m. 2 Humpback Whales 6/20 3 Humpback Whales 50 Risso's Dolphins 6/19 4 Humpback Whales 7/1 a.m. 350 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 15 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 60 Risso's Dolphins 45 Risso's Dolphins 20 Northern Right Whale Dolphins 100 Northern Right Whale Dolphins 6/30 p.m. 3 Humpback Whales Skipped dates indicate no trip 30 Pacific White-sided Dolphins * predation on gray whale 80 Risso's Dolphins ! transient type 6/30 a.m. 2 Humpback Whales 6 Risso's Dolphins 6/29 p.m. 1 Blue Whale NOTABLE BOOKS 1 Minke Whale 30 Pacific White-sided Dolphins Whales and Dolphins: Revised and Updated by 50 Risso's Dolphins Maurizio Wurtz and Nadia Repetto. 2009 White 6/29 a.m. 2 Blue Whales Star Guides 1 Minke Whale 500 Risso's Dolphins 70 Northern Right Whale Dolphins Prehistoric Life Murals by William Stout 6/28 p.m. 5 Humpback Whales An astonishing look at prehistoric marine 70 Pacific White-sided Dolphins mammals, marine reptiles, and dinosaurs that 50 Risso's Dolphins inhabited California's marine environment from 6/28 a.m. 1 Humpback Whale the late Cretaceous to the Pleistocene. 350 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 450 Risso's Dolphins 250 Northern Right Whale Dolphins The Link: Uncovering our Earliest Ancestors-by 6/27 p.m. 2 Humpback Whales Colin Tudge. Also available on DVD 80 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 25 Risso's Dolphins Evolution: The Story of Life by Douglas Palmer 6/27 a.m. 150 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 160 Risso's Dolphins Illustrated by Peter Barett. 2009 U.C. Press 6/26 p.m. 1 Humpback Whale 30 Pacific White-sided Dolphins Whales and Dolphins of the Southern African 40 Risso's Dolphins Sub-region. by Peter Best- Illustrated by Peter 6/26 a.m. 7 Humpback Whales Folkiens 25 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 30 Risso's Dolphins 6/25 4 Humpback Whales Call To The Rescue: The Story of the Marine 1 Minke Whale Mammal Center. Available at the newly 80 Pacific White-sided Dolphins renovated marine mammal center in Sausalito CA 1000 Risso's Dolphins 30 Northern Right Whale Dolphins

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/ SoundingsAmerican Cetacean Society Page 8 JulyNonprofit 2009 Monterey Bay Chapter Organization P.O. Box H E U.S. Postage Pacific Grove, CA 93950 PAID www.starrsites/acsmb Monterey, CA Permit No. 338

ACSMB American Cetacean Society Membership Application Chapter#24 Board Members for 2009 Diane Glim, President Nonprofit New Membership/Subscription ___ Gift Membership/Subscription___ Renewal ___ Randy Puckett, Vice-president Organization Katy Castagna, Treasurer U.S. Postage Name ______Sally Eastham, Membership PAID Gina Thomas, Secretary Monterey, CA Address______Email______Diane Glim, Publicity Permit No. 338

City, State, Zip______Tony Lorenz, Special Events Carol Maehr, Conservation Membership level ______Barbara Oliver, News Mailing Bob Mannix, Alan Baldridge, Membership levels and Annual dues: Programs Lifetime $750 Patron $500 Contributing $250 Supporting $75 Foreign $45 Family $45 Active$35 Rene Rodriguez, Morgen Puckett, Student/Teacher/Senior $25 Education David Zaches, Dida Kutz, Subscription only * $15/11 issues (*not entitled to membership benefits) Art Haseltine Members at Large Check___Mastercard___Visa___Expiration date______

Signature______Evelyn Starr, Webmaster Tony Lorenz, Mary K. Paul, Make checks payable to: ACS/Monterey Bay Chapter Editors Return to: Membership Secretary, ACS Monterey Bay Chapter Email:[email protected] P.O. Box H E Pacific Grove, CA 93950 [email protected]

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay Chapter AUGUST 2009 PO Box H E, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

MONTHLY MEETING AT HOPKINS MARINE STATION, LECTURE HALL, BOAT WORKS BUILDING (ACROSS FROM THE AMERICAN TIN CANNERY OUTLET STORES) INSIDE THIS ISSUE Meeting is open to the Public Calendar..………………..2 Date: Thursday, August 27, 2009

WHY NOAA IS BANNING Time: 7:30 PM. PLEASE JOIN US AT 7:00 FOR REFRESHMENTS KRILL HARVEST OFF THE Speaker: Daniela Maldini, Ph.D., CEO and Chief Scientist for OKEANIS: WESTCOAST...... …………3 Research and Conservation for a Sustainable Ocean. BONE BED TELLS OF LIFE Subject: Coastal Dolphin Project ALONG CALIFORNIA'S

ANCIENT COASTLINE…...... 4 What a lucky day it is to see DOLPHIN swimming in the ocean!

Whether you are on the beach seeing dolphin swimming just beyond the surf FISHING PUTS A THIRD OF line or on a boat watching them “bow ride” dolphin always seem to conjure ALL OCEANIC SHARK SPECIES up pleasurable feelings of delightful enthusiasm. But if you look closer, you AT RISK OF EXTINCTION...... 6 will find that some of these beautiful and graceful cetaceans, including the California coastal bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncates) have serious SIGHTINGS…...... …...7 challenges with which to contend. The California coastal bottlenose dolphin are truly coastal, living their Membership…………...... 8 lives within 1 km of the coast. This group is generally considered distinct with a total of about 450 to 500 individuals and about 200 of these spend a lot of time in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (“MBNMS”). Living so close to the shore, California bottlenose dolphin can be affected by coastal contaminations. For example, dead strandings of this dolphin species have had alarmingly high concentrations of PCBs and DDT. However, such strandings are not that common. To make significant findings, research needs to be done on living dolphin in their natural habitat. Such research could also be helpful to others, including the human population. Recent findings reveal that, among other things, the California bottlenose population is suffering a high rate of skin disease which could be related to near shore contamination. This is also an area of concern for our speaker. Daniela has been studying this dolphin species for nearly 10 years and so is very familiar with them. In addition to contributing to a catalog for identification of individual members of this group of dolphins she is involved in the investigation of near shore contamination in the MBNMS and its effects on the California bottlenose dolphin. Please join us for a revealing and informative presentation about this on going cetacean research in the Sanctuary. Soundings Page 2 August 2009 CALENDAR

Sat. August 15th 8 am-4: ACS National Blue Nov 6-8, Sitka Whale Festival Whale Watch , Aboard the Condor Express in Sitka, Alaska. 2009 keynote speaker will be Santa Barbara, CA. For info please call trip chair Richard Ellis, one of the world's great marine artist at 310-548-7821. and a prolific author of all things marine

th Thu Aug 27 : Monthly ACSMB meeting with Nov 7, 2009-Feb 28, 2010: Darwin: Evolution/ Daniela Maldini, PhD, who will discuss her work Revolution. San Diego Museum of Natural with bottlenose dolphins in Monterey Bay. History. Hopkins Marine Station, 7pm refreshments, 7:30pm talk. Feb 17-20, 2010: Pacific Seabird Group 37th

Sat Sept 12th 9am-1:30pm: Blue Whale Annual Meeting. Long Beach, CA

Fundraiser for ACS Monterey Bay Chapter. Join February 26-28, 2010 Whale Trust 2010 cetacean experts with Monterey Bay Whale Watch Ritz Carlton, Kapalua,Maui, Hawaii for a half day of whale watching in one of the most More info about speakers will be forthcoming productive marine ecosystems in the world, in search of the largest animal that has ever existed. Sept 7-11, 2010: 1st World Seabird Conference We will also be on the lookout for humpback Hosted by: Pacific Seabird Group Victoria whales, killer whales, dolphins, leatherback sea Conference Center Victoria, B.C. turtles and other marine life. Cost is $45 for members, $55 for non-members. Send checks to SPONSORED BY UCMP AND THE NATIONAL CENTER ACSMB, PO Box HE, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950 FOR SCIENCE EDUCATION. THINK EVOLUTION: A or contact Tony Lorenz at 831-901-7259. th SUMMER INSTITUTE FOR SCIENCE EDUCATORS Sat Sept 12 Noon-5: MBARI's Open House. Calling all middle and high school science Open house will feature science and technology teachers! Put on your evolution eyeglasses and exhibits, research presentations, children's your nature of science thinking cap and join us for activities, ocean science career info and much a fun-filled four days of evolutionary explorations more. with biologists and educators from the University

Saturday, September 19th : 25th Annual California of California. The Think Evolution Summer Coastal Cleanup Day. See You at the Beach Institute will combine lectures by prominent biologists with sessions focused on hands-on Sept. 24-27: Monterey Bay Birding Festival activities for the middle and high school ''Bridging the Americas". Watsonville Civic classroom. Hear about the most recent Plaza, Watsonville, CA developments in evolution and have an opportunity to explore how to integrate these topics into your September 26th, and October 3rd, Oceanic Society curriculum. Follow up with biologists and Cordell Bank Wildlife Adventure. Departs from participating educators at the Evo-Picnic to be held Bodega Bay aboard the 'New Sea Angler'. Cost- the following February $150.00. Contact Oceanic Society for more info- Tuesday through Friday, August 11–14, 2009 1-415-474-3385 UC Museum of Paleontology, Valley Life Sciences

th th Building, UC Berkeley. 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Oct 10 and 11 : Mammology 18th Biennial $75.00 for four days (college credit available for Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals in additional cost); includes lots of free resources Quebec City, QC, Canada. 2 Day Workshop. For distributed to participating teachers plus morning more info go to www.marinemammalogy.com and afternoon snacks. American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings Page 3 August 2009

WHY NOAA IS BANNING KRILL krill. The decline in sea ice in the south-western HARVEST OFF THE WEST C OAST Atlantic has enabled the krill fishery to operate By Moises Velasquez-Manoff year round (Smetacek & Nicol 2005). This and On Monday, the National Oceanic and the improved processing methods have Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) prohibited effectively removed the last constraints that were krill harvesting off the US West Coast. The ban limiting growth of this fishery. In addition, the goes into effect Aug. 12. development of new products is taking place, Krill are tiny shrimp-like creatures. They including the production of krill oil rich in eat algae and, occasionally, other little critters. omega-3 fatty acids as a human dietary Ultimately, we all rely on photosynthetic supplement. organisms for our daily bread – they’re the only There are no krill fisheries yet in the 200- organisms able to use the sun’s energy to directly mile wide exclusive economic zone off the US create carbohydrates. West Coast. But, as Greenpeace points out, In the marine realm, it’s krill that play the demand for krill is on the rise. Usually, harvested important role of converting plant matter into krill are ground and squeezed into meal or oil that flesh. Anything that’s not a vegetarian – and that goes to feed livestock or fish. But some foresee a includes whales, seals, and many, many fish – fish food shortage. relies on krill, or similar shrimp-like creatures There’s already talk that rising fishmeal (like copepods), to convert plant matter into prices will spark a krill war in the Southern animal protein and fat. Ocean. And a 2002 report by the UN’s Food and Salmon eat them, that’s how they get their Agriculture Program used the term “fish meal characteristic orange-ish color. So does the blue trap” to refer to that moment when supply of the whale. That tells you something about the little limited resource (fish meal) would no longer shrimp’s abundance. There are enough to support meet demand — a peak fish moment. the largest animal ever to have existed. A later FAO report says: Even with stable Indeed, judged by sheer biomass – the (neither increasing nor decreasing) supplies of combined weight of all living individuals – raw fish for fishmeal production, it is also argued Antarctic krill are the single most successful that the growing demand for fishmeal will animal on the planet. And they support large, continue to drive the price of fishmeal and fish oil both literally and figuratively, quantities of life. If upwards. Upon reaching a certain price level, the you were to put all the world’s marine mammals use of fishmeal and fish oil may no longer be on a scale, you’d find half that mass came from financially viable. the krill-rich waters surrounding Antarctica. That It goes without saying that includes one-fifth of the world’s whales. All that environmentalists would rather avoid that is because of krill. scenario. By the time market prices respond to a Greenpeace says of krill: It is currently scarcity in fish and/or krill meal, who knows how the largest fishery in the Southern Ocean many marine animals will have starved to death. (Everson 2000). The market for krill is expected So more than anything, the NOAA krill ban may to grow in line with increasing demand globally be a proactive step toward protecting the for aquaculture feed (Nicol & Foster 2003). California food web – especially large, slow- Previous difficulties related to rapid spoiling of breeding animals such as whales that already the catch and high levels of fluoride leaching suffer from low numbers. from the shells into the meat have largely been And that’s how many are hailing it: overcome by improved and more rapid on-board Mother Jones says, “Today’s rule is a rare processing techniques. Some facilities exist instance of foresight in fisheries management, aboard vessels to manufacture bio-diesel from designed to preserve the foundation of a healthy Soundings Page 4 August 2009 marine foodweb in the California Current Hill Bone Bed because, like modern sharks, these ecosystem, including its five National Marine extinct sharks also shed teeth throughout their Sanctuaries.” lives. Oceana’s Ben Enticknap tells the AP: “It’s The team's interpretation of the fossils and proactive and precautionary taking action now the geology to establish the origins of the bone before there is a crisis, rather than waiting for a bed, the richest and most extensive marine big problem to occur and then having to deal with deposit of bones in the world, are presented in the it.” June 2009 issue of the journal Geology. The West Coast has seen firsthand what The mix of shark bones and teeth, turtle happens when krill stocks collapse. In 2003, shells three times the size of today's leatherbacks, rockfish populations off California tanked, and ancient whale, seal, dolphin and fish reports the AP. Then, in 2005, sea birds and other skeletons, comprise a unique six-to-20-inch-thick marine life began showing signs of starvation. layer of fossil bones, 10 miles of it exposed, that Scientists eventually blamed a plummeting krill covers nearly 50 square miles just outside and population. northeast of Bakersfield. It wasn’t from overfishing, though: 2004- Since the bed's discovery in the 1850s, ’05 was an El Nino year, a periodic warming of paleontologists have battled over an obvious the eastern Pacific. That’s when warm surface question: How did the bones get there? Was this a waters halt the upwelling of cooler, nutrient-rich killing ground for megalodon, a 40-foot version waters from the deep. Primary productivity slows, of today's great white shark? Was it a long-term and so does everything that depends on it breeding area for seals and other marine mammals, like Mexico's Scammon's lagoon is for BONE BED TELLS OF LIFE ALONG the California gray whale? Did a widespread catastrophe, like a red tide or volcanic eruption, CALIFORNIA'S ANCIENT COASTLINE lead to a massive die-off? By Robert Sanders, BERKELEY — In the The new and extensive study of the fossils famed Sharktooth Hill Bone Bed near and the geology of Sharktooth Hill tells a less Bakersfield, Calif., shark teeth as big as a hand dramatic story, but an important one, for and weighing a pound each, intermixed with understanding the origin of rich fossil copious bones from extinct seals and whales, accumulations, said Nicholas Pyenson, a former seem to tell of a 15-million-year-old killing UC Berkeley graduate student who is now a post- ground. doctoral fellow at the University of British Yet, new research by a team of Columbia. paleontologists from the University of California, "If you look at the geology of this fossil Berkeley, the University of British Columbia in bed, it's not intuitive how it formed," Pyenson Vancouver, Canada, and the University of Utah said. "We really put together all lines of evidence, paints a less catastrophic picture. Instead of a with the fossil evidence being a big part of it, to sudden die-off, the researchers say that the bone obtain a snapshot of that period of time." bed is a 700,000-year record of normal life and Pyenson and his colleagues, totaling five death, kept free of sediment by unusual climatic UC Berkeley Ph.D.s and UC Berkeley integrative conditions between 15 million and 16 million biology professor Jere Lipps, hope that the study years ago. will draw renewed attention to the bone bed, Shark tooth Teeth which Lipps said needs protection even though a such as this from the extinct small portion of it was added to the National 40-foot-long shark Natural Landmark registry in 1976. Carcharocles megalodon are

common in the Sharktooth

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/ Soundings Page 5 August 2009

One 12-foot-long fossil seal skeleton that bone bed itself averaged 200 bones per square Lipps helped excavate during the 50 years he has meter, most of them larger bones, with almost no visited the bone bed was mounted and displayed sediment. Most were disarticulated, as if the for decades at the Natural History Museum of animal carcasses had decayed and their bones had Los Angeles County (NHM), which houses been scattered by currents. thousands of fossils excavated from the "The bones look a bit rotten," Lipps said, Sharktooth Hill deposits during expeditions in the "as if they lay on the seafloor for a long time and 1960s and 1980s. Other collections are in the were abraded by water with sand in it." Many California Academy of Sciences, San Diego bones had manganese nodules and growths, Natural History Museum, Buena Vista Museum which form on bones that sit for long periods in of Natural History in Bakersfield, and UC sea water before being covered by sediment. Berkeley's Museum of Paleontology (UCMP), Toward the top of the bone bed, some where students over the years have made studies articulated skeletons of seals and whales were of the bone bed's extinct sea turtles, sharks, found, while in the layer above the bone bed, marine mammals and seabirds. Lipps is a faculty most skeletons were articulated and encased in curator in the UCMP. sediment. The paper's other coauthors - all of whom The team's conclusion is that the climatic obtained their Ph.D.s from UC Berkeley - are conditions were such that currents carried Randall B. Irmis, now an assistant professor of sediment around the bone beds for 100,000 to geology and geophysics at the University of Utah, 700,000 years, during which time bones remained and Lawrence G. Barnes, Edward D. Mitchell Jr. exposed on the ocean floor and accumulated in a and Samuel A. McLeod of NHM's Department of big and shifting pile. Vertebrate Paleontology. Given the rarity of bones marked by shark When the bone bed formed bites, plus the occurrence of terrestrial between 15,900,000 and 15,200,000 animals such as tapirs and horses that years ago, the climate was warming, sea must have washed out to sea, predation level was at a peak, California's Central by sharks like Carcharocles megalodon Valley was an inland sea dubbed the seems unlikely to have been the major Temblor Sea and the emerging Sierra source of the bone bed, the authors Nevada was shoreline. By closely wrote. Because of few young or juvenile studying the geology of the Sharktooth specimens, the team also discounted the Hill area, the paleontologists determined hypothesis that this was a breeding that it was part of an underwater shelf A reconstructed skeleton of the ground for early seals such as in a large embayment, directly extinct seal Allodesmus from the Allodesmus. The absence of volcanic Sharktooth Hill Bone Bed, now on opposite a wide opening to the sea. display at the San Diego Natural ash makes a volcanic catastrophe Pyenson and Irmis examined History Museum. unlikely, while the presence of land some 3,000 fossilized bone and teeth mammal fossils makes red tide an specimens in the collections of many museums, unlikely cause. including the NHM and UCMP, and they and "These animals were dying over the Lipps also cut out a meter-square section of the whole area, but no sediment deposition was going bone bed, complete with the rock layers above on, possibly related to rising sea levels that and below, and transported it to UC Berkeley for snuffed out silt and sand deposition or restricted it study. to the very near-shore environment," Pyenson Below the bone bed, they found several said. "Once sea level started going down, then feet of mudstone interlaced with shrimp burrows, more sediment began to erode from near shore." typical of ocean floor sediment several hundred Pyenson noted that, while bone beds to several thousand feet below the surface. The around the world occur in diverse land and

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/ Soundings Page 6 August 2009 marine environments, the team's analysis of the Sonja Fordham, deputy chair of the shark Sharktooth Hill Bone Bed could have specialist group at the IUCN and policy director implications for other fossil-rich marine deposits. for the Shark Alliance. "The vulnerability and The work was funded by UCMP and UC lengthy migrations of most open-ocean sharks Berkeley's Department of Integrative Biology, as call for coordinated, international conservation well as by grants from the Geological Society of plans. Our report documents serious over-fishing America and the American Museum of Natural of these species in national and international History, and graduate fellowships from the waters, and demonstrates a clear need for National Science Foundation. immediate action on a global scale." Pelagic sharks are usually caught on the FISHING PUTS A THIRD OF ALL high seas in tuna or swordfish fisheries. In 2007, OCEANIC SHARK SPECIES AT RISK OF 21 shark-fishing nations reported catching more than 10,000 tonnes of shark. The top five – EXTINCTION Indonesia, India, Taiwan, Spain and Mexico – The first International Union for the accounted for 42%. Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list of At one time, sharks were considered oceanic sharks names 64 species as endangered. worthless bycatch, but they are increasingly being Sharks are vulnerable because they take decades fished on purpose to serve emerging markets for to mature and produce few young. their meat and fins, which are used in soups and Over-fishing threatens to drive a third of can fetch more than £100 per kilogram. In places the world's open-ocean shark species to such as China, shark-fin soup could once only be extinction, say conservationists. Hammerheads, afforded by the elite, but the growing numbers of giant devil rays and porbeagle sharks are among middle-class people in the country has driven up 64 species on the first ever red list for oceanic demand. sharks produced by the International Union for To satisfy the growing market, some Conservation of Nature (IUCN). fishermen have taken to finning sharks. There are Sharks are vulnerable because they can bans on this practice in operation around the take decades to mature and they produce few world, but Fordham said the coverage is patchy young. The scalloped hammerhead shark, which and, in any case, enforcing the bans is difficult has declined by 99% over the past 30 years in due to a lack of policing on the high seas. some parts of the world, is particularly vulnerable "The overarching problem for sharks is and has been given globally endangered status on that, for a variety of reasons, they've been the red list, which means it is nearing extinction. considered low priority and they're traditionally In the Gulf of Mexico, the oceanic whitetip shark low value compared with something like the has declined by a similar amount. tuna," said Fordham. "Also public image feeds Scientists estimate that shark populations into that – I don't know if there are people in the north-west Atlantic Ocean have declined clamouring for their conservation." by an average of 50% since the early 1970s. Most species of pelagic shark take many Announcing the red list of open-ocean or years to mature and have relatively few young "pelagic" sharks and rays today, scientists called when they do reproduce. The IUCN's report on governments to set limits for catching the highlights a study by scientists in Canada which animals on the high seas and to enforce strict showed that the population of porbeagle sharks, bans on "finning" – the practice of catching classified as vulnerable in the red list, has been so sharks, cutting off their fins and throwing the affected by fishing that it will take at least 100 bodies back in the water. years to recover. Yet the government still allows "Despite mounting threats, sharks remain the animal to be fished in its waters. virtually unprotected on the high seas," said

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/ Soundings Page 7 August 2009

The global dusky shark population, also McManus, vice-president for marine programmes classed as vulnerable by the IUCN, could take up at Conservation International. to 400 years to recover because the animals are not sexually mature until around 20 years of age SIGHTINGS compiled by Monterey Bay and usually raise only one offspring at a time. Whale Watch. For complete listing and updates Fordham said that because many of the see www.gowhales.com/sighting.htm sharks on the red list are at the top of the food chain, their extinction could also cause major Date # Type of Animal(s) local ecological problems. "We know that most 7/29 p.m. 26 Humpback Whales of these species are top predators and we know 700 Risso's Dolphins that removing the top predators usually has 200 Northern Right Whale Dolphins negative consequences to the system as a whole." 7/29 a.m. 48 Humpback Whales 30 Risso's Dolphins In 2007, Julia Baum of the Scripps 5 Dall's Porpoise Institution of Oceanography in California, who is 7/28 p.m. 25 Humpback Whales also a member of IUCN shark specialist group, 700 Risso's Dolphins 500 Northern Right Whale Dolphins published a study showing how a major decline in 7/28 a.m. 30 Humpback Whales the numbers of predatory sharks in the north 2000 Risso's Dolphins Atlantic after 2000 had allowed populations of 800 Northern Right Whale Dolphins 7/27 5 Humpback Whales cownose rays, which are their prey, to explode. 10 Pacific White-sided Dolphins The rays in turn decimated the populations of bay 15 Risso's Dolphins scallop off North Carolina. "There was a fishery 20 Northern Right Whale Dolphins 7/26 p.m. 1 Humpback Whale for bay scallops in North Carolina that lasted over 120 Long-beaked Common Dolphins a century uninterrupted and it was closed down in 7/26 a.m. 2 Humpback Whales 2004 because of cownose rays," she said last 175 Long-beaked Common Dolphins 7/25 p.m. 8 Humpback Whales year. 300 Pacific White-sided Dolphins Conserving threatened shark species 80 Northern Right Whale Dolphins might not be difficult. Last year, Peter Klimley of 7/25 a.m. 22 Humpback Whales 75 Pacific White-sided Dolphins the University of California, Davis, found that 200 Risso's Dolphins scalloped hammerhead sharks migrate along 1000 Northern Right Whale Dolphins fixed "superhighways" in the oceans, speeding 7/24 p.m. 2 Humpback Whales 60 Pacific White-sided Dolphins between a series of "stepping stone" sites near 150 Risso's Dolphins coastal islands ranging from Mexico to Ecuador. 120 Northern Right Whale Dolphins Focusing marine reserves around these hotspots 7/24 a.m. 3 Humpback Whales 2 Minke Whales might be a cost-effective way to conserve the 400 Risso's Dolphins species. 150 Northern Right Whale Dolphins The IUCN sharks red list is published a 2 Dall's Porpoise 7/23 p.m. 1 Humpback Whale few days before Spain is due to host an 1 Blue Whale international meeting of the managers of tuna 7/23 a.m. 1 Humpback Whale fisheries, where many of the sharks are caught. 40 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 120 Risso's Dolphins Scientists are also meeting in Denmark this week 150 Northern Right Whale Dolphins to produce advice for authorities on how to 7/22 1 Humpback Whale manage populations of Atlantic porbeagle sharks. 35 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 700 Risso's Dolphins "The completion of this global assessment of 600 Northern Right Whale Dolphins pelagic sharks and rays will provide an important 7/21 4 Humpback Whales baseline for monitoring the status of these 180 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 350 Risso's Dolphins keystone species in our oceans," said Roger

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/ Soundings Page 8 AugustNonprofit 2009 American Cetacean Society Organization Monterey Bay Chapter U.S. Postage P.O. Box H E PAID Pacific Grove, CA 93950 Monterey, CA www.starrsites/acsmb Permit No. 338

American Cetacean Society Membership Application Chapter#24 ACSMB Board Members for 2009 New Membership/Subscription ___ Gift Membership/Subscription___ Diane Glim, President Nonprofit Renewal ___ Randy Puckett, Vice-president Organization

Name ______Katy Castagna, Treasurer U.S. Postage Sally Eastham, Membership PAID Address______Email______Gina Thomas, Secretary Monterey, CA Diane Glim, Publicity Permit No. 338 City, State, Zip______Tony Lorenz, Special Events

Membership level ______Carol Maehr, Conservation Barbara Oliver, News Mailing Membership levels and Annual dues: Bob Mannix, Alan Baldridge, Lifetime $750 Patron $500 Contributing $250 Programs Supporting $75 Foreign $45 Family $45 Active$35 Rene Rodriguez, Morgen Puckett, Student/Teacher/Senior $25 Education Subscription only * $15/11 issues (*not entitled to membership benefits) David Zaches, Dida Kutz, Art Haseltine Check___Mastercard___Visa___Expiration date______Members at Large

Signature______Evelyn Starr, Webmaster Make checks payable to: ACS/Monterey Bay Chapter Tony Lorenz, Mary K. Paul, Return to: Membership Secretary, ACS Monterey Bay Chapter Editors P.O. Box H E Pacific Grove, CA 93950 Email:[email protected] [email protected]

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay Chapter SEPTEMBER 2009 PO Box H E, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

MONTHLY MEETING AT HOPKINS MARINE STATION, LECTURE HALL INSIDE THIS ISSUE BOAT WORKS BUILDING

(ACROSS FROM THE AMERICAN TIN CANNERY OUTLET STORES) Calendar..………………..2

Meeting is open to the Public 2009 BALDRIDGE AWARD Date: Thursday, September 24, 2009 WINNER…...... …………3

Time: 7:30 PM. PLEASE JOIN US AT 7:00 FOR OCEANA POLL SHOWS REFRESHMENTS OVERWHELMING SUPPORT FOR PROTECTION OF SPEAKER: ALLEN HIA ANDREWS, PH. D., MARINE MAMMALS…...... 3 MOSS LANDING MARINE LABORATORIES. SEAL BAN SEEN AS THREAT SUBJECT: FISHES AND THEIR LIVING HABITAT: TO NEWFOUNDLAND HOW THE "GARDEN" GROWS VILLAGES……………...... 3

Understanding the age and growth of fishes and the living habitat in SOUTHERN RIGHT WHALES which they reside is an important part of forming effective fisheries RETURN TO BREED IN management strategies. Under-estimation of longevity has played a significant TASMANIA……………….5 role in the collapse of major commercial fisheries and it is increasingly common to find that deep-water fishes and corals are long-lived. Thus, BLUEFIN TUNA ARE accurate age estimates are essential to understand the life histories of THE NEW WHALES………..6 exploited organisms and the habitats in which they live. Our speaker works in the Age and Longevity Research Laboratory at SIGHTINGS…...... …...7 Moss Landing Marine Laboratories. His research focuses on determining the age, growth rates and longevity of marine organisms. Methods include Membership…………...... 8 analysis of the patterns and the effects of naturally occurring and man-made radioactivity. Since 1992 Allen has been working on this research with fishes and more recently, deep-sea corals. This work has taken him to sites such as the Farallon Islands, Southeastern Alaska, New Zealand and the Davidson Sea Mount, right off the Big Sur coast of Central California. Please join us to learn about these exciting new insights into age and growth estimation and to enjoy revealing photographic imagery of infrequently seen deep-water fishes and corals.

Soundings Page 2 September 2009 CALENDAR

th Mammals in Quebec City, QC, Canada. 2 Day Saturday Sept 12 9am-1:30 pm Workshop. For more info go to Blue Whale Fundraiser for www.marinemammalogy.com ACS Monterey Bay Chapter Join cetacean experts with Monterey Bay Nov 6-8, Sitka Whale Festival Sitka, Alaska. Whale Watch for a half-day of whale watching 2009 keynote speaker will be Richard Ellis, in one of the most productive marine one of the world's great marine artists and a ecosystems in the world, in search of the prolific author of all things marine largest animal that has ever existed. We will also be on the lookout for humpback whales, Nov 7, -Feb 28, 2010- Darwin: Evolution/ killer whales, dolphins, leatherback sea turtles Revolution. San Diego Museum of Natural History. and other marine life. Cost is $45 for members, $55 for non-members. Send checks to Nov 12-15 - 90th Annual Meeting of the ACSMB, PO Box HE, Pacific Grove, CA, Western Society of Naturalists: 2009 Annual 93950 or contact Tony Lorenz at 831-901- Meeting. Embassy Suites Hotel, Seaside, CA. 7259. Feb 17-20, 2010: Pacific Seabird Group 37th th Saturday Sept 12 Noon-5: MBARI's Open Annual Meeting. Long Beach, CA House. Open house will feature science and technology exhibits, research presentations, February 26-28, 2010 Whale Trust 2010 children's activities, ocean science career info Ritz Carlton, Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii and much more. More info about speakers will be forthcoming

Saturday, September 19th: 25th Annual Sept 7-11, 2010: 1st World Seabird California Coastal Cleanup Day. See You at Conference Hosted by: Pacific Seabird Group the Beach! Victoria Conference Center Victoria, B.C.

Sept. 20-24 - The Wildlife Society's 16th Annual Meeting: Monterey Conference Center Notable Media Conference includes seminars, field trips, and Now Showing: The Cove book signings. Filmed covertly, The Cove is a powerful film Sept. 24-27: Monterey Bay Birding Festival about the dolphin industry that is currently ''Bridging the Americas". Watsonville Civic playing at the Osio Cinema in Monterey. Plaza, Watsonville, CA Although heartbreaking at times, it is an important movie to convey the tragic September 26th, and October 3rd, Oceanic consequences of annual dolphin harvesting, Society Cordell Bank Wildlife Adventure. and everyone is encouraged to attend a Departs from Bodega Bay aboard the 'New Sea showing. Angler'. Cost - $150.00. Contact Oceanic Society for more info: 1-415-474-3385 On Thin Ice: The Changing World of the Polar

th th Bear. By Richard Ellis. 2009 Knopf Oct 10 and 11 : Mammology 18th Biennial Publishing] Conference on the Biology of Marine

American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings Page 3 September 2009

2009 BALDRIDGE AWARD landmark statute enacted by Congress more than Daniela Maldini has recently returned to 30 years ago to protect dolphins and whales from this area following a spell on the east coast where harm by human activities, and in particular, for she was Director of research at Earthwatch the part of that law requiring commercial fishing Institute and an Adjunct Professor at the Univ. of operations to reduce their catch, injury, and kill of Massachusetts. marine mammals (76%). She received her Master’s degree in Ironically, these findings come at the Marine Science at the Moss Landing Marine Labs same time that the Marine Mammal Protection in 1996 on the ecology of Bottlenose Dolphins. Act is under attack by some members of ACS/MB helped fund her research. She then Congress. H.R. 4075, sponsored by House went to the University of Hawaii gaining a Ph. D. Resources Committee Chairman Richard Pombo on Odontocetes. (R-CA.) would eliminate the “Dolphin Deadline” She now heads up the organization and weaken other existing provisions in the Okeanis based in Moss Landing and has resumed Marine Mammal Protection Act. Consideration of her long-term study of the local Bottlenose these proposals by the U.S. House of population. Representatives is expected prior to the August In her research she has recently Congressional Recess, which begins July 31. discovered disfiguring skin lesions in this (The poll of 500 likely Republican voters in Ohio was conducted from June 22-25, 2006. The margin of error is population and has approached ACS/MB in +/- 4.38.) helping to fund this work. She is a very experienced researcher, and the Board felt that this study is well worthy of our SEAL BAN SEEN AS THREAT TO NEW- support. We need to know the source of this FOUNDLAND VILLAGE By Nina Lex disease, and Daniela is committed to finding it. TORONTO (Reuters) - Hundreds of We are happy to present Daniela Maldini villages in Atlantic Canada that depend on seal with the 2009 Baldridge Award of $1000 to hunting for much of their livelihood are already continue her research. feeling a sharp economic pinch from a European ban on seal products that went into effect last OCEANA POLL SHOWS OVERWHELMING month. For more than 20 years Eldred Woodford SUPPORT FOR PROTECTION OF MARINE has taken part in the annual seal "harvest" on the MAMMALS ice floes along the coast of Newfoundland and Republican voters in Ohio – a bellwether Labrador, home to more than 80 percent of the state for everything from political elections to country's sealing industry. But the hunt now consumer products -- overwhelmingly declared brings in much less money than it did only a few their support for protection of the oceans and its years ago, he says. marine mammal inhabitants in a new poll To be sure, there are still plenty of seals to sponsored by Oceana. The survey of 500 likely hunt, but they are worth a lot less. voters found that 90 percent agree that it is In April Woodford and his crew killed important to protect both the health of the oceans about 1,200 harp seals over 10 days in an annual and marine mammals, such as dolphins and hunt that usually accounts for about a third of his whales. And, more than three-quarters of those yearly income. But depressed prices for pelts surveyed believe that the U.S. Congress has a mean this year's catch will sell for thousands of responsibility to protect the oceans as well as the dollars less than in the past. marine mammals that live there. "When you talk about an income between The poll also found broad support (79%) C$30,000 ($28,000) and C$35,000 a year and you for the Marine Mammal Protection Act, a Soundings Page 4 September 2009 lose a potential income on sealing of C$8,000 to Over the last couple of years seal exports C$10,000, that's a substantial loss," said totaled C$10 million to C$12 million a year. "In Woodford. smaller communities that's a lot of money," said While the drop in pelt prices partly Belle-Isle. reflects the impact of the global recession on "For the average Newfoundland and demand, the European Union's ban is also a big Labrador fishing family, 15 to 50 percent of their reason, says Frank Pinhorn, director of the income originates from sealing," said the Sealers Canadian Sealers Association. Association's Pinhorn. "And the income per In 2008 pelt prices were selling at C$30 family here in rural Newfoundland and Labrador each, while several years ago they were going for is already the lowest in Canada." C$100. This year some pelts were selling for as Woodford lives in Herring Neck, a coastal little as C$15. village in northern Newfoundland with just 150 With the financial incentive waning, many residents, including 25 sealers. The money he hunters didn't bother to venture out on the ice this makes from the hunt is vital to his livelihood, he year. All told, only 72,156 harp seals were taken, says. He uses it to buy or repair boats and a quarter of this year's quota of 280,000 animals. equipment for the rest of the fishing season. "This year there wasn't very many boats FUEING AN EXODUS that did go sealing because of the lower prices," The EU ban will also affect the Inuit said Woodford. people in Canada's Arctic. The ban exempts seal SEAL HUNT CALLED INHUMANE products from traditional hunts carried out by On July 27 the EU gave the final go-ahead aboriginal peoples, and they can still export to ban all seal products after years of pressure products to the EU, but only on a non-profit from animal rights campaigners who view the basis. annual hunt as inhumane. "History has shown that the entire market The Canadian government continues to collapses when countries talk about banning seal defend its sealing policies and will challenge the products. Inuit in Nunavut will be affected by this EU's decision at the World Trade Organization. decision, whether or not an exemption is in place, "It seems that 25 to 30 percent of (seal) and that is not right," Premier Eva Aariak of the exports initially go to Europe. A lot of it goes to vast northern territory of Nunavut said in a Norway or Finland to be processed. But then is release. transited through Europe to our main markets," Canada's seal hunt is the largest in the said Alain Belle-Isle, media spokesman at the world. Even so, less than 5 percent of the 6 federal Fisheries and Oceans Department. "It's million seals living in the North Atlantic are not clear how much of it actually stays in killed each year, said Barry. Europe." Nationally, there are still 6,000 active The main markets for seal products are in sealing licenses, but that number could decline Russia and China. But the ban means Canada has sharply in coming years. lost a huge potential market in Europe. The industry has already come under "We know that there are growing markets pressure as older sealers retire, and few younger for seal oil products like Omega 3 supplements in people step forward to take their places on the ice the EU, and that potential cannot be realized floes. because we can't ship seal products as a source Many prefer to leave Newfoundland and for Omega 3 to the EU any more," said David Labrador to find lucrative jobs in Western Barry, co-ordinator for the Seal and Sealing Canada's rich energy industry. With the potential Network, an industry lobby group. income from sealing dropping sharply, the trend is only likely to accelerate.

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/ Soundings Page 5 September 2009

"Sealers in their 30s are in the minority. of which there are approximately 1,500 that Sealers in their 40s, 50s and 60s are the majority. migrate to Australia each year out of the One of the major issues in the sealing industry estimated 60,000 in the world. will be recruitment in the next 10 years, trying to “After the thylacine (the extinct get younger people into it and interested," said Tasmanian tiger), they are the second rarest the Sealing Network's Barry. mammal in Tasmania,” Mr Pemberton told "In Canada, we are one of the few places left that has a strong seal population that feeds The Times. into a commercial industry," Barry said. "That's “There have been mother-calf pairs not going to stop but it's just a matter of, will reported for quite a few years, but we needed there be an end use? Will there be an industry scientific proof they were breeding in this around it or will there be a government area. We finally got that today, so it is very subsidized cull?" exciting.” Tasmanian waters were once a key SOUTHERN R IGHT WHALES RETURN breeding ground for Southern Rights during TO BREED IN T ASMANIA the early days of European settlement. By Sophie Tedmansoz However approximately 1,000 Southern Endangered Southern Right whales Rights were killed in the island’s bays every have returned to give birth in waters in year during the early 1800s and by 1842 they southern Australia for the first time in 200 had become commercially extinct. years. Illegal whaling continued until the Australian scientists confirmed 1960s, however the Southern Right whale yesterday what they have suspected for years population, which became an internationally — that the waters around the southern island protected species in 1935, had all but of Tasmania have once again been turned into disappeared. a nursery for Southern Right whales, which Like the Eastern Australian humpback, became scarce after excessive whaling in the the Southern Right whales migrate to early 1800s. northern Australia from Antarctica during the Two weeks ago a mother and newborn southern hemisphere’s winter months to mate, calf were spotted in Great Oyster Bay near breed and nurse their young. In spring they Swansea on Tasmania’s east coast. Scientists then return south to feed on krill. examined the photographs and confirmed While the population of Southern yesterday that the calf was no more than two Rights which migrates to southwestern coast days old, which meant that it had been born in of Australia has recently been on the increase, local waters. the numbers in the southeast have failed to Earlier yesterday there was another keep up. report of a Southern Right whale giving birth Mr. Pemberton said that now it has at Cape Barren Island in the Bass Strait to the been confirmed that the whales have returned north of Tasmania; however this is yet to be to nurse in Tasmanian waters, scientists will confirmed by scientists. be able to better protect their birthing Marine biologist David Pemberton locations. He said he hopes one day Tasmania said the confirmation that the recently sighted will again be a popular breeding ground for calf was born in Tasmanian waters was hundreds of whales. critical to the ongoing recovery of the species,

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/ Soundings Page 6 September 2009

“Now that we know this we can start Mature spawners are fished out in UK to find the areas where they are hanging waters, and are fast disappearing in the around and which bays they are nursing in, Mediterranean, where bluefin are still being and we can help manage them and help to landed at a rate of at least 60,000 tonnes a augment their recovery,” Mr. Pemberton said. year - three times the legal limit, with organized crime with Mafia links said to be BLUEFIN TUNA ARE THE NEW involved. WHALES By: Alex Mitchell Public concern has led to a significant A last-ditch campaign to save the shift in policy in Britain and France. bluefin tuna is fast gathering support in Although France has Europe’s biggest bluefin Britain and will soon become a political and fishing fleet, President Nicholas Sarkozy last environmental issue in Australia where the month spoke out for the need to protect species is being fished with indiscriminate fishing stocks. “Ours is the last generation abandon for super profits. with the ability to take action before it’s too London’s celebrity chefs are taking the late,” he said. endangered fish off their menus and Waitrose British fisheries minister Huw Irranca- supermarket has banned its sale. Fishmongers Davies followed suit, saying he will lobby the and restaurateurs throughout the country are United States and other countries to support being assailed - or so we read - by customers the ban on sales of bluefin. asking, “Do you source your fish The End of the Line, which premiered sustainably?” to critical acclaim at this year’s Sundance Bluefin tuna is on the brink of Film Festival, documents not only the bluefin extinction through over-fishing, and the issue issue but such cases of over-fishing as the is now so critical that both Britain and France catastrophe of Newfoundland, home to the are supporting a resolution by Monaco to ban world’s most abundant supply of cod, which fishing of the species when the Convention has been decimated since the early 1990s. on International Trade in Endangered Species The film also shows how African (CITES) meets in Doha in October. coastal people, long dependent on fish, are Japan, where a single fish can losing their food supply to big commercial command more than $120,000, is expected to fisheries. And it demonstrates that fish oppose the move. Let’s see what that gallant farming, with its need for massive supplies of protector of the whale, Peter Garrett, decides fish food, is no solution to the problem. to do. Scientists interviewed in the The issue of over-fishing has come to documentary predict that if fishing continues the fore in the past month thanks to the unchecked, the population of the oceans will release of the critically acclaimed be wiped out by 2048. documentary The End of the Line, based on The End of the Line is an independent the award-winning book by London Daily film made with the support of organizations Telegraph journalist Charles Clover. including WWF, the Marine Conservation “Everybody knows there’s no fish left in the Society, Channel 4’s Britdoc Foundation and sea,” says Clover. “They probably caught charitable foundations, and backed nationally them while we were filming it.” by Waitrose.

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/ Soundings Page 7 September 2009

It initiated a citizens’ campaign to 8/28 a.m. 18 Humpback Whales 2 Blue Whales change fish sales practices through consumer 45 Risso's Dolphins action. Jamie Oliver didn’t take tuna off his 8/27 p.m. 8 Humpback Whales 2 Blue Whales menus until clients started raising the issue. 5 Dall's Porpoise Japanese chain Nobu attracted spirited 1 Leatherback Sea Turtle 8/27 a.m. 17 Humpback Whales protests when it refused to stop serving tuna 4 Blue Whales sushi in its London outlets. 8/26 p.m. 5 Humpback Whales The film-makers themselves are 3 Blue Whales 300 Risso's Dolphins leading the campaign. Producer Claire Lewis, 10 Northern Right Whale Dolphins who says working on the project changed her 8/26 a.m. 7 Humpback Whales 3 Blue Whales life, doesn’t eat anywhere without first 1 Minke Whale asking: “Can you tell me where your fish 150 Risso's Dolphins 8/25 p.m. 6 Humpback Whales comes from?” 12 Risso's Dolphins Author Charles Clover has been 8/25 a.m. 5 Humpback Whales 1 Minke Whale campaigning on the issue for five years now. 10 Pacific White-sided Dolphins “We must stop thinking of our oceans as a 50 Risso's Dolphins food factory,” he says, “and realize that they 8/24 p.m. 6 Humpback Whales 12 Killer Whales (transient type) thrive as a huge and complex marine 8/24 a.m. 6 Humpback Whales environment. 1 Minke Whale 15 Pacific White-sided Dolphins “We must act now to protect the sea 75 Risso's Dolphins from rampant over-fishing so that there will 8/23 p.m. 5 Humpback Whales 8/23 a.m. 13 Humpback Whales be fish in the sea for our grandchildren and 250 Risso's Dolphins great-grandchildren.” 3 Dall's Porpoise 8/22 p.m. 11 Humpback Whales This documentary, which has the hard- 8/22 a.m. 4 Humpback Whales hitting quality of Michael Moore’s movies, 15 Risso's Dolphins deserves to be released in Australia but no 20 Northern Right Whale Dolphins 8/21 p.m. 8 Humpback Whales distributor has yet stepped forward. 1 Blue Whale 50 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 350 Risso's Dolphins SIGHTINGS compiled by Monterey 120 Northern Right Whale Dolphins Bay Whale Watch. For complete listing and 8/21 a.m. 4 Humpback Whales 11 Killer Whales (transient type) updates see www.gowhales.com/sighting.htm 8/20 p.m. 5 Humpback Whales 450 Pacific White-sided Dolphins Date # Type of Animal(s) 800 Risso's Dolphins 8/31 p.m. 1 Humpback Whale 400 Northern Right Whale Dolphins 1 Blue Whale 8/20 a.m. 8 Humpback Whales 8/31 a.m. 1 Humpback Whale 400 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 8 Killer Whales (transient type) 1200 Risso's Dolphins 400 Risso's Dolphins 600 Northern Right Whale Dolphins 50 Northern Right Whale Dolphins 6 Dall's Porpoise 8/30 3 Humpback Whales 5 Killer Whales* 1600 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 8/19 p.m. 8 Humpback Whales 80 Risso's Dolphins 15 Risso's Dolphins 1700 Northern Right Whale Dolphins 8/19 a.m. 25 Humpback Whales 8/29 10 Humpback Whales 5 Killer Whales (transient type) 20 Risso's Dolphins 4 Harbor Porpoise 8/28 p.m. 8 Humpback Whales 6 Dall's Porpoise 2 Blue Whales 20 Risso's Dolphins 25 Risso's Dolphins

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/ Soundings Page 8 September 2009

American Cetacean Society Nonprofit Monterey Bay Chapter Organization P.O. Box H E U.S. Postage Pacific Grove, CA 93950 PAID www.starrsites/acsmb Monterey, CA Permit No. 338

ACSMB American Cetacean Society Membership Application Chapter#24 Board Members for 2009 Diane Glim, President Nonprofit New Membership/Subscription ___ Gift Membership/Subscription___ Randy Puckett, Vice-president Organization Renewal ___ Katy Castagna, Treasurer U.S. Postage

Name ______Sally Eastham, Membership PAID Gina Thomas, Secretary Monterey, CA Address______Email______Diane Glim, Publicity Permit No. 338 Tony Lorenz, Special Events City, State, Zip______Carol Maehr, Conservation

Membership level ______Barbara Oliver, News Mailing Bob Mannix, Alan Baldridge, Membership levels and Annual dues: Programs Lifetime $750 Patron $500 Contributing $250 Rene Rodriguez, Morgen Puckett, Supporting $75 Foreign $45 Family $45 Active$35 Education Student/Teacher/Senior $25 David Zaches, Dida Kutz, Subscription only * $15/11 issues (*not entitled to membership benefits) Art Haseltine Members at Large Check___Mastercard___Visa___Expiration date______Evelyn Starr, Webmaster Signature______Tony Lorenz, Mary K. Paul, Make checks payable to: ACS/Monterey Bay Chapter Editors Return to: Membership Secretary, ACS Monterey Bay Chapter Email:[email protected] P.O. Box H E Pacific Grove, CA 93950 [email protected]

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay Chapter OCTOBER 2009 PO Box H E, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

MONTHLY MEETING AT HOPKINS MARINE STATION, LECTURE HALL INSIDE THIS ISSUE BOAT WORKS BUILDING

(ACROSS FROM THE AMERICAN TIN CANNERY OUTLET STORES) Calendar..………………..2

Meeting is open to the Public DOLPHIN SLAUGHTER TURNS Date: Thursday, October 29, 2009 SEA RED AS JAPAN HUNTING SEASON RETURNS…………3 Time: 7:30 PM. PLEASE JOIN US AT 7:00 FOR REFRESHMENTS LIST OF THREATENED ARCTIC ANIMALS IS SPEAKER: JERRY LOOMIS GROWING………………....4 NATURALIST AND CHAPTER BOARD MEMBER CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE SUBJECT: THE ULTRA FRIENDLY GRAY WHALES OF URGES BAN ON SWORDFISH SAN IGNACIO LAGOON IMPORTS TO PROTECT WHALES, DOLPHINS AND The Monterey Chapter of the ACS was founded in 1980 and since that MARINE MAMMALS ….....5 time Jerry has served the equivalent of 4 two-year terms as President. His first term was from 1988 to 1989. His second, third and fourth terms ran COMMENTS TO OCEAN TASK consecutively from 2002 through 2008. FORCE, FOCUSING ON If you talk to Jerry about our Chapter he will often say that …“we are NATIONAL POLICY……….6 a small organization but I like to think we make a difference.” While we are a locally organized Chapter Jerry has been instrumental in making the SIGHTINGS…...... …...7 “difference” international in scope. As a naturalist, he has made several trips to San Ignacio Lagoon in Membership…………...... 8 Mexico. Not only did he study and observe the gray whales there he also became involved with some of the locals in the village of San Ignacio. He along with Chapter Board members Carol Maehr and Esta Lee Albright initiated an outreach program which purchased educational supplies for the students at the village school. The people there already had a strong conservation ethic with regard to the gray whales that calve and breed there. Jerry felt that if the Chapter helped the children of San Ignacio they would be better able to continue whale protection in the future. Please join us for an interesting presentation about gray whales by someone who has a special connection and understanding with the people and the gray whales of San Ignacio lagoon and a creative approach to gray whale conservation. Soundings Page 2 October 2009 CALENDAR Pedro to be near ACS National headquarters, Thru Oct 24, 2009 The Otter Zone: Sea Otters in Cheryl has extensive fundraising experience and is their Habitat. Santa Cruz Museum of Natural dedicated to building the profile and strength of History. A Celebration of Sea Otters and their our national organization, as well as assisting the Coastal Community four local chapters achieve their goals. Oct 10th and 11th: Mammology 18th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals in ¡VIVA VAQUITA! Quebec City, QC, Canada. 2 Day Workshop. For Local ACS chapter more info go to www.marinemammalogy.com representatives and members of Save October 22-25: California Science Education the Whales met Conference. Palm Springs, CA. Keynote Speaker with Dr. Tom is Ira Flatow from Talk of the Nation Science Jefferson to formulate a plan to help save the Friday endangered vaquita from extinction on 9/9/09 at October 31: Science Saturday at the P.G. Museum the home of Randy and Gail Puckett. Many solid of Natural History. Bats and Spiders 11am-3pm in suggestions and plans for implementation came out the museums education room of the meeting, with education about the

Nov 6-8: Sitka Whale Festival Sitka, Alaska. charismatic vaquita a priority. Dr. Jefferson was Keynote speaker will be Richard Ellis, one of the presented with a $1000 grant by ACS Monterey world's great marine artists and a prolific author of Bay to continue his vaquita research in the Gulf of all things marine California. Randy Puckett has already started work on a vaquita sculpture to raise necessary funds, a Nov 7 2009 -Feb 28, 2010- Darwin: Evolution/ new brochure has been developed to spread Revolution.San Diego Museum of Natural History. awareness, a new website, www.vivavaquita.com

Nov 12-15 - 90th Annual Meeting of the Western has been set up, and a network of organizations Society of Naturalists: 2009 Annual Meeting. that are concerned with the vaquita are connecting. Embassy Suites Hotel, Seaside, CA. ACS MB board members working on the ¡Viva Vaquita! project include Alan and Sheila Feb 17-20, 2010: Pacific Seabird Group 37th Baldridge, Randy Puckett, Rene Rodriguez, Dida Annual Meeting. Long Beach, CA Kutz, Sally Eastham, and Diane Glim, along with February 26-28, 2010 Whale Trust 2010 Tom Kieckhefer and Maris Sidenstecker from Save Ritz Carlton, Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii the Whales and vaquita researcher Tom Jefferson. More info about speakers will be forthcoming

Sept 7-11, 2010: 1st World Seabird Conference Hosted by: Pacific Seabird Group Victoria Chapter President, Diane Glim, and Conservation Conference Center Victoria, B.C Chair, Carol Maehr, attended one of six national Ocean Task Force Meetings called by President NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR Obama to identify priorities for ocean and Great AMERICAN CETACEAN SOCIETY ANNOUNCED Lakes conservation. Distinguished panelists Carmel Valley resident, Cheryl representing the federal government in science, the McCormick, PhD, has accepted the position of military, finance and education offered their ocean Executive Director of the American Cetacean policy views and then accepted comments from the Society. A dynamic leader and environmentalist, large audience. Representing the Monterey Bay Cheryl brings energy and much-needed leadership Chapter of the ACS, Carol Maehr delivered our to our national organization. Relocating to San comments (see page 6).

American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings Page 3 October 2009

DOLPHIN SLAUGHTER TURNS SEA cut up in a warehouse, the fishermen's work RED AS J APAN HUNTING SEASON hidden from the outside by heavy shutters. Taiji officials said all the pilot whales RETURNS caught on this expedition had been killed and Taiji's annual cull of bottlenose dolphins their meat put on the market, but added that half and pilot whales continues despite growing of the bottlenose catch would be sold to international condemnation. The tarpaulin covers aquariums and the remainder "set free", in an have been meticulously erected, but they can't apparent attempt to mollify international opinion. completely mask the brutality of the slaughter It is impossible to verify those claims. The unfolding below. Even from the clifftop, it is bottlenose dolphins were still penned in close to possible to hear the hunters' voices and the the shoreline more than 24 hours after they had thrashing of tail fins as their prey make a final, been captured. fruitless bid for freedom. Guardian photographs taken covertly Occasionally a hunter emerges into the during the cull show what appears to be a young gaps between the covers, grimacing as he plunges bottlenose floating, motionless and belly up, just his knife into the water. Minutes earlier the sea beyond the slaughter zone. around him was emerald green. Now it is turning What is clear is that a siege mentality has a deep crimson, the taken hold in Taiji, an isolated morning air tainted with the town of 3,500 on the Pacific stench of freshly drawn coast of Wakayama mammal blood. prefecture. The gruesome Tensions have been spectacle of dolphins being rising and the culls conducted slaughtered for profit has in near-secrecy since 2003, returned to Taiji, just as when two members of the international marine conservation group condemnation Fisheries workers guide what appear to be pilot whales at a cove in Taiji, Japan. Photograph: Robert Gilhooly Sea Shepherd released of the Japanese several dolphins that were being kept in an town's annual cull reaches a crescendo. At least enclosure ready to be slaughtered. 100 bottlenose dolphins and 50 pilot whales have During our visit we were followed at been taken in the first hunt of the season, which almost every turn, ordered not to take began on 1 September. photographs and questioned by the police, who Over the next six months the town's seem to view every foreign visitor as a potential fishermen will catch about 2,300 of Japan's hunt saboteur. None of the residents who agreed annual quota of 20,000 dolphins. The meat from a to talk would reveal their names, and requests for single animal fetches up to 50,000 yen (£330), comments from the town office were ignored. but aquariums are prepared to pay up to £90,000 Criticism of the dolphin hunts intensified for certain types. this summer with the release of the award- In a typical hunt the fishermen pursue winning US documentary The Cove, whose pods of dolphins across open seas, banging metal makers used remote-controlled helicopters and poles together beneath the water to confuse their hidden underwater cameras to record the hunters hypersensitive sonar. The exhausted animals are at work. driven into a large cove sealed off by nets to stop The film, with its graphic footage of the them escaping and dragged backwards into dolphin slaughter, sparked outrage after its secluded inlets the following morning to be release in the US and Australia. Last month butchered with knives and spears. They are then councillors in the Australian coastal town of loaded on to boats and taken to the quayside to be

American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/ Soundings Page 4 October 2009

Broome suspended its 28-year sister-city news," said O'Barry, who trained dolphins for the relationship with Taiji after receiving thousands 1960s TV series Flipper before devoting himself of emails protesting at the culls. to their conservation. "There is an international Taiji is regarded as the spiritual home of tsunami of attention. Japan's whaling industry. The first hunts took "I've been working with dolphins for most place in the early 1600s, according to the town's of my life. I watched them give birth. I've nursed whaling museum, but the industry went into them back to health. When I see what happens in decline after the introduction of a global ban on this cove in Taiji, I want to do something about commercial whaling in 1986. The town, a six- it." hour train ride from Tokyo, is dotted with To many Taiji residents, O'Barry's restaurants serving whale and dolphin sashimi comments typify the hypocrisy they say lies at the and cetacean iconography appears on everything heart of mounting fury at their centuries-old from the pavements and bridge balustrades to tradition of killing whales and dolphins. road tunnels and a wind "I think we are the turbine. victims of a form of racism," Yet in other said one, as we watched the respects it does not have pilot whales being herded out of the feel of a town that sight to be killed. takes pride in its "Westerners slaughter traditions. Last week's cattle and other animals in the pilot whale cull was most inhumane ways conducted in inlets imaginable, but no one says a shielded on three sides by word. Why is it that only Japan steep cliffs and dense gets this kind of treatment?" undergrowth to deter This undated image released by the American The Cove will be released Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) campaigners and shows an Arctic Fox near Kangerlussuaq, Greenland in the UK on 23 October. journalists. Barriers have Photo by AFP , Getty Images been hastily erected along LIST OF THREATENED coastal paths that run through publicly owned ARCTIC ANIMALS IS GROWING land. By Margaret Munro, Canwest Local fishermen point out that the Polar bears may be the most iconic Arctic dolphins and other small cetaceans are not creature threatened by climate change, but they've covered by the whaling moratorium. What critics got plenty of company. regard as the senseless slaughter of intelligent Hooded and ringed seals, Arctic foxes, creatures they see as a legitimate exercise in pest ivory gulls, narwhals and Pacific walruses are control, blaming dolphins for decimating fish also faring poorly as temperatures climb, say stocks. leading northern researchers, who report that "People say dolphins are cute and smart, climate change has "severely perturbed" Arctic but some regions have a tradition of eating ecosystems. dolphin meat," said Toshinori Uoya, a fisheries Just this week, thousands of walruses are official. "Dolphin-killing may be bad for our congregating on Alaska's northwest coast having international image, but we can't just issue an abandoned the retreating ice, the latest in a order for it to stop." growing list of peculiar events unfolding in the The hero of the film is Ric O'Barry, a 69- North. year-old activist who has waged a one-man Rapid and widespread changes have campaign against Taiji's dolphin culls for more occurred across Arctic terrestrial, freshwater and than a decade. "We have to keep Taiji in the

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/ Soundings Page 5 October 2009 marine systems, the scientists say in a report--to CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE U RGES be published in the journal Science--that takes BAN ON SWORDFISH IMPORTS TO stock of the ecological consequences of recent PROTECT W HALES, DOLPHINS AND climate change. Southern creatures such as the red fox are MARINE M AMMALS expanding northward, they say, while many (SACRAMENTO, CA) - Yesterday, the animals that depend on the ice are in trouble and California Legislature urged an immediate ban on some could be headed for extinction. imports of swordfish caught in gear that does not Early spring rains in the Canadian Arctic protect whales, dolphins and other marine has seen ringed seals' birthing dens collapse, mammals as required under the U. S. Marine "leaving newborn pups exposed on bare ice," the Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). international team reports. Polar bear cubs have State lawmakers passed Assembly Joint been suffering a similar fate, it says, noting that Resolution (AJR) 8, authored by Assembly- denning in the Alaskan Beaufort is down 50 per member Bill Monning (D-Carmel), requesting cent, while the number of bears in Hudson Bay is that National Marine Fisheries Service provide down 22 per cent. proof as required by law from any country that The Pacific walrus, which uses ice as a sells fish products to the United States that their feeding and breeding platform, has been hit so fishing practices do not harm or kill marine hard that the U. S. government has been asked to mammals. The U.S. government has failed for 35 list it as a threatened or endangered species. years to document this proof, despite evidence Thousands of walruses abandoned retreating ice showing that foreign fishing fleets capture and floes--and in some cases their pups -- during kill hundreds of thousands of marine mammals 2007's remarkable melt, and headed for rocky every year. shores in Alaska. The same phenomenon appears “By enforcing existing law, the federal to be unfolding again this fall. government will not only encourage importers of "It seems no matter where you look--on swordfish to reduce their marine mammal by- the ground, in the air, or in the water -- we're catch but will also level the playing field for seeing signs of rapid change," says lead author domestic swordfish fishermen who must follow Eric Post, a biologist at Penn State University. our laws,” said Assembly-member Monning. He's heading a study of the biological responses “AJR 8 sends a strong message to the federal to climate change for International Polar Year, government to do the right thing.” The bill was currently wrapping up. supported by Democrats and some Republicans. Red foxes are also moving north, “There’s no reason for whales, dolphins, displacing Arctic foxes. "They're chasing them and seals to die so we can eat swordfish,” said out," says co-author David Teri Shore, Program Director of Turtle Island Hik, a biologist at the Restoration Network, the sponsor University of Alberta and of AJR 8. “Swordfish fleets can executive director of the use better gear and reduce the Canadian International death toll.” Polar Year Secretariat. The legislation supports Hik says the the need for action on a pending impacts of the changing petition to the government ecological dynamics can be requesting the ban under the far-reaching, and in many MMPA by Turtle Island cases are still poorly Restoration Network that attracted understood. more than 45,000 responses to a public comment period that ended in March 2009.

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/ Soundings Page 6 October 2009

Scientists estimate that global fisheries mammals more than 10 million times during the catch about 300,000 marine mammals, including next five years off the U.S. coast alone.” whales, dolphins, seals, and sea lions, each year. http://www.nrdc.org/wildlife/marine/sonar.asp Foreign swordfish fleets, which generally use 4. Preserve or enlarge National Marine Sanctuary gillnets and long-lines, are particularly deadly to Boundaries. marine mammals. 5. Support and enlarge Marine Protected Areas. The MMPA was designed to ensure that 6. Continue the ban of oil drilling off the U.S. fishers are not put at a competitive California coast and the Eastern Pacific Ocean. disadvantage to poorly-regulated foreign fleets, 7. Do whatever is needed to avoid ship strikes of and to put market pressure on foreign nations to cetaceans. reduce impacts on marine mammals. 8. Continue the ban on gill nets and drift nets. Nevertheless, the U.S. government has allowed 9. Continue to monitor the fishing industry, the importation of swordfish from more than 40 setting limits as needed, to prevent depletion of countries without requiring any proof of impacts species (important sources of nutrition for on marine mammals. AJR 8 was approved with humans and cetaceans). Promote sustainable the goal of building momentum to change federal fisheries only. Protect grunion spawning areas. policy and allow domestic swordfish fishermen 10. Continue and improve monitoring of oil leaks and women to compete on an even playing field from private and commercial vessels, and fine with foreign importers of swordfish, as well as to accordingly. protect marine mammals around the world. 11. Ensure that cruise ships, container ships, tankers, etc. are disposing of their waste in an environmentally sound manner. COMMENTS TO O CEAN TASK 12. Reduce the use of plastics and encourage their FORCE, FOCUSING ON NATIONAL recycling. 13. Endeavor to clean up the Great Pacific POLICY Garbage Patch of marine litter, a gyre estimated President Obama has set the executive to be twice the size of Texas, with high branch on course to achieve a new era of concentrations of very small pieces of suspended effective ocean management. The American plastic and other debris. Cetacean Society of Monterey Bay congratulates 14. Continue to monitor and legislate to decrease him on his leadership. Many comments will be agricultural, industrial and residential run-off into made regarding national policy to ensure the ocean. protection, maintenance, and restoration of our 15. Fund research on health and survival of oceans, coast and the Great Lakes. We would like cetaceans, especially the vaquita, the world’s to add our comments to the growing list of smallest porpoise. They live in the northern part concerns that you are receiving from interested of the Gulf of California and are disappearing parties. because they are getting caught in nets set for We believe it is important to: shrimp. Scientists estimate that 150 of them 1. Support educational efforts to alert our remain and will go extinct unless we act now. citizenry of the importance of healthy oceans. Also needing attention are the skin lesions that 2. Support the International Whaling Commission Monterey Bay bottlenose dolphins are exhibiting (IWC) in all its efforts to achieve compliance and the heavy metal concentrations in orcas. from all nations to abide by IWC rules for Thank you for the opportunity to share numbers of cetaceans that may be harvested. our concerns with the President Obama’s Ocean 3. Do all possible to reduce the threat of lethal Task Force. We urge President Obama to issue an sonar. “Even the Navy estimates that increased Executive Order ensuring a long overdue sonar training will significantly harm marine comprehensive National Ocean Policy that

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/ Soundings Page 7 October 2009 maintains and restores oceans, coasts and Great 9/18 2 Humpback Whales Lakes; and protects the long-term survival of 1 Blue Whale whales, sea turtles, sea otter, salmon, polar bears, 1 Dall's Porpoise and all marine life. 9/18 1 Blue Whale We wish you great success in developing 50 Risso's Dolphins 9/17 2 Humpback Whales this policy, implementing reforms to safeguard 1 Blue Whale the ocean’s living resources. OUR FUTURE 200 Long-beaked Common Dolphins DEPENDS ON IT! 40 Risso's Dolphins Sincerely, 9/17 1 Humpback Whale American Cetacean Soc., Monterey Bay Chapter 4 Harbor Porpoise Carol Maehr 9/16 1 Blue Whale Conservation Chair 9/16 2 Humpback Whales [email protected] 1 Blue Whale 9/15 3 Humpback Whales SIGHTINGS compiled by Monterey Bay 6 Killer Whales* 9/14 8 Humpback Whales Whale Watch. For complete listing and updates 1 Blue Whale see www.gowhales.com/sighting.htm 4 Harbor Porpoise 9/13 2 Humpback Whales Date # Type of Animal(s) 5 Harbor Porpoise 9/30 2 Blue Whales 9/13 11 Killer Whales (transient type) 60 Long-beaked Common Dolphins 8 Harbor Porpoise 250 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 1 Leatherback Sea Turtle 30 Risso's Dolphins 9/12 5 Killer Whales (transient type) 125 Northern Right Whale Dolphins 9/12 12 Killer Whales (transient type) 9/28 2 Humpback Whales 10 Harbor Porpoise 60 Killer Whales (offshore type) 9/11 12 Killer Whales (transient type) 25 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 60 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 9/27 3 Humpback Whales 15 Northern Right Whale Dolphins 6 Killer Whales (transient type) 3 Harbor Porpoise 9/26 1 Humpback Whale 9/10 4 Humpback Whales 600 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 25 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 9/26 2 Humpback Whales 55 Risso's Dolphins 200 Long-beaked Common Dolphins 10 Dall's Porpoise 9/25 2 Blue Whales 9/9 4 Humpback Whales 9/23 2 Humpback Whales 250 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 2 Blue Whales 9/9 1 Blue Whale 150 Risso's Dolphins 60 Risso's Dolphins 9/21 3 Humpback Whales 13 Harbor Porpoise 60 Risso's Dolphins 9/8 1 Blue Whale 9/21 13 Killer Whales 9/8 1 Blue Whale 1 Pacific White-sided Dolphin 15 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 75 Risso's Dolphins 9/7 4 Humpback Whales 5 Harbor Porpoise 2 Blue Whales 6 Dall's Porpoise 900 Pacific White-sided Dolphins 9/20 5 Killer Whales 700 Northern Right Whale Dolphins 9/20 5 Killer Whales 7 Dall's Porpoise 9/19 2 Humpback Whales 6 Blue Whales 9/19 5 Humpback Whales 40 Risso's Dolphins

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/ SoundingsAmerican Cetacean Society Page 8 OctoberNonprofit 2009 Monterey Bay Chapter Organization P.O. Box H E U.S. Postage Pacific Grove, CA 93950 PAID www.starrsites/acsmb Monterey, CA Permit No. 338

ACSMB Board Members for 2009 American Cetacean Society Membership Application Chapter#24 Diane Glim, President Randy Puckett, Vice-president New Membership/Subscription ___ Gift Membership/Subscription___ Jerry Loomis, Past-President Renewal ___ Katy Castagna, Treasurer

Name ______Sally Eastham, Membership Gina Thomas, Secretary Address______Email______Diane Glim, Publicity Tony Lorenz, Special Events City, State, Zip______Carol Maehr, Conservation

Membership level ______Barbara Oliver, News Mailing Bob Mannix, Alan Baldridge, Membership levels and Annual dues: Programs Lifetime $750 Patron $500 Contributing $250 Rene Rodriguez, Morgen Puckett, Supporting $75 Foreign $45 Family $45 Active$35 Education Student/Teacher/Senior $25 David Zaches, Dida Kutz, Subscription only * $15/11 issues (*not entitled to membership benefits) Art Haseltine Members at Large Check___Mastercard___Visa___Expiration date______Evelyn Starr, Webmaster Signature______Tony Lorenz, Mary K. Paul, Make checks payable to: ACS/Monterey Bay Chapter Editors Return to: Membership Secretary, ACS Monterey Bay Chapter Email:[email protected] P.O. Box H E Pacific Grove, CA 93950 [email protected]

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings

American Cetacean Society- Monterey Bay Chapter November-December 2009 PO Box H E, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

MONTHLY MEETING AT HOPKINS MARINE STATION, LECTURE HALL BOAT WORKS BUILDING (ACROSS FROM THE AMERICAN TIN CANNERY OUTLET STORES)

Meeting is open to the Public INSIDE THIS ISSUE Date: Thursday, December 3, 2009

Time: 7:30 PM. PLEASE JOIN US AT 7:00 FOR CALENDAR……………...... 2 REFRESHMENTS BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS...7 SPEAKER: ELIN KELSEY, PH. D, CONSERVATION SCIENTIST AND AUTHOR SPERM WHALES ACT AS

CARBON SINK ……………...3 SUBJECT: DISCUSSION OF SELECTED READINGS FROM WATCHING GIANTS: THE SECRET LIVES OF WHALES BLUE WHALE DEATHS ..…...4 OFF THE CALIFORNIA COAST Cetaceans, whales, dolphin and porpoises, have always had an exceptional ability to inspire people in many different ways. They inspire art in TUNA BAN 'JUSTIFIED' BY many forms, they can be archetypal cultural symbols and always seem to evoke SCIENCE …………….…..…5 wonderment and joy when we see them in person. In the past, the cetaceans were also hunted and humans were among the BAN ON SLICING FINS.……..6 hunters. Humans became the best hunters, so good in fact, that many species of FROM LIVE SHARKS cetaceans were driven to near extinction and some to actual extinction by human activities like commercial whaling. SIGHTINGS….…...... ….....7

And yet we now hear about gray whales hugging pongas with people on MEMBERSHIP.…………...... 8 board in San Ignacio Lagoon and about so many other encounters between cetaceans and humans where the frailty of a human in the marine environment is understood, respected and safe-guarded by the cetaceans involved. Have the cetaceans forgotten about the hunting, have they forgiven the hunters…? There must be something to this connection between humans and cetaceans…. Our speaker this month has explored this connection and shares her insights into the world of cetaceans in her book WATCHING GIANTS: The Secret Lives of Whales. This book is … “personal, anecdotal and highly engaging. Watching Giants opens a window on a world that seems quite like our own, yet is so different that understanding it pushes the very limits of our senses. Elin’s … colorful first-person account, drawing from her rich, often humorous, everyday experiences as a mother, a woman and a scientist takes us to the incredibly productive waters of the gulf of California and beyond, to oceans around the world.” Please join us for what promises to be an engaging and insightful peek into the world of whales and the world of marine conservation itself. Watching Giants will be available at the meeting for purchase and signing.

Soundings Page 2 November-December 2009 CALENDAR Feb.3-7 : 7th Annual San Francisco Ocean Film Festival. J' LA Chic Theatre 39 at Pier 39. More Thru-Feb 28, 2010- Darwin: Evolution/ Info to Follow. Revolution. San Diego Museum of Natural History. Feb. 17-20: 37th Annual Meeting of the Pacific Seabird Group. Long Beach, CA. Nov 21-22 (Sat-Sun): “Feathered Friends” at the Lifetime Achievement Award (Dr. Dan Anderson). Monterey Bay Aquarium. Meet Makana the Laysan Albatross and learn about Pacific Seabirds Feb.19- 21: Marine Science Weekend at Camp and what you can do to help them. Ocean Pines. Marine Mammal Field Sketches and Gray Whale Seminar with world renowned marine mammal illustrator Peter Folkiens. Lectures, LOOKING AHEAD TO 2010 field trip to Piedras Blancas and a Boat Trip in search of gray whales and other marine mammals GO WHALE WATCHING WITH ACS Join us early Saturday morning, January will be included in this weekend of marine 16, as we search for California gray whales as they mammal immersion. For more info call Chris pass Monterey during the peak of their annual Cameron at camp ocean pines at 805-927-0254. migration. Local experts will be on board to More info will be included in the January newsletter. identify and discuss the marine life we are sure to encounter. If you go on one gray whale adventure April 27-29 : International Sea Turtle Society: 30th this year, choose to accompany the Monterey Bay Sea Turtle Symposium. Goa, India. Chapter of the American Cetacean Society on this Nov.12-14: The American Cetacean Society 12th annual fundraising trip. All proceeds from the trip International Conference will be held in Monterey are generously donated by Monterey Whale at Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center. Watching to ACS to help fulfill our mission of Local Monterey Bay ACS chapter volunteers are research, education and conservation of whales and needed, and sign-ups will be available at the dolphins. The 2-hour trip departs Monterey Whale monthly meetings Watching on Fishermans Wharf at 7am. ACS members pay $20, and non-members pay $30, which includes a year-long membership to the HHAAPPPPYY HHOOLLIIIDDAAYYSS FFRROOMM TTHHEE world’s oldest whale conservation organization. AAMMEERRIIICCAANN CCEETTAACCEEAANN SSOOCCIIIEETTYY!!!

We’ll be on the largest vessel in the Monterey Wishing our members and friends of whales a fleet, the 100’ Princess Monterey. We anticipate wonderful and peaceful holiday season. Catch the that a group of Salinas students and chaperones holiday spirit at the ACS meeting on December 3. will be on board, many to catch their first view of a Sculptor Randy Puckett will be on hand to unveil whale. his new bronze vaquita sculpture, with proceeds Bring warm clothes, binoculars and benefitting ¡Viva Vaquita!. Save the Whales will be cameras. A comfortable inside galley offers offering their inspiring CD, “Songs to Heal our beverages and snacks for sale. Planet”. Elin Kelsey’s book, Watching Giants – Payment and reservations can be mailed The Secret Lives of Whales, will be available for ahead to ACS, PO Box HE, Pacific Grove, CA purchase and signing. Give an ACS Monterey Bay 93950, or we’ll be accepting payment at the Dec. 3 membership to a friend, sign up for the Jan. 16 meeting. For more information, please call Jerry whale watching trip, or simply decide to make an Loomis at 419-1051, Sally Eastham at 372-6919 or end-of-the-year donation to the Monterey Bay Tony Lorenz at 901-7259. Be at Fishermans Wharf chapter to further our mission of education, by 6:45am on January 16, and we’ll be off to see conservation and research of whales and dolphins. the whales! See you in 2010.

American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings Page 3 November-December 2009

SPERM WHALES ACT AS CARBON SINK recent calculation puts their contribution at 0.3 BY Susan Milius, SCIENCE NEWS percent. That's not huge compared to global output, Oct. 20, 2009 -- Sperm whales in the but it's still 17 million tons of carbon a year. Southern Ocean deserve credit for their fine work Sperm whales, however, feed by diving for pumping iron for climate change, researchers say. squid in the cold depths of the Southern Ocean. These whales have been falsely accused of This zone normally acts as deep storage for breathing out enough carbon dioxide to contribute nutrients, Lavery says. So anything the whales to the greenhouse gas build-up causing climate bring up effectively introduces something new to change, says Trish J. Lavery of Flinders University the upper waters. in Adelaide, Australia. Skimpy levels of iron in the Southern Of course the whales breathe, but earlier Ocean limit growth of the floating meadows of calculations overlooked the potential for whales to plankton there, Lavery says. This limitation has offset their emissions by inspired human introducing extra iron into experiments in the upper zone of water, adding iron to Lavery said October 13 at trigger a big the Biennial Conference on plankton bloom. A the Biology of Marine burst of iron-fed Mammals in Quebec City, organisms would Canada. The extra iron that draw in carbon whales bring up from their dioxide and then deep feeding encourages trap some of it as a plankton growth. That portion of the growth traps carbon, much bloom dies and as human-run iron- sinks into deep cold enrichment experiments in storage. the ocean might, Lavery Using and her colleagues contend. numbers from According to the studies of feeding team's calculations, sperm and nutrition, A sperm whale calf swims next to its mother and a pod of sperm whales Lavery and her whales in the Southern Ocean about four miles off the coast of the Agat Marina in Guam. New estimates should rank as carbon neutral suggest sperm whales' feeding habits help take in carbon. colleagues calculate at least. The animals may AP Photo that each whale brings even be capturing a net 5 million metric tons of up about 10 grams of iron a day from the depths carbon from the atmosphere per year, Lavery says. and then defecates it at the surface. The beauty of Some 210,000 of the world's sperm whales this sperm whale output is that it takes the form of swim around the Southern Ocean during a year, drifting liquid plumes that can feed life in the Lavery says. Whale numbers inspire a lot of upper ocean, Lavery says. She notes that debate, so she averaged results of several experiments with iron have struggled with iron estimates. fertilizers that clump and sink before upper-water The first analysis of whales' effect on plankton can eat all of the goodies. Yet, she says, greenhouse gases determined that warm-blooded those experiments document measurable carbon residents -- with whales as the dominant force -- trapping with even less iron fertilizer than sperm might be respiring 25 percent of the carbon fixed whales contribute. in the Southern Ocean, she says. Later estimates Lavery points out that her calculations can have revised their share downward, and the most show sperm whales as either a net carbon sink or

American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings Page 4 November-December 2009 as carbon-neutral depending on which numbers go miles off the coast. According to Joe Cordaro, into the model. Finding the exact values will take spokesman for the NOAA operation, the Pacific more research, she says, but she wants to call Star was 7.5 miles out, at the coordinates 39 attention to an overlooked mechanism. degrees 22 minutes North, 123 degrees 50 minutes Asked if he's ready to believe sperm whales West. could be carbon neutral, Ari Friedlaender of the Mr. Cordaro downplayed the incident in the Duke University Marine Lab in Beaufort, N.C. local press, saying that whales "aren't paying says, "Of course!" attention in the open ocean" when they are He adds that is he is now thinking about the "feeding, eating, or coming up for air." But basic flip side of whales and climate change: what research into whale behavior will tell you impact climate change will have on them. otherwise. In an interview with Mr. Cordaro, he said BLUE WHALE DEATHS OFF THE that according to a statement provided to him by CALIFORNIA COAST by David Gurney the Pacific Star, they were "doing seafloor On August 31, 2009 an appeals judge lifted mapping, and were contracted by the Hydrographic an existing ban on Navy sonar, and ruled against a Survey Division of NOAA to supply data for lawsuit that would have prevented the U.S. Navy nautical chart updates, and the identification of from resuming sonar training exercises off dangers to navigation." But what kind of "dangers Southern California. The training exercises thus to navigation" were they expecting to find seven commenced on September 11, 2009 off San Diego. miles out to sea? Within two weeks at least three great blue whales Mr. Cordaro could not identify the type of were reported floating sonar being used, and said dead off the Southern he is awaiting that California coast. information. Another blue According to a whale was found October reliable source, the Pacific 12th off Big Sur. Star was just completing its And on Monday, mapping operations for the October 19th yet another California State Marine Life blue whale washed Protection Act that very ashore, this time at Fort weekend. Bragg in Northern Some have openly California. expressed the fear that the The latest incident Pacific Star was engaged in has raised serious exploration for natural gas questions of whether or not the sonar used by the and oil. The type of sonar survey vessel confirmed to have hit the whale used to penetrate deep layers of the earth's crust might have been responsible. According to some would most definitely seriously injure a blue scientists, the type of sonar used by the 78 foot whale. This is not the type of sonar used to map Pacific Star was not powerful enough to have variations of underwater topography. Such pinging contributed to the injury and death of the Fort sonar is similar to a depth finder, and though Bragg blue whale. The vessel was reportedly certainly an annoyance to whales, it is not enough engaged in mapping for the controversial Marine to make them engage in suicidal frenzy. The Life Protection Act (MLPA) now being enacted on deeply penetrating sonar used to for minerals the North Coast. But the Act only covers waters exploration, however, could cause panic and severe under the jurisdiction of the State of California - 3 injury to the extremely sensitive hearing of a blue

American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings Page 5 November-December 2009 whale. This reporter has heard first-hand accounts TUNA BAN 'JUSTIFIED' BY SCIENCE of persons who claim to have heard from shore the By Richard Black loud sonar pulses of offshore geological Banning trade in Atlantic blue-fin tuna is exploration. justified by the extent of their decline, an analysis Does the Pacific Star have onboard the type by scientists advising fisheries regulators suggests. of sonar used to conduct such geological The International Commission for the exploration? If so, was it in use at the time they Conservation of Atlantic Tunas' (ICCAT) advisers struck the blue whale? If their mapping exercises said stocks are probably less than 15% of their for the MLPA were to have concluded just before original size. this incident occurred, what were they really doing The analysis has delighted conservation seven miles out? Officials promoting the marine groups, which have warned that over-fishing risks Life Protection Act are still working out the legal the species' survival. language regarding areas outside the 3 mile limit of ICCAT meets to consider the report in 10 their protected zones, and to this date have not days' time. even officially addressed the issue. So what was a The analysis was triggered by Monaco's survey vessel doing four miles outside the recent proposal to ban international trade in the jurisdiction claimed by MLPA advocates? Atlantic blue-fin under the Convention on The Pacific Star is an independent for- International Trade in Endangered Species charter survey vessel, not owned by the U.S. (CITES) - a proposal that has gathered support government. Such survey vessels can and do work from several other European countries. directly for oil companies. "What's needed to save the stocks is a It is entirely possible, however improbable, suspension of fishing activity and a suspension of that the whale collision was strictly an accident. international commercial trade," said Sergi Tudela, The whale could have struck the ships propellers head of fisheries with the environmental group by its own blundering ineptitude. Or she might WWF for the Mediterranean region. have been disoriented by the ship's sonar. Maybe "We must stop mercilessly exploiting this she had been previously injured by Navy sonar, or fragile natural resource until stocks show clear was simply ill and disoriented. signs of rebound and until sustainable management The intuition and common sense of and control measures are firmly put in place." concerned coastal residents tell them otherwise. The body charged with regulating catches Scientists have already said that judging by fat of the southern blue-fin, a closely related species, content and other indicators, this whale was a has just approved 20% quota cuts across the board. healthy female who had given birth. Only the captain and crew of the Pacific QUOTA EXCESSES Star know the truth of what they were doing and For a number of years, ICCAT has set what happened out there that day. But according to quotas higher than scientists' recommendations. Joe Cordaro of NOAA, the chartered vessel for the The pressure this puts on stocks has been MLPA will be investigated by the Enforcement compounded by illegal fishing for this valuable Division of, you guessed it, NOAA. Unless the species, which according to some estimates adds public demands a full inquiry and investigation, we 30% to the official quota. may never know. Last year, an independent report concluded http://www.oceanprotection.org that ICCAT's management of tuna was a "disgrace", blaming member countries for not accepting scientific advice and for turning a blind eye to their fleets' illegal activities.

American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings Page 6 November-December 2009

The report recommended interim closure of But because of its "controversial and the Mediterranean fishery, where most blue-fin are politically-charged nature", the commission asked caught - a measure that won backing from the US. members to "consider refraining from distributing Frustrated by what it saw as ICCAT's this report" before the Brazil meeting, and it is not inability to control the problem, Monaco's clear if and when it will be posted on the government - supported by conservation groups - organisation's website. submitted its CITES proposal. The proposal will be heard at the CITES BAN ON SLICING FINS FROM LIVE SHARKS meeting in March. If enacted and enforced, it Britain is to ban shark-finning, the would severely hamper the trade. fishermen’s practice of slicing off a shark’s fins Atlantic blue-fin tuna are mainly caught and discarding the body at sea. The move is aimed from countries around the Mediterranean Sea, but at preserving the UK’s remaining sharks from most of the meat is consumed in Asia, particularly destruction by fishermen exploiting Asia’s Japan. booming market for shark-fin soup. Japan has previously argued that British-licensed boats kill thousands of the commercial fish species should be controlled by animals each year, targeting species such as bodies like ICCAT rather than CITES. hammerheads, mako, threshers and blue sharks, "The right thing would be to impose a zero prized for their long tails. quota," said Sue Lieberman, director of Typically, the fishermen cut the fins off the international policy for the Pew Environment shark and discard the rest of it into the sea. Group. Conservationists say many are still alive and die "It wouldn't be forever - stocks will later in agony. recover, but not at current rates of catch." Huw Irranca-Davies, the fisheries minister, ICCAT's scientific committee considered said Britain could no longer tolerate the trade and different ways of analysing the decline - whether to would revoke permits for fin removal. start from estimates of how many blue-fin there He said: “I want the UK to lead the way in were before industrial fishing began, or from the helping protect these vulnerable species. By largest stocks reliably recorded, and according to stopping these permits we will ensure that the different rates of reproduction. wasteful practice that sees fins cut from sharks and They concluded that whichever way the the bodies left at sea does not happen.” data is cut, it is 96% likely that numbers in the east Fishermen would be required to bring the Atlantic and Mediterranean are now less than 15% sharks intact to land before removing their fins, of their pre-industrial-fishing size. drastically reducing the number they could catch CITES guidance suggests this would on each trip. trigger a trade ban for a slow-reproducing fish Conservationists have long questioned species. Britain’s support for a practice widely viewed as For the western Atlantic stock, subject to abhorrent and cruel, especially since the European much smaller catches, the figure is 93% likely. Union introduced legislation to ban it in 2003. At its forthcoming meeting in Brazil, Those rules reduced the trade a little but ICCAT delegates will decide whether to place new industry lobbying left it full of loopholes. One restrictions on catches. clause allowed EU members to grant their vessels "ICCAT's track record isn't too good," special permits to slash fins from the majority of commented Dr Lieberman, "but they could surprise sharks caught, provided a few were landed intact. us." Irranca-Davies’s predecessors then issued Usually, ICCAT makes reports such as this 15 boats with permits to fin sharks. Since then, one publically available. those vessels have killed tens of thousands of

American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Soundings Page 7 November-December 2009 sharks, a destruction that has coincided with sharp 10/11 a.m. 1 Blue Whale population declines in most species. 500 Long-beaked Common Dolphins 200 Risso's Dolphins One mystery, however, is which vessels 300 Northern Right Whale Dolphins and fishermen are involved. The trade is regarded 20 Dall's Porpoise as so sensitive that Irranca-Davies’s department, 10/10 a.m. 6 Killer Whales Defra, refuses to name the vessels or even the ports 1000 Long-beaked Common Dolphins they operate from. One is understood to be Newlyn 300 Dall's Porpoise 50 Harbor Porpoise in Cornwall while the others are in Scotland and 3 Northern Elephant Seals Wales. 1 Northern Fur Seal A Defra spokesman said: “These fishermen 10/9 2 Blue Whales would be threatened and harassed if they were 5 Killer Whales identified.” 600 Risso's Dolphins 120 Dall's Porpoise The trade is driven by the high price of 10/8 p.m. 2 Blue Whales shark fins compared with other fish products. The 15 Pacific White-sided Dolphins fins can sell for more than £100 for 1lb. Ali Hood 100 Risso's Dolphins of the Shark Trust, which has led the fight to ban 50 Northern Right Whale Dolphins finning, said the British move was welcome but 10/8 a.m. 200 Northern Right Whale Dolphins 5 Dall's Porpoise long overdue. 10/6 2 Humpback Whales 50 Long-beaked Common Dolphins SIGHTINGS compiled by Monterey Bay Whale Watch. For complete listing and updates see ¡VIVA VAQUITA! www.gowhales.com/sighting.htm The ¡Viva Vaquita! task force has been busy trying Date # Type of Animal(s) 10/19 a.m. 2 Humpback Whales to spread the word about the world’s most 50 Long-beaked Common Dolphins endangered cetacean, the vaquita. Visit the new 330 Risso's Dolphins website at vivavaquita.org to learn more about this 10 Dall's Porpoise little porpoise that resides just 4 hours south of 10/18 a.m. 3 Humpback Whales San Diego. 10/17 a.m. 1 Humpback Whale 55 Risso's Dolphins 10/16 p.m. 3 Blue Whales 10/16 a.m. 2 Blue Whales BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS 25 Risso's Dolphins 6 Dall's Porpoise The Greatest Show On Earth: The Evidence For 10/15 p.m. 15 Pacific White-sided Dolphins Evolution. By Richard Dawkins. 300 Long-beaked Common Dolphins 200 Risso's Dolphins Eye Of The Whale. By Douglas Abrams. 100 Northern Right Whale Dolphins 10/15 a.m. 4 Humpback Whales Galapagos: Preserving Darwin's Legacy 30 Long-beaked Common Dolphins An up-to-date photographic natural history of the 200 Risso's Dolphins Galapagos Islands. By Tui De Roy. 100 Northern Right Whale Dolphins 10/14 p.m. 1 Humpback Whale 'The World Is Blue' How Our Fate And The 15 Pacific White-sided Dolphins Oceans Are One by Dr. Sylvia Earl. A National 10/14 a.m. 250 Long-beaked Common Dolphins Geographic Publication. 75 Risso's Dolphins 25 Northern Right Whale Dolphins For Young Readers: 10/11 p.m. 3 Blue Whales Billy Twitters and His Blue Whale Problem. 200 Long-beaked Common Dolphins By Mac Barnett. 2 Blue Sharks

American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

AmericanSoundings Cetacean Society Page 8 NovemberNonprofit - December 2009 Monterey Bay Chapter Organization P.O. Box H E U.S. Postage Pacific Grove, CA 93950 PAID www.starrsites/acsmb Monterey, CA Permit No. 338

ACSMB American Cetacean Society Membership Application Chapter#24 Board Members for 2009 Diane Glim, President New Membership/Subscription ___ Gift Membership/Subscription___ Randy Puckett, Vice-President Renewal ___ Jerry Loomis, Past-President

Name ______Katy Castagna, Treasurer Sally Eastham, Membership Address______Email______Gina Thomas, Secretary Diane Glim, Publicity City, State, Zip______Tony Lorenz, Special Events

Membership level ______Carol Maehr, Conservation Barbara Oliver, Mailing Membership levels and Annual dues: Bob Mannix, Alan Baldridge, Lifetime $750 Patron $500 Contributing $250 Programs Supporting $75 Foreign $45 Family $45 Active $35 Rene Rodriguez, Morgen Puckett, Student $25 Teacher $25 Senior $25 Education Subscription only * $15/11 issues (*not entitled to membership benefits) David Zaches, Dida Kutz, Art Haseltine Check___Mastercard___Visa___Expiration date______Members at Large

Signature______Evelyn Starr, Webmaster Make checks payable to: ACS/Monterey Bay Chapter Tony Lorenz, Mary K. Paul,Editors Return to: Membership Secretary, ACS Monterey Bay Chapter Email:[email protected] P.O. Box H E Pacific Grove, CA 93950 [email protected]

American Cetacean Society-Monterey Bay www.starrsites.com/acsmb/