DOCSLIB.ORG

Il Ritorno Delle Balene

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Il Ritorno Delle Balene Il ritorno delle balene Fra il 1904 e il 1965 South Georgia fu l’epicentro della caccia alla balena nell’emisfero sud. Circa 176.500 balene furono massacrate nelle acque intorno all’isola e « lavorate » nelle sette diverse stazioni baleniere: Grytviken (la prima, fondata nel 1904 da Carl Anton Larsen, vedi foto qui sopra), Stromness, Leith (la più grande), Husvik, Prince Olav, Ocean Harbour e Gothul. Nel 1965-66 le balene erano state quasi completamente sterminate. Le basi baleniere vennero abbandonate; stanno arrugginendo e cadendo a pezzi, tranne Grytviken – che è stata in parte restaurata ed è la sede di un prezioso piccolo museo, di un ufficio postale e di un cimitero in cui è sepolto Ernest Shackleton. Poco lontano c’è la base scientifica di King Edward Point, aperta tutto l’anno. Agli inizi del 900 le prime balene ad essere cacciate estensivamente intorno a South Georgia furono le megattere (Megaptera novaeangliae), poi fu il turno delle balene franche australi (Eubalaena australis), quindi delle balenottere e delle balene azzurre: il più straordinario esemplare di balena azzurra, lungo 33,8 metri, fu macellato a Grytviken. Un massacro. Qui sotto: la base baleniera di Leith in una fotografia degli anni 60. Estratto da www.newsdaipoli.it | 1 Il ritorno delle balene La natura tuttavia ha una resilienza straordinaria, miracolosa, e specie che cento anni fa erano state cacciate quasi fino all’estinzione stanno facendo ritorno nella acque di South Georgia: per ora si tratta di megattere e di balene franche australi. « Sono notizie estremamente positive per la popolazione di megattere » dice Jennifer Jackson, biologa marina polare del British Antarctic Survey e primo autore di una pubblicazione apparsa il 5 novembre su Endangered Species Research. “Gli studi di popolazione mostrano che megattere e balene franche australi stanno lentamente recuperando dopo gli anni di caccia intensa nell’Atlantico sud. Una piccola popolazione di balene franche australi si alimenta nella acque di South Georgia e di recente anche numerose megattere hanno cominciato a nutrirsi in quest’area. Sarà interessante verificare se il trend continua nei prossimi anni, anche tenendo conto della variabilità fra un anno e l’altro ». Qui sopra: illustrazione di una megattera (12-16 m) in rapporto alla dimensione di un essere umano. L’oceano intorno alla Georgia del Sud è un habitat eccezionalmente produttivo, quindi ricco di risorse alimentari – non solo per le balene ma anche per milioni di uccelli marini incluse varie specie di pinguini e di albatros, foche da pelliccia (nel passato anche loro cacciate quasi fino all’estinzione) e elefanti marini. Già nel 2018 i ricercatori del BAS si erano recati a South Georgia per studiare la popolazione locale di balene franche australi, rilevando un incremento Estratto da www.newsdaipoli.it | 2 Il ritorno delle balene degli effettivi – che risultavano in buone condizioni di salute. “Un habitat di straordinaria biodiversità come la Georgia del sud ha impiegato decenni per recuperare dall’impatto dell’attività umana“- spiega Emma Carroll, ecologa molecolare esperta di genetica di popolazioni dell’Università di Auckland in Nuova Zelanda (co-autore della pubblicazione su Endangered Species Research). “Le prime a recuperare sono state le specie che si riproducono velocemente come foche e pinguini, adesso è il turno delle megattere. Spero che nei prossimi anni vedremo anche il ritorno di riproduttori più lenti, come le balene azzurre”. Nell’emisfero sud esiste una sola specie di balena franca (mentre nel nord ce ne sono due): sono state cacciate estensivamente fin nelle loro aree di riproduzione. Ogni tre anni le balene franche tornano in baie riparate per partorire (vedi sopra una madre con il suo piccolo): i balenieri le aspettavano al varco per massacrarle. Quando nessuna balena faceva ritorno ….i balenieri si appostavano nella baia accanto, e così via. Erano balene « facili » da cacciare proprio perché fedeli alle loro aree di riproduzione e inoltre – una volta colpite – galleggiavano anziché andare a fondo come le altre specie, perciò’ venivano recuperate senza fatica. Ecco spiegato il nome di « right whale »: le « balene giuste » da cacciare …. Il fatto che le popolazioni di megattere e di balene franche australi stiano recuperando da Estratto da www.newsdaipoli.it | 3 Il ritorno delle balene decenni di massacri perpetrati nel passato è una buona notizia; occorre comunque sottolineare che le balene continuano a far fronte ad altri pericoli: sfruttamento eccessivo delle risorse ittiche e del krill, cambiamento climatico, inquinamento marino incluso quello da materie plastiche, impatti con navi e perdita di habitat…. FOTO DI APERTURA: Grytviken (C) Lucia Simion 2020. Estratto da www.newsdaipoli.it | 4.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Daily Program Friday, 24.02.2017 – Embarkation Ushuaia
    DAILY PROGRAM FRIDAY, 24.02.2017 – EMBARKATION USHUAIA RESTAURANT TIMINGS TEA,COFFEE & COOKIES 15:00 – 17:30 PANORAMA LOUNGE, DECK 7 BUFFET DINNER 18:00 – 21:00 RESTAURANT, DECK 4 15:00 Check-In 21:30 Captain’s Cocktails. Our Expedition Jackets and Check in is on deck 3 and 4. Captain Raymond Martinsen Rubber Boots will be available Suites can check in on deck 7. would like to welcome you on for collection over the coming board and present his officers days. 15:00-17:30 Medical Forms and the Expedition Team. At Please deliver your medical the same time we'll give some We may have the opportunity forms to the Doctor in the information regarding our to stamp your passport at an lobby on deck 4. voyage, in the Panorama Antarctic base during our Lounge, deck 7. voyage. If you would NOT like 15:00-17:30 If you would like a stamp, please see to learn more about our FRAM goes paperless! On Reception, Deck 4. voyage then why not come your first day you will receive and meet some of the the Daily program in printed Most of the time we will use Expedition Team members in version. From tomorrow on our PolarCirkle boats for the Panorama Lounge on deck you will find the daily landings. For organizational 7. information on your cabin’s TV purposes we are going to screen as well as in all public separate you into groups of Approx. 17:30 Mandatory spaces. By doing so we avoid approximately 30 passengers.
    [Show full text]
  • In Shackleton's Footsteps
    In Shackleton’s Footsteps 20 March – 06 April 2019 | Polar Pioneer About Us Aurora Expeditions embodies the spirit of adventure, travelling to some of the most wild and adventure and discovery. Our highly experienced expedition team of naturalists, historians and remote places on our planet. With over 27 years’ experience, our small group voyages allow for destination specialists are passionate and knowledgeable – they are the secret to a fulfilling a truly intimate experience with nature. and successful voyage. Our expeditions push the boundaries with flexible and innovative itineraries, exciting wildlife Whilst we are dedicated to providing a ‘trip of a lifetime’, we are also deeply committed to experiences and fascinating lectures. You’ll share your adventure with a group of like-minded education and preservation of the environment. Our aim is to travel respectfully, creating souls in a relaxed, casual atmosphere while making the most of every opportunity for lifelong ambassadors for the protection of our destinations. DAY 1 | Wednesday 20 March 2019 Ushuaia, Beagle Channel Position: 21:50 hours Course: 84° Wind Speed: 5 knots Barometer: 1007.9 hPa & falling Latitude: 54°55’ S Speed: 9.4 knots Wind Direction: E Air Temp: 11°C Longitude: 67°26’ W Sea Temp: 9°C Finally, we were here, in Ushuaia aboard a sturdy ice-strengthened vessel. At the wharf Gary Our Argentinian pilot climbed aboard and at 1900 we cast off lines and eased away from the and Robyn ticked off names, nabbed our passports and sent us off to Kathrine and Scott for a wharf. What a feeling! The thriving city of Ushuaia receded as we motored eastward down the quick photo before boarding Polar Pioneer.
    [Show full text]
  • 8 Days South Georgia Special Incl. Steeple Jason, Carcass Island, Falkland Islands - Birding Experience the Best of the Sub-Antarctic
    8 days South Georgia Special incl. Steeple Jason, Carcass Island, Falkland Islands - Birding Experience the best of the sub-Antarctic Title: 8 days South Georgia Special incl. Steeple Jason, Carcass Island, Falkland Islands - Birding Dates: 5 Nov - 25 Nov, 2021 Tripcode: JNS21-21 Duration: 20 nights Ship: m/v Janssonius Embarkation: Puerto Madryn Disembarkation: Ushuaia Language: English speaking voyage ITINERARY PLEASE NOTE: All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions and in order to take advantage of opportunities to see wildlife. The on-board expedition leader determines the final itinerary. Itineraries may mention places that require permission to land, which must be granted by the relevant national authorities. Such permission is not granted prior to the publishing of these itineraries. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. Average cruising speed of m/v Janssonius is 10,5 knots. Few places compare to South Georgia in terms of exotic wildlife and jaw-dropping scenery, and the Falklands are no different. On this exploratory voyage you can enjoy both, possibly touring the world’s largest black-browed albatross colony while also seeing some of the biggest breeding spots for king penguins and elephant seals on Earth – along with day after day of amazing polar scenery. Birding: - We will have at least one dedicated expedition guide in our team who will share their expert knowledge about bird species and who will be available to help you identify, photograph on deck and learn more about the birds that we see. In addition to outdoor sessions, our guide will focus on species and related information on the birds of the Antarctic in re-caps and lectures onboard.
    [Show full text]
  • Dandelions at King Edward Point David Nicholls South Georgia-Plan for Progress 9/27/06 5:53 PM Page 47
    South Georgia-plan for progress 9/27/06 5:53 PM Page 46 Dandelions at King Edward Point David Nicholls South Georgia-plan for progress 9/27/06 5:53 PM Page 47 Human Impacts Whaling whales were also taken, although sperm whale populations were less affected as reproductive females are thought to have stayed north of the Before the advent of whaling, the range of the whaling operations. Southern Ocean was teeming with In 1932/33, partly in response to the collapse of the baleen whales, particularly around whale oil market, whaling companies made South Georgia. attempts to regulate and restrict the catch of whales by international agreement. In 1946, the Whaling started on South Georgia in 1904 and con- International Convention on Whaling was signed tinued until the mid 1960s, when it was no longer leading to the formation of the International profitable. South Georgia became the whaling cap- Whaling Commission (IWC), which set limits for the ital of the world, based at land stations and on number and species of whales that could be killed. floating factory ships. Hunting was intensive and In 1982 the IWC voted a moratorium on commer- thousands of whales were taken each year, year cial whaling. The South Georgia Maritime Zone is after year. Both males and females were taken, part of the Southern Ocean Sanctuary established mainly of baleen whales. Small numbers of toothed by the IWC in 1994. Sealing Elephant seal blubber yields an oil equivalent to the highest quality whale oil. The harvest of elephant seals was as important as the pelts of fur seals when sealing started on South Georgia in the late 18th century.
    [Show full text]
  • In South Georgia
    Pacific Insects 14 (3) : 615-625 20 November 1972 DISTRIBUTION PATTERNS OF CRYPTOSTIGMATID MITES (Arachnida: Acari) IN SOUTH GEORGIA By John A. Wallwork1 INTRODUCTION During the years 1962-64 extensive collections of cryptostigmatid mites were made in South Georgia by H. B. Clagg. A preliminary taxonomic report on some of these collec­ tions has already been published (Wallwork 1970) and this, together with an earlier survey (Wallwork 1966) based on material provided by the British Antarctic Survey, allows us to compile a list of 19 species from this locality. The Clagg collections, which have now been examined in detail, comprise just over 300 samples, although not all of these contained cryptostigmatid mites, and some yielded only juvenile specimens which could not be identified to species with any certainty. These samples originate from three different geographical localities, namely the main island of South Georgia, Bird Island and Willis Island, and from a range of microhabitats, so that they provide an opportunity to analyse the effects of geographical and ecological factors on distribution patterns of the mites in this area. All of the species encountered in this latest study have been recorded previously, and this indicates that a representative picture of the faunal com­ position has been obtained. The purposes of the present paper are to interpret distribution patterns in terms of geographical and ecological factors, and to discuss the affinities of the South Georgia cryptostigmatid fauna with that of neighbouring areas in the subantarctic, maritime An­ tarctic and South American regions. The collections were made available through the kindness of Professor J.
    [Show full text]
  • Bittercress on South Georgia 2010
    WEEDS ON SOUTH GEORGIA March 2013 Kelvin Floyd Prepared for: Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Stanley Falklands Date: 30 March 2013 SUMMARY Visits to the Stromness Bay whaling stations this season enabled some gaps in weed distribution data to be filled and the South Georgia weed database was updated to reflect the new information. 75 alien plants have now been recorded on South Georgia with 39 considered to present or have recent records. 32 species are low incidence and sustained control should enable the eradication of these. 3 species have larger populations that will require more resources to contain or eradicate, and 4 species are too widespread for eradication. Eradication of many of the alien plant species from South Georgia is a realistic objective due to the low risk of reintroduction due to the islands location and the biosecurity measures in place. Many of the introduced plants are in relatively small populations and associated with areas of human disturbance, with only a few that have naturalised over much of the island. 29 sq m of Bittercress was sprayed this season down from 373 sq m last season and 617 sq m in 2010/11. 2 sq m of Pearlwort was controlled at Grytviken this season down from 33 sq m last season and 44 sq m in 2010/11. Good control was observed at all low incidence sites followed up this season. Stromness Bay stations received some control on low incidence species but due to the removal of the reindeer this peninsula will be a priority for follow up and further searching.
    [Show full text]
  • South Georgia and Antarctic Odyssey
    South Georgia and Antarctic Odyssey 02 – 19 February 2019 | Polar Pioneer About Us Aurora Expeditions embodies the spirit of adventure, travelling to some of the most wild and adventure and discovery. Our highly experienced expedition team of naturalists, historians and remote places on our planet. With over 27 years’ experience, our small group voyages allow for destination specialists are passionate and knowledgeable – they are the secret to a fulfilling a truly intimate experience with nature. and successful voyage. Our expeditions push the boundaries with flexible and innovative itineraries, exciting wildlife Whilst we are dedicated to providing a ‘trip of a lifetime’, we are also deeply committed to experiences and fascinating lectures. You’ll share your adventure with a group of like-minded education and preservation of the environment. Our aim is to travel respectfully, creating souls in a relaxed, casual atmosphere while making the most of every opportunity for lifelong ambassadors for the protection of our destinations. DAY 1 | Saturday 2 February 2019 Port Stanley; South Atlantic Ocean Position: 21:30 hours Course: Alongside Wind Speed: 16 knots Barometer: 1014 hPa & steady Latitude: 51°41.5’ S in Stanley Wind Direction: SSW Air Temp: 8°C Longitude: 57°49’ W Sea Temp: 8°C After weeks of excited anticipation and long, long flights from around the globe, we finally The sound of seven-short-one-long from the ship’s horn was our signal to don bulky orange landed at the Falklands, our departure port for our South Georgia and Antarctic adventure. lifejackets and gather at the muster station, to sample the ambience of a Polar Class life vessel.
    [Show full text]
  • British Antarctic Territory and Wider Southern Ocean Underwater Cultural Heritage Desk-Based Assessment
    British Antarctic Territory and Wider Southern Ocean Underwater Cultural Heritage Desk-Based Assessment Prepared by MAST For the Government of the British Antarctic Territory February 2020 Maritime Archaeology Sea Trust Registered address: 22 Wycombe End, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire HP9 1NB MAST is a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales number 07455580 and registered charity 1140497. Website: www.thisismast.org British Antarctic Territory and Wider Southern Ocean Underwater Cultural Heritage Desk- Based Assessment CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................ 5 1 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 6 2 STUDY AREA ................................................................................................................... 7 3 PROJECT OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................ 12 4 HISTORICAL CONTEXT .............................................................................................. 13 5 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS........................................................... 47 6 REFERENCES ................................................................................................................. 51 7 APPENDIX ONE: HISTORIC SITES AND MONUMENTS ........................................ 54 8 APPENDIX TWO: STUDY AREAS AND TIMELINES ..............................................
    [Show full text]
  • Environmental Management Plan for South Georgia
    ENVIRONMENTALMANAGEMENTPLAN FORSOUTHGEORGIA Publicconsultationpaper IssuedbyBritishAntarcticSurveyattherequestoftheGovernmentof SouthGeorgiaandtheSouthSandwichIslands February1999 Thisconsultationdocumentsetsoutproposedpoliciesunderconsiderationby theGovernmentofSouthGeorgiaandtheSouthSandwichIslandsforthe futuremanagementofSouthGeorgia.Itisissuedtosolicitcommentand suggestionsfromthepublicabouttheproposedpolicies. TheGovernmentwillconsiderallresponsesbeforefinalisingthepoliciesand makinganynecessarylegislationforthefuturemanagementoftheisland.The GovernmentexpectstopublishthepoliciesinanEnvironmentalManagement Planlaterthisyear. Viewsmaybesubmittedbyindividualsandorganisationsonalloranypartof thisdocument.Wewouldparticularlywelcomeresponsestothequestions posedinSection3. Allcommentsandsuggestionsmustbereceivedby6April1999. PLEASESENDALLCORRESPONDENCEBYLETTER,FAXOR EMAILTO: Dr.E.McIntosh BritishAntarcticSurvey HighCross MadingleyRoad CambridgeCB30ET UnitedKingdom Telephone: +44(0)1223221640 Fax: +44(0)1223362616 Email: [email protected] ENVIRONMENTALMANAGEMENTPLANFORSOUTHGEORGIA Tableofcontents 1. Introduction Page 1.1 Locationandgeneraldescription........................................................ 1 1.2 Discoveryandhistory......................................................................... 1 1.3 Currentlegalstatus............................................................................. 5 1.4 Existingandproposedlegislation....................................................... 6 2. Resourceinventory 2.1 Climate...............................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • To Download Chapter 1
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------1 ----------------------------------------------------------------- 1 Pioneering Era 1.1 : SWEDISH ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION, 1901-04 Despite earlier exploitation, South Georgia remained uninhabited, but proved useful to Antarctic Expeditions, the Swedish no exception. Their ship, SY Antarctic, visited the island 22 April - 15 June 1902 enabling Captain CA Larsen to explore Cumberland Bay. During his stay, Larsen selected the location for his future whaling station. 1902 (12 July) - From Stanley, FI to Sweden - a very early South Georgia related Postcard Face at 40% size E Sent by CA Larsen, when he arrived at Stanley on 11 July with SY Antarctic ex Antarctica, via South Georgia. He wrote to Anna, mother of Dr Otto Nordenskjöld, Expedition Leader, who was then over-wintering at their Snow Hill Antarctic base. The card with SY Antarctic oval marking; cancelled 20 July 1902, and four Stockholm arrival strikes, 22-23.8.02. The photo-card, made on board, showing Nordenskjöld unloading the lifeboat on the beach on 12 February, reads: “18/7 1902 Dear Mrs Colonel, I herewith send you greetings from the winter base as your son, who is bent over the boat, goes ashore on Snow Hill Island. Here at the winter base there is some ice along the beach and rich fossil mountains in the background. I hope to see my friends as happy and satisfied in December as when they went ashore. Sincerely CA Larsen” Postcard - South Georgia pitching the tent in Cumberland Bay, 28 May 1902 Wharton CI-1 Published in 1902 when the Expedition returned to Stanley ---------------------------------------------------------------------2 ----------------------------------------------------------------- 1 Pioneering Era 1.2 : PROJECT ‘PESCA’ With the Expedition returned to Sweden, Carl Anton Larsen set off on 17 September 1904 for South Georgia via Argentina to execute his ambitious Antarctic whaling project centred on a whale oil refining factory to be built at Grytviken with Norwegian technology and skilled Norwegian labour.
    [Show full text]
  • Translocation of Reindeer from South Georgia to the Falkland Islands
    Translocation of reindeer from South Georgia to the Falkland Islands Cameron M. Bell1, 2 & Robert A. Dieterich 3 1 Department of Agriculture, Falkland Islands Government, Airport Road, Stanley, Falkland Islands, FIQQ 1ZZ. 2 Present address: Department of Primary Industries, P. O. Box 2500, Bendigo DC, Victoria, 3554, Australia ([email protected]). 3 P. O. Box 30093, Cromberg, California, 96103, USA. Abstract: This report describes the first translocation of reindeer Rangifer tarandus from South Georgia to the Falkland Islands, in the South Atlantic Ocean. Reindeer were introduced from Norway to the subantarctic island of South Georgia on three occasions in the early 1900s by Norwegian whalers, and today they exist as two discrete herds, numbering approximately 2600 individuals in total. Because of concerns over the impact on native vegetation, the long-term eradication of reindeer from South Georgia has recently been proposed. A translocation of reindeer to the Falkland Islands was undertaken in 2001 by the Falkland Island Government with two objectives: (1) to preserve the genetic resources of at least one of the South Georgia herds; and (2) to facilitate the diversification of the agricultural sector of the Falkland Islands by establishing a commercial reindeer herd. Techniques developed and used in North America for the successful relocation of large numbers of calves were adopted for the translocation. A total of 59 calves (26 females and 33 males) were successfully translocated from South Georgia to the Falklands Islands in 2001, and subsequently produced their first offspring in 2003. Good husbandry practices and an understanding of biology and behaviour are essential for the successful translocation of reindeer.
    [Show full text]
  • The South Georgia Survey, 1955-6
    THE SOUTH GEORGIA SURVEY, 1955- 6 THE SOUTH GEORGIA SURVEY, r 9ss--6 BY LOUIS BAUME ITUATED some 36° west of Greenwich and about 54° south, the rugged and windswept island of South Georgia lies just within the Antarctic Convergence. It is a massive and precipitous upthrust of ice-covered mountain whose principal ranges rise steeply from the Southern Ocean to an altitude of over 9,500 ft. From these frozen heights, swept by winds and hurricanes of vindictive force and uninhabited except for the snow petrel and vagrant skua, innumerable glaciers flow and tumble into the turbulent grey seas. The backbone of this important island consists of the Allardyce Range in the north-west and the Salvesen Range in the south-east, the two being divided by the 2,ooo ft. Ross Pass. The Salvesen Range contains about four peaks of over 6,ooo ft. and about four of over 7,ooo ft., all unnamed and the highest being 7,649 ft. The Allardyce Range can boast some eight peaks of over 6,ooo ft. and about four of over 7,ooo ft. : among these are Sugartop (7,637 ft.) and Nordenskjold (7,725 ft.). Dominating them all, however, is the massive, aloof and oft shrouded summit of Mount Paget, 9,625 ft. above the sea, barely more than 4 miles away. The island, about I 20 miles long and an average of I 5 miles wide, has, particularly along the northern coast, a deeply indented shoreline ; into these many bays and fjords flow unnumbered glaciers the more important of which, at least in their upper reaches, form relatively easy • highways for sledging.
    [Show full text]