2000 News Digest
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15 December 2000
2 November 2000
28 August 2000
25 June 2000
27 April 2000
8 March 2000
More seal mortalities reported from the Caspian Sea - Ecologists from Russia have reported finding seals dying "en masse" along the Caspian Sea shoreline, a further blow to the vulnerable Caspian seal species (Phoca caspica) which has suffered previous mass mortalities (see News, 2 November 2000). It was reported that "The bodies of dead seals can be found every 20-25 metres along the whole shore of the northern part of the Caspian Sea", with up to 5-10 corpses in some places. Representatives of Greenpeace Russia and the Dagestani Natural Reserves Committee were said to be staggered by the scope of the mortality. The reasons for the mortality are unknown, a preliminary examination of over 50 dead seals showing them to be young and in reasonable condition. However strange regular-shaped injuries have been found on many of the dead seals' bodies that may be related to the mortality in some way. For more information, contact Greenpeace Russia at greenpeace.russia@diala.greenpeace.org. (Source: Russian NTV - 26 Nov 2000) (15 December 2000)
In the meantime, the environmental group Green Front of Iran has reported that a number of dead seals have also been found along the Caspian Sea shoreline in the northern Iranian provinces of Gilan and Mozandaran. There are no exact figures for the mortality and although several samples have been taken by the Iranian Department of Environment there has so far been no analysis of the samples due to a lack of funding. For more information, contact Mohsen Soleymani, Green Front of Iran, at int@greenfront.org. (Source: Green Front of Iran [personal communication] - 3 Dec 2000) (15 December 2000)
Alaskan fisheries restricted to protect Steller sea lions - On 1 December the U.S. federal National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) released a Biological Opinion examining the effects of Alaska's groundfish fisheries on Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) and other endangered species (see News, 2 November 2000 for previous news on this issue). The Biological Opinion concluded that, while other factors are also contributing to the decline in sea lion numbers, competition with fisheries in the Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands and Gulf of Alaska that target their most important food sources is a significant factor in their decline. It further concluded that continued fishing for groundfish, including pollock, Atka mackerel and Pacific cod, under existing rules is likely to jeopardise the western population of Steller sea lions and to adversely affect their critical habitat. In order to limit competition between fishing vessels and the sea lions, the NMFS announced management measures to restrict the three affected fisheries, including closure of some fishing areas, spreading of the fishing through seasonal harvest limits, and reduction of the fishery for the sea lions' primary food supply in critical habitat areas.
The contents of the Biological Opinion were cautiously welcomed by environmental groups who said that it was the first time that the NMFS had attempted to examine the effects of a fishery in an ecosystem context. However fisheries representatives have protested angrily at the plans and say that the new restrictions will be very detrimental to the fisheries and cause economic hardship. Alaska Governor Tony Knowles was reported as vowing to fight the Biological Opinion. On 8 December a coalition of major environmental groups delivered a letter to the White House urging the Clinton Administration to oppose any attempts by Congress to undermine the Endangered Species Act. The move came after it was revealed in November that Alaskan Senator Ted Stevens had drafted a rider for one of the remaining federal spending bills aimed at blocking the NMFS from implementing the new management measures. The Clinton Administration proposed in November to pay Alaskan fishermen US$75 million in compensation for losses if the rider were withdrawn, an offer which Senator Stevens rejected.
On 5 December, as a result of the Biological Opinion, federal judge Thomas Zilly lifted an injunction which had banned groundfish trawling in Steller sea lion critical habitat in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska since 8 August. On 9 December the North Pacific Fishery Management Council rejected the new measures by 10 votes to 1. The Council's decision is only advisory and the NMFS stated that it would still implement the restrictions. It is thought that the opening dates for the affected fisheries will possibly have to be delayed until the specifics of the management plan can be implemented. A copy of the Biological Opinion can be obtained from http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/steller/index.htm.
(Sources: American Oceans Campaign - 1 Dec, 5 Dec, 8 Dec 2000; Anchorage Daily News - 10 Nov, 2 Dec, 6 Dec, 8 Dec, 9 Dec, 10 Dec 2000; Earthjustice Legal Defense Fund - 1 Dec, 5 Dec, 8 Dec 2000; ENN - 6 Dec 2000; ENS - 4 Dec 2000; Fairbanks Daily News-Miner - 25 Nov 2000; FIS - 6 Nov, 18 Nov, 22 Nov, 29 Nov, 1 Dec, 1 Dec, 4 Dec, 7 Dec, 8 Dec, 11 Dec, 11 Dec, 11 Dec 2000; Greenpeace USA - 7 Dec, 8 Dec 2000; NMFS - 1 Dec 2000; Seattle Times - 31 Oct 2000) (15 December 2000)
Canadian government set to decrease seal hunt quotas - In a news conference held on 12 December the group International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) revealed that it had received information from within the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans indicating that the Department will lower the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) of harp seals (Phoca groenlandica) for the 2001 commercial seal hunt. Congratulating the government on the decision, IFAW pointed to evidence that the current quota needs to be reduced in order to fulfil the government's own policy of sustainability. The government is expected to make a formal announcement on the quota within the next month. For more information, contact IFAW at canadasealhunt@ifaw.org. (Source: IFAW - 12 Dec 2000) (15 December 2000)
In the meantime the Government of Newfoundland & Labrador announced on 12 December that it is to continue funding the Canadian Sealers Association (CSA), an organisation representing more than 6,000 sealers, to the amount of CAN$50,000. A Government spokesman said that it remained fully committed to the sealing industry in the province and the role played by the CSA. SCS Note - It was reported in May this year that the CSA had lost its funding from the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans as of 31 March and was in danger of being forced to close down. (Source: Government of Newfoundland and Labrador - 12 Dec 2000) (15 December 2000)
Earlier, on 5 November, it was reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Association (FDA) has allowed a qualified health claim on EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids in dietary supplements sold in the United States. The decision is said to have raised the hopes of seal oil producers in Newfoundland. A representative of the seal oil producer Caboto Seafoods said that the decision "puts us closer to a possible reduction in the restrictions on seal oil products". The import of seal products to the United States is currently banned under the U.S. Marine Mammals Protection Act. Seal oil products are allowed in Canada as an alternative dietary supplement and companies are also selling their products in Europe and Asia. The FDA qualified health claim states "The scientific evidence about whether omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease is suggestive, but not conclusive ...". In a press release the FDA admitted that the claim was allowed even though the agency had determined that it did not meet the "significant scientific agreement" standard that had been established previously for similar claims. (Source: St John's Evening Telegram - 5 Nov 2000) (15 December 2000)
Environmental groups continue to criticise Namibian seal hunt - In a 30 October report by the BBC, who have obtained secretly-filmed footage of the Namibian hunt of South African fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus - see News, 2 November 2000), the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) condemned the hunt as cruel, inhumane and inadequately managed. The Namibian government are insisting that the correct killing methods are being adhered to, despite the film appearing to show seals being clubbed at random and not being killed immediately. IFAW's Christina Pretorius commented "We're completely horrified. You could see on those pictures a frenzied kind of clubbing". Animal welfare groups are demanding international monitors at all future hunts. The groups are also arguing that the rationale behind this year's hunt quota increases, supposedly to reduce the seals' impact on fish stocks, is an erroneous one. For more information, contact Jason Bell, IFAW South Africa, at jbell@ifaw.org. (Sources: BBC News - 30 Oct 2000; FIS - 26 Oct 2000) (15 December 2000)
Fishermen blame seals in U.K.'s cod crisis - The current crisis in the North Sea fishing industry, resulting in a European Commission (EC) proposal on 1 December to halve North Sea cod quotas, has resulted in many calls from fisheries interests for a cull of U.K. seals. The EC proposal is seen as a last-gasp measure to save North Sea cod stocks from extinction after it was found that the stocks are now at their lowest levels since records began in 1963. Whiting and Northern hake are also at risk. Environmental groups and other organisations are blaming overfishing, fisheries mismanagement and environmental change for the decline but fishing interests in the U.K. have also been pointing the finger at seals.
On 21 November the Chairman of The Fishermen's Association, Tom Hay, accused grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) populations of rapid expansion and of consuming commercially caught cod, calling for the introduction of a seal management plan. On 26 November the Chairman of the Anglo-Scottish Fishermen's Association, David Shiel, was reported as claiming that the seal population was to blame for dwindling cod stocks and saying that the only way forward was to carry out a cull of the "pests", suggesting a cull of 50,000 grey seals. However scientist John Watkins said that there was no need for a cull and commented that "The biggest threat to fish is fish, next are sea birds, then it's man and then, way down the list, come seals and whales.". A large number of environmental and animal welfare organisations also criticised David Shiel's comments and pointed out that there was simply no scientific evidence that a seal cull would result in increased fish stocks.
On 28 November a member of the Scottish Executive, Highlands and Islands Minister Alasdair Morrison, speaking as Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Western Isles, entered the debate by saying that there should be a proper examination of the facts and a cull undertaken if necessary. Mr. Morrison's statement was backed up by Hamish Morrison, Chief Executive of the Scottish Fishermen's Federation, who is pressing for a "Seal Commission" (see News, 28 August 2000) but opposed by Les Ward, Director of Advocates for Animals who commented that "The main threat to fish stocks has always been overfishing by humans." In the meantime, seals were also being accused of having an effect on dwindling wild salmon stocks as a controversial bill aimed at conserving the fish species was being debated by members of the Scottish Parliament. On 23 November it was reported that Jane Wright of the Scottish Anglers National Association had stated that the number of seals around the Scottish coast was affecting the salmon population.
(Sources: Aberdeen Press & Journal - 8 Nov, 21 Nov 2000; Animal Concern - 26 Nov 2000; BBC News - 6 Nov, 23 Nov, 26 Nov 2000; Born Free Foundation - 27 Nov 2000; ENS - 1 Dec 2000; Guardian - 27 Nov 2000; Orcadian Daily News Online - 30 Nov 2000; Reuters - 3 Dec 2000; Scottish Daily Mail - 27 Nov, 28 Nov 2000) (15 December 2000)
Judge shuts down Hawaiian fishery to protect monk seals - It was reported on 20 November that the U.S. Federal District Court Judge Samuel King had issued an injunction closing down the lobster fishery in order to protect endangered Hawaiian monk seals (Monachus schauinslandi) in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Judge King ruled that the federal National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) was in violation of the Endangered Species Act and National Environmental Policy Act by failing to assess the fishery's impacts on the monk seal. The injunction will remain in force until the NMFS completes an analysis of the fishery's impacts under the ESA as well as an Environmental Impact Statement. Judge King will also hold an additional hearing to determine whether another fishery, the portion of the bottomfish fishery operating in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, is also to be shut down due to adverse impacts on monk seals. The ruling comes as a result of a lawsuit brought by several environmental groups and follows the closure of the lobster fishery by NMFS earlier this year before the season was to open in July (see News, 25 June 2000). For more information, contact Earthjustice Hawaii at eajushi@earthjustice.org. (Sources: Earthjustice Legal Defense Fund - 20 Nov 2000; ENS - 20 Nov 2000; FIS - 28 Nov 2000) (15 December 2000)
Canadian salmon organisation applies to cull seals for study - The Salmon Association of Eastern Newfoundland has submitted proposals for funding to the provincial and federal departments of fisheries in order to study the behaviour of seals around salmon rivers and also to carry out a controlled cull of seals in order to analyse their stomach contents. The Association's aim is to find out what impact seals, in particular grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) and harbour seals (Phoca vitulina concolor) are having on salmonid stocks around the province. The Association's President said that he hoped the studies would commence next spring. (Source: St John's Evening Telegram - 14 Nov 2000) (15 December 2000)
Plan to kill Antarctic seals is cancelled - A plan by Norwegian scientists to kill a total of 80 seals, as well as 90 birds, in Antarctica this summer for research into environmental contaminants (see News, 2 November 2000) has been shelved after the Norwegian Ministry of the Environment rejected the plan. It is thought that the decision came after several international environmental organisations and media had made enquiries about the project to the Ministry. The Director of Research at the Norwegian Polar Institute argued that the decision meant that a valuable chance had been lost for insights into the global movements of pollutants. Greenpeace however welcomed the decision and said that the decision was "an appropriate response, given the existing level of threats to the environment in Antarctica". The research project, for which the use of non-lethal sampling techniques was one alternative proposed by environmental groups, would have seen the lethal sampling of 20 each of crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophagus), Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii), leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx) and Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella). (Sources: Antarctican - 7 Nov, 17 Nov 2000; ENS - 17 Nov 2000) (15 December 2000)
Reserve created to protect Northwestern Hawaiian Islands - The United States President Bill Clinton announced on 4 December the creation of the single largest reserve ever established in the country, protecting a large area of Hawaii's pristine coral reefs. The reserve, called the Northwest Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve, is to cover 339,260 sq. km (34 million hectares) along a 1,930km chain of Hawaiian islands and will encompass nearly 70 percent of the coral reefs in the United States. The area is home to the endangered Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) as well as providing habitat for other protected species. "This area is a special place where the sea is a living rainbow", said President Clinton, who also stated that the reserve would set a new global standard for the protection of reefs and marine wildlife. Oil, gas and mineral production and exploration will be banned in the reserve, commercial and recreational fishing will be capped at current levels, the removal of coral will be banned, and dumping will be prohibited. In addition, stricter regulations will apply in 15 special areas. Native Hawaiian subsistence fishing and cultural uses will be allowed to continue. (Sources: American Oceans Campaign - 4 Dec 2000; Center for Marine Conservation - 4 Dec 2000; ENN - 5 Dec 2000; ENS - 13 Nov, 4 Dec 2000; Environmental Defense - 1 Nov 2000; National Geographic News - 5 Dec 2000; Natural Resources Defense Council - 4 Dec 2000; Reuters - 6 Dec 2000) (15 December 2000)
Increased seal strandings in Ireland and Wales - The Irish Seal Sanctuary (ISS) reported in its December 2000 newsletter that it had 29 grey seal pups (Halichoerus grypus) at the Sanctuary, the highest number ever in its care at one time, and that calls about stranded seals were still coming in. Most of the seals were weaned pups which were being washed up on the coasts a number of weeks after weaning, weighing not much more than at birth. Over half of the seals were found in County Wexford, where more than 20 dead seal pups have also been washed up so far. The ISS has requested that the authorities investigate the deaths. Across the Irish Sea, Welsh Marine Life Rescue (WMLR) said in December that they had so far rescued 34 grey seal pups this season, another record, and that 18 of the pups had died. Symptoms such as milky white eyes, mouth ulcers, swelling in the lower jaw and gums, crumbling jaws, brittle bones and flu-like symptoms have been reported from one or both of the organisations. For more information, contact the ISS at iseal_sanctuary@hotmail.com or WMLR at tinap.martin@tesco.net. (Sources: Irish Times - 25 Nov 2000; ISS - Dec 2000; WMLR [personal communication] - Dec 2000]) (15 December 2000)
Potential seal-fisheries conflict highlighted in Australia - A warning of increased interactions between Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) and fisheries was given by Macquarie University marine mammal scientist John Arnould at a Bass Strait Forum meeting. Severely reduced by hunting until the early 20th century, numbers of the species have increased in recent years and fur seals are being seen more frequently along the Victorian coast. Dr. Arnould told the Forum that the high percentage of commercially fished species in the fur seal's diet could mean greater conflict with the fisheries. This year the blue grenadier fishery of western Bass Strait trialed seal exclusion devices after 87 fur seals died in factory trawl nets in 1999, with reportedly successful results. Seafood Industry Victoria said that seals have become an increasing nuisance to some fishermen but recognised that seal eco-tourism generates significant income, thought to be about AUS$10 million per year in Victoria. (Source: Melbourne Age - 5 Dec 2000) (15 December 2000)
Seals threatened by oil pollution in England - It was reported on 10 November that a surge in marine oil pollution in Cornwall following recent storms was threatening grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) in the county. The Cornwall Wildlife Trust said that the bad weather had stirred up old oil spills and washed ashore oil from small-scale leaks and the cleaning of ships' tanks at sea, and that the oil had been working its way into sea caves where seal pups are found at this time of year. Seal researcher Stephen Westcott said that stormy seas in autumn bring large amounts of oil ashore along the Cornish coast about twice each decade. For more information, contact Stephen Westcott at stephen@cornwt.demon.co.uk. (Source: This is Cornwall, 10 Nov 2000) (15 December 2000)
Helicopter landing platform a possibility for Canadian seal viewing - The tourist authority of the Îles de la Madeleine in the Canadian Gulf of St. Lawrence has put a CAN$2.3 million funding request to Développement Économic Canada for a project to save its seal-watching industry. The income generated by taking international tourists by helicopter out to see the harp seal (Phoca groenlandica) whitecoat pups on the ice floes for a three-week period each spring is substantial but the activity has suffered in recent years due to bad and unpredictable ice and weather conditions in the Gulf, providing less opportunity for helicopters to land on the ice. The proposed project would fund a boat with helicopter landing facilities which would be stationed in the ice floes during the season and act as a heliport from which tourists could be taken to and from the ice. (Source - CBGA-FM - 24 Nov 2000) (15 December 2000)
U.S. Air Force says rocket launches should not disturb sea lions - The U.S. Air Force says that its plan to launch eight rockets from Kodiak Island over the next eight years should not have significant impacts on local Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) and eider ducks. Its environmental assessment, published in October, said that it expected the sea lions, which have a non-breeding haulout on Ugak Island, a few kilometres from the launch complex and almost directly under the rocket path, to head for sea when a rocket is launched. Populations of Steller sea lions in the region have declined in recent years and are considered a "special status species" by the Air Force. The assessment is available at http://ax.laafb.af.mil/axf/announce.htm. (Source: Anchorage Daily News - 22 Nov 2000) (15 December 2000)
Fisherman charged with illegally shooting Steller sea lions - A commercial salmon fisherman from western Alaska, Stanley Pedersen, has been charged in a U.S. District Court in Anchorage with illegally shooting an undisclosed number of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) between July and September 1999. Federal authorities are seeking the forfeiture of Pedersen's boat which he is alleged to have used while killing the sea lions. If convicted, he faces up to a year in prison and a US$100,000 fine. Pedersen also faces firearms charges with higher penalties. The Steller sea lion's numbers have dropped dramatically in western Alaska recent years and the species is classified as Endangered. (Source: FIS - 5 Dec 2000) (15 December 2000)
Public upset by branded sea lions in New Zealand - Tourists at Kaka Point in New Zealand are reported as having been shocked at the sight of hot-iron brand marks on New Zealand sea lions (Phocarctos hookeri) turning up at the Point. One resident commented that foreign tourists were shocked and very distressed at the sight of branded sea lions, a sea lion found at the Point on 9 December being the fourth of its age to turn up in the area in the past two weeks and the third with a large number etched on its side. The sea lion was one of 300 pups branded at 5-10 weeks old on the subantarctic Auckland Islands in January for monitoring and identification purposes. A total of 134 adult females were also branded.
The New Zealand Department of Conservation has stated that the branding, which was stopped in April after an internal review (see News, 25 June 2000), will not be repeated due to its unacceptability to the public, and commented that the method had been trialed as it was kinder than using tags on the sea lions' flippers. The tracking and identifying of individuals, it said, was essential to gathering more information on the species' breeding habits. On 30 November one of the veterinary surgeons who took part in the branding programme, Massey University marine mammal scientist Padraig Duignan, said that he was angry at the accusations of cruelty and at claims that the sea lions had been injured or infected as a result of the branding. Dr. Duignan said that no evidence of infection or injury had been found in the branded sea lions. (Sources: Ananova - 30 Nov 2000; Stuff - 11 Dec 2000) (15 December 2000)
Sea lion with missing jaw successfully rehabilitated in California - A California sea lion (Zalophus californianus californianus) which has adapted and flourished in the wild despite lacking her lower jaw, was released back into the Pacific Ocean on 11 November after a period of rehabilitation at the Marine Mammal Care Center at Fort MacArthur (MMCC/FM). The sea lion was originally brought in to the Center for treatment unrelated to her missing jaw, which she had lost to unknown causes long ago, and she is being described by staff at the Center as "one of nature's inspirational survivors". She was released with a tracking device so that researchers can look at the nature of her foraging behaviour, given her special feeding needs and abilities. The sea lion's progress can be viewed on the WhaleNet web site at http://whale.wheelock.edu/whalenet-stuff/stopMalia. For more information, contact Hugh Ryono, MMCC/FM, at HugeRhino@aol.com. (Source: MMCC/FM - 13 Nov 2000) (15 December 2000)
Elephant seal pup finds new home in Tasmania - A female Southern elephant seal pup (Mirounga leonina) generated much public interest when she was born towards the end of October on Main Beach in Dover, southern Tasmania, only the third time in recent years that a Southern elephant seal has been born on mainland Tasmania. The pup put on weight rapidly and when the mother abandoned her in order to feed herself up after the pup had been weaned, as is normal, the Environment Department stepped in. In a complicated operation on 18 November the Department relocated the pup to Maatsuyker Island off Tasmania's south coast, where two other elephant seal pups had been born. After weaning, Southern elephant seal pups normally socialise with other pups while they convert their body fat to muscle and learn to dive and feed. It was reported on 27 November that the seal pup was settling in well to her new home and was playing with the other pups. Large colonies of Southern elephant seals used to exist around the Tasmanian coast until they were exterminated when Europeans settled in the region. (Sources: ABC News - 8 Nov, 16 Nov, 19 Nov, 20 Nov, 27 Nov 2000; Hobart Mercury - 14 Nov, 18 Nov, 19 Nov 2000; PM Radio - 9 Nov 2000) (15 December 2000)
Sea lion found trapped in storm drain in California - A 160kg California sea lion (Zalophus californianus californianus) was involved in a rescue operation after being found trapped in a dry storm drain into which it had wandered in Port Hueneme, Ventura County. The alarm was raised when two young boys heard a strange barking noise coming from the street and spotted the sea lion's nose poking through the storm drain. Five hours later, to the cheers of a large crowd of people, a team of two dozen rescue workers finally managed to free the sea lion, which had been sedated, by pulling it through a manhole. The sea lion was then returned to the ocean nearby. Involved in the rescue efforts were the County's Fire and Animal Regulation Departments, the State Fish and Game Department, police, the County's urban search and rescue team, and public works employees. One local squid fisherman spent an hour at the scene sewing together pieces of squid fishing net to form a cradle on to which rescue workers slid the sea lion so that it could be lifted out of the drain. (Source: Los Angeles Times - 6 Dec 2000) (15 December 2000)
Elephant seal rescued after taking refuge in South African toilet - A one-year-old Southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) that turned up on a beach in Cape Town at the end of November was rescued and relocated by staff of Marine and Coastal Management on 6 December. The action was taken after members of the public had been harassing the young seal by trying to chase it into the sea, throwing sand at it, and walking close by to try and make it react, so much so that the seal was forced to take cover in a public lavatory in a nearby parking lot. The seal was transported to a private section of a nearby nature reserve so that it could have some peace to finish its moult. It is thought that the young seal may have come from a colony in Gough Island, about 1,500 nautical miles south-west of Cape Town. A small number of elephant seals visit the South African coastline each year. (Source: Cape Town Cape Times - 7 Dec 2000) (15 December 2000)
Second sea otter seen killing seal pups in California - Scientists are baffled by the fact that a second adolescent male sea otter has been seen sexually assaulting and drowning harbour seal pups (Phoca vitulina richardsi) in the waters of Elkhorn Slough, Monterey Bay. The attacks are taking a similar pattern to those already being carried out in the area by a 5-year old male sea otter named "Morgan" (see News, 2 November 2000). It is thought that more than a dozen young seals have been killed by the otters over the past three months. Witnesses say that the otters attempt to have sex with the seal pups before shoving them underwater long enough to drown them. There are concerns as to the effect on the local seal population, particularly with the seal pupping season due in March. Unlike Morgan, who was found abandoned shortly after birth and raised in a rehabilitation centre, the second sea otter is wild. Scientists say that the sea otter behaviour is extremely unusual and attempts to capture and relocate Morgan have so far failed. (Sources: AP - 9 Dec; San Francisco Chronicle - 10 Dec 2000) (15 December 2000)
Elephant seals to be part of major marine life tagging programme - The world's first major marine life census, a 10-year US$1 billion global programme entitled "The Census of Marine Life", intended to assess the diversity, distribution and abundance of marine life in the world's oceans, is set to include a project to tag and track 4,000 - 5,000 animals in the northern Pacific. An international gathering of scientists was held in November at Stanford University in the United States to discuss the technology involved and species covered by the pilot "Tagging of Pacific Pelagics (TOPP) Project" which is due to start in 2002. The TOPP Project builds on the earlier successes of the satellite tagging and tracking of Northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) and bluefin tuna, and will once again include the elephant seals as one of the species to be tracked. The electronic tags employed will be used to record not only biological data, such as swimming speed and dive depth, but also environmental data such as water temperature and salinity. (Sources: CBC News - 17 Nov 2000; National Geographic News - 21 Nov 2000; San Jose Mercury News - 14 Nov 2000) (15 December 2000)
Problem of thinning ice in the Arctic region highlighted - Two scientists from the Scott Polar Research Institute in Cambridge, U.K., have found evidence that sea ice is thinning across the Arctic. Dr. Peter Wadhams and Dr. Norman Davis say that their work shows that the ice over a large area of the Arctic Ocean from Fram Strait, between Svalbard and Greenland, to the North Pole thinned by 43% between the summers of 1976 and 1996. The extent to which they found that the ice had thinned agrees with results published last year for thinning rates from the North Pole to the Bering Strait. The scientists' work, the measurements for which were taken from U.K. submarines, is reported in the journal Geophysical Research Letters. SCS Note: Thinning sea ice may have serious effects on the various pinniped species that depend on the Arctic ice for habitat. (Source: BBC News - 7 Dec 2000) (15 December 2000)
A new video was earlier released on 16 November by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) highlighting the effects of climate change on the Inuit people in Canada. One of the problems encountered by residents has been the increased difficulty in hunting seals and polar bears due to thinning ice conditions. Reduced sea ice is also thought to have led to more young bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) being separated from their mothers and starving. The video can be viewed at http://iisd.ca/casl/projects/inuit_video.htm. (Sources: AP - 15 Nov 2000; Sources: IISD - 16 Nov 2000) (15 December 2000)
Agreement reached to ban persistent organic pollutants - In a much-applauded move, delegates from more than 120 countries reached a deal in Johannesburg on 10 December to ban the manufacture and use of highly toxic persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The adverse effects of POPs include death, disease and birth defects among humans and animals. The effects of POPs on pinnipeds are exacerbated by the fact that they are readily absorbed in fatty tissue, do not degrade in the environment and accumulate through the food chain. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been linked to reproductive failure and immune system suppression in pinnipeds and high levels of various POPs have been found in pinnipeds world-wide. The agreed treaty should be signed by ministers at a UN meeting in Stockholm in May 2001 and will formally come into force when it becomes law in 50 nations, a process expected to take 4-5 years. (Sources: BBC News - 10 Dec 2000; ENN - 3 Dec 2000; ENS - 4 Dec, 4 Dec 2000; Greenpeace USA - 10 Dec 2000; New Scientist - 11 Dec 2000; Reuters - 12 Dec 2000) (15 December 2000)
Captivity Briefs ...
Officials from Cincinnati Zoo, USA, have announced that the third and last of the Pacific
walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) which it obtained as calves from the wild
in Alaska in 1996 has died. The 4-year old female "Patu" was found dead on 29
October in a pool at the zoo's walrus exhibit. The cause of death has not yet been
determined. Pacific walruses have a life expectancy in the wild of 35-40 years. The first
walrus "Siku" died on 26 February 1998 of an intestinal blockage and the second
"Tuwak" on 21 March of this year due to undetermined causes. A Zoo spokesman
said that it was considering using the vacated marine mammal exhibit for sea lions, otters
or seals. (Source: Cincinnati Enquirer - 7
Nov 2000) (15 December 2000)
Moscow Zoo is making a public appeal to help its ten walruses (Odobenus rosmarus) which are suffering from severe toothache. A British dentist who specialises in animal dentistry is to fly out to Moscow to treat the walruses as soon as the zoo has raised the money. Most of the walruses have ground down their tusks on the concrete in their enclosure while others have developed tooth decay. (Source: BBC News - 23 Nov 2000) (15 December 2000)
The Orange County Zoo in California began construction on a US$150,000 harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) exhibit at the beginning of November, its first ever marine mammal display. The exhibit will house two females and a male, all 16 years old and from the American Wilderness zoo at the Ontario Mills Mall which closed in June. The exhibit is due to open in early spring 2001 at the latest. (Source: Orange County Register - 9 Nov 2000) (15 December 2000)
Related News ...
A peer-reviewed report was released by the U.S. National Research Council on 9 November
providing strong scientific support for the establishment of a national system of
protected marine areas in order to promote an ecosystem-based approach to marine
conservation and management. The report comes after President Clinton issued an executive
order in May requiring federal agencies to develop a scientifically based plan for
establishing a national system of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), geographically defined
areas where human activities are limited. Marine Protected Areas where the removal or
disturbance of some or all living resources is completely prohibited currently cover less
than 1% of U.S. waters. The report criticises conventional approaches to marine
management, which usually focus on individual species, as inadequate. (Sources: ENN - 12 Nov 2000; National Research Council - 9 Nov 2000; NOAA - 9
Nov 2000) (15 December 2000)
The high speed patrol vessel "Sirenian", operated by Sea Shepherd International, left Los Angeles on 7 December to head for the Galápagos Islands where it will begin a five year tour of duty on conservation patrol in the Galápagos Marine Reserve. The patrol will cooperate closely with the Galápagos National Park Service and the Ecuadorian Navy. The move comes at a time of tension between conservationists and fishermen on the islands. In the week of 17 November fishermen, demanding the extension of the lobster fishing quota beyond limits set earlier this year, ransacked several facilities of the National Park and the Charles Darwin Research Station, smashed and burned files and equipment, threatened employees and stole baby Galápagos tortoises that were being reared. Only one in a series of recent disputes and acts of aggression and violence from the islands' fishermen, the incident has caused grave concerns as to the future of conservation efforts in Galápagos. SCS Note: The Galápagos Islands are home to the Galápagos sea lion (Zalophus californianus wollebaeki) and the Galápagos fur seal (Arctocephalus galapagoensis). For more information, contact Paola Díaz, Charles Darwin Research Station, at infocdrs@fcdarwin.org.ec or Sea Shepherd International at seashepherd@seashepherd.org. (Sources: Charles Darwin Foundation - 15 Nov 2000; ENN - 21 Nov 2000; ENS - 22 Nov 2000; Melbourne Age - 30 Nov 2000; Sea Shepherd International - 27 Nov, 5 Dec 2000) (15 December 2000)
Environmental groups are warning that krill stocks in Southern Ocean waters could become the target of heavy fishing efforts, thereby harming Antarctic marine species that rely on the stocks for forage. An increased allowable fishing level for krill of 4 million tonnes was established by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources at the beginning of November, and the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC) warned that this level could potentially open "harvest floodgates" on the exploitation of krill if large corporations find an economic means to tap it. There is concern that the effects of the krill fishery on the local food chain and on various Antarctic marine predators, including pinnipeds, are not sufficiently known. Between 90,000 - 100,000 tonnes of krill are currently fished annually in the Southern Ocean, principally by Japanese vessels, and commercial interests in Norway and Canada have also expressed a desire to fish for the species. For more information, contact Beth Clark, The Antarctica Project, at antarctica@igc.org. (Source: FIS - 9 Nov 2000) (15 December 2000)
The Australian federal Environment and Fisheries Ministers announced the launch of a new "SeaNet" network on 28 November, an initiative aimed at reducing bycatch in the commercial fishing industry, including the bycatch of marine mammals. The new network will involve conservation, fishing industry and Government agencies working together to develop practical solutions to bycatch problems facing the industry, and will act as a clearing house for bycatch reduction innovations developed both domestically and internationally. (Source: Department of the Environment - 28 Nov 2000) (15 December 2000)
A US$1.2 million grant from the Pew Charitable Trusts will help researchers from Duke University's Nicholas School of the Environment and elsewhere to conduct a comprehensive study of the pelagic longline fisheries industry. Pelagic longlining targets fish such as tuna, swordfish and sharks, and is characterised by multiple lines of baited hooks. The study will provide the first global assessment of the cumulative impacts of the longline industry on target species, protected resources, marine food webs and ocean ecosystems, allowing the research team to provide public policy makers with detailed information on the fisheries' impacts. Longlining inadvertently kills a large number of non-target species, including pinnipeds. (Source: ENS - 30 Nov 2000) (15 December 2000)
Features ... - The following pinniped-related feature articles have recently appeared in the media:
Mysterious Deaths Deepen Concerns About Russia's "Sacred Lake" [Threats facing Lake Baikal and the Baikal seal (Phoca sibirica)] (Source: National Geographic News - 1 Dec 2000)
Warming menaces ocean ecosystem: Is the change cyclical or brought about by human activity?[Changes in the Pacific Ocean ecosystem] (Source: San Francisco Examiner - 19 Nov 2000)
Hood Canal's species war [The interactions of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina richardsi) and summer chum salmon in Washington State, USA] (Source: Seattle Times - 5 Nov 2000)
Scientists Study Strange Case of Cannibalism Among Sea Lions [New Zealand sea lions (Phocarctos hookeri) in the Auckland Islands - reported in News, 2 November 2000] (Source: National Geographic News - 8 Nov 2000]
Namibian seal hunt accused of cruelty - Environmental groups have described the Namibian hunt of South African fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) (see News, 28 August 2000) as cruel, unlawful and uncontrolled after footage of the hunt was screened on the TV programme Carte Blanche on 1 October. The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)'s Jason Bell said that the footage confirmed that regulations regarding the killing of seals were not being adhered to due to insufficient supervision of the hunters and urged that the hunt be more closely monitored by the government and also that animal welfare organisations be permitted to monitor the hunt. He commented that the TV footage of the hunt showed groups of hunters indiscriminately lashing out at seals in a frenzied manner and without the use of the obligatory "stickers" (used to stab seal pups in the heart after they have been clubbed to ensure immediate death). In a letter to the Namibian Fisheries Minister Abraham Iyambo on 4 October the Wildlife Society of Namibia said that it was deeply disturbed about the scenes shown in the footage and complained about the Society's inability to obtain a permit to observe the hunt, saying that it had been "blocked once again at every corner" despite government assurances. The Society also recommended that full-time monitors be appointed to observe all hunt activities.
On 19 October the Wildlife Society of Namibia reported that students in Swakopmund carrying out field studies had come across a number of young seals either dead on the beach or swimming lamely in shallow waters. As a result they carried out a proper survey of a 20km stretch of beach and found 50 dead seals, 42 of which had non-natural injuries to the head such as broken skulls, smashed upper jaws and broken necks. The remainder of the seals were in a too advanced state of decomposition for proper identification of presumable cause of death. The Society commented that lacking a more plausible explanation the seals' injuries had been caused by the hunt at Cape Cross. For more information, contact Jason Bell, IFAW South Africa, or the Wildlife Society of Namibia. The Wildlife Society of Namibia has a seals web page. (Sources: Cape Town Independent Newspapers - 2 Oct 2000; Wildlife Society of Namibia - 4, 19 Oct 2000) (2 November 2000).
Alaskan Senator attempts to remove sea lion protection - The actions of Alaskan Republican Senator Ted Stevens, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, faced a great deal of opposition from environmental groups in the United States after it was revealed that he was attempting to undermine recent protection given to the endangered Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus). It became known in October that Senator Stevens was working with the fishing industry to add a "rider" to a U.S. Congress appropriations bill, thereby suspending the application of various environmental laws, including the Endangered Species Act (ESA), to the Alaskan groundfish trawl fisheries for as long as two years. This action would effectively negate a federal court ruling in July which banned the fisheries near Steller sea lion critical habitat until it could be proven that the fisheries were not adversely affecting the declining sea lion population (see News, 28 August 2000).
The Earthjustice Legal Defense Fund (ELDF)'s Janis Searles called the proposed rider a "frontal assault on the Endangered Species Act" and said that it would "strip away the protections endangered sea lions need and would try to exempt the biggest fishery in America from environmental laws. Suspending the ESA as a favour to big fishing interests puts our natural resources at risk and we know that's just plain wrong". Various environmental groups launched campaigns for members of public to lobby their representatives against the proposals and there was also reported to be growing opposition in Congress to the rider. The issue is still ongoing at the time of writing of this news article.
In the meantime the federal National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced on 20 October that it in order to give its biologists time to incorporate all of the best available scientific information, it had decided to delay the public release of a comprehensive biological opinion on the impacts of the groundfish fisheries on the Steller sea lion that the federal court judge had requested by 31 October. The biological opinion is now expected to be released on 30 November. It is thought that if the judge is still not satisfied with the resulting opinion then he could also close the fisheries for the next major season starting in January 2001.
Earlier, on 11 September, the Alaskan Governor Tony Knowles announced that, in an attempt to counter the federal court decision, he had written to President Clinton as well as announcing a "Sea Lion Restoration Team" and directing the Alaskan attorney general to join fishermen in appealing the federal court decision. An attorney with the environmental group Trustees for Alaska, Jack Sterne, commented at the time that he didn't think that the Governor's moves were a constructive use of the state's time and resources. For more information, see the Greenpeace USA Press Release, the ELDF Press Release and the NMFS Press Release. (Sources: Anchorage Daily News - 12 Sep, 19 Oct 2000; AP - 26 Oct 2000; ELDF - 19, 26 Oct 2000; ENS - 23 Oct 2000; Fairbanks Daily News-Miner - 1 Nov 2000; Greenpeace USA - 24 Oct 2000; NMFS - 20 Oct 2000; PR Newswire - 20 Oct 2000; Reuters - 13 Sep 2000; Seattle Times - 19, 31 Oct 2000) (2 November 2000)
Survey shows decrease in Steller sea lion numbers - Results of an aerial survey of the habitat of the endangered Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) in the Aleutian Islands and Gulf of Alaska carried out by the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service in June and released in late September indicate a 9.8% decline since the previous survey in the summer of 1998. A separate surface count of newborn pups in nine rookeries showed no decline in the number of pups there since 1998. (Source: Anchorage Daily News - 3 Oct 2000) (2 November 2000)
Tasmania allows killing of fur seals - It was revealed on 19 October that, despite their protected status, the Tasmanian government is to allow the killing of Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus), that are deemed to be a hazard to fish farms and commercial fishermen. The decision comes after strong pressure from the fishing community following events in which increasingly bold male fur seals are said to have been aggressive towards fishermen and fish farmers, one fish farm worker having been bitten on the leg. A new "three strikes" protocol will result in offending fur seals being tagged and transported to waters on the other side of the island but euthanased by a vet if caught twice more. The Humane Society International's Nicola Beynon protested at the decision, saying that any sanctioned killing of seals was unacceptable and that it was outrageous to propose the killing of seals for the sake of commercial interests. For more information, contact Nicola Beynon. (Sources: Melbourne Age - 19 Oct 2000; South Australian Advertiser - 19 Oct 2000; Sydney Morning Herald - 19 Oct 2000) (2 November 2000)
Baikal seal survey shows declining population - A survey of Baikal seals (Phoca sibirica) on Russia's remote Lake Baikal carried out by Greenpeace in April and made public on 6 September has revealed that the total number of seals has decreased from 104,000 to 85,000 since the last survey in 1994. The survey also concluded that the mortality rate among seal pups has risen two to threefold and that the seal population is rapidly ageing, resulting in a drastic decline in the number of seals capable of reproduction. Greenpeace Russia immediately urged the authorities to place a ban on hunting of the species, citing an increase in hunting and poaching over the last few years due to lack of management by state authorities as well as the rising purchasing price of the pelts of young seals. Greenpeace also criticised the number of seal pups killed for "scientific reasons" while the survey found in addition that the hunt is forcing seals to the south of the lake where warmer weather conditions cause higher seal pup mortality. Participants in the survey, which Greenpeace carried out due to the inability of the government to do so because of the cost, covered about 4,000 "ice" kilometres by motorbike. For more information, contact Greenpeace Russia's Baikal Campaign. (Source: Greenpeace Russia - 6 Sep 2000) (2 November 2000)
Protests over Norwegian plans to kill Antarctic seals - Conservationists have expressed concern at plans revealed by the Norwegian Polar Institute to kill 120 animals, including 20 Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii), 20 leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx) and 20 crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophagus), during an expedition to Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic this coming austral summer. The Institute is planning to kill the animals as part of an ecotoxicology project aimed at studying the quantities of pollutants reaching the southern continent and has applied to the Norwegian Department of the Environment for approval of the project. The Institute is saying that its scientists must kill the seals in order to obtain sufficient samples of organs such as the blubber and the liver. Pinniped species are strictly protected in Antarctica and lethal sampling is not normally used by countries carrying out research there. For more information, contact the Seal Conservation Society, or the Antarctica Project's Beth Clark. (Sources: Lřr Dagsavisen - 30 Aug 2000; various personal communications - Sep 2000) (2 November 2000)
Man convicted of killing seal in South Africa - A South African court sentenced Matsutsutsu Ntyofo to a R200 fine or 20 days imprisonment on 25 October after finding him guilty of killing a seal. A police spokesperson said that Mr. Ntyofo was arrested on 21 October after the police saw two men at a spot where a young seal had been minutes earlier. The two men fled with a bag when police approached and after Mr. Ntyofo's arrest it was found that the bag contained the seal, which had been stoned to death. (Source: Cape Town Independent Newspapers - 27 Oct 2000) (2 November 2000)
New Canadian seal hunting rules criticised - Animal welfare organisations have criticised proposed new regulations, details of which were obtained under the Access to Information Act, governing the Canadian hunt for harp seals (Phoca groenlandica) and hooded seals (Cystophora cristata). The regulations include a provision that rules be added to the Marine Mammal Regulations stating that after clubbing a seal a hunter must confirm that the seal is dead by either feeling its crushed skull or by testing the "blinking reflex" by poking its eyes before hitting another seal. Bob Van Tongerloo of the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (CFHS) pointed out however that sealers using rifles would not be required to carry out these same tests immediately after each seal is shot, resulting in an unacceptable number of seals being wounded and suffering before death. The vast majority of seals killed during the annual hunt are shot off the coast of Newfoundland.
Rick Smith of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) also called for the new rule to be applied to both clubbing and shooting, pointing out that "The government and industry have been saying for a long time that they want the hunt treated the same way as other animal industries ... In other animal industries, you can only kill one animal at a time." A Department of Fisheries and Oceans representative said that the rules are still in the revision stage and probably won't be ready for federal approval until late next year, meaning that the changes won't come into effect until the 2002 sealing season. For more information, contact CFHS or IFAW. (Source: CP - 29 Oct 2000) (2 November 2000)
Virus pinpointed as cause of Caspian seal mortality - An international team of scientists working as part of the Caspian Environment Programme's Ecotoxicology Project (ECOTOX) on the causes of the mass mortality of thousands of Caspian seals (Phoca caspica) this year (see News, 28 August 2000) has concluded that canine distemper virus (CDV) infection was the primary cause of the mortality. The scientists collected tissue and blood samples from dead seals from several geographically dispersed regions of the Caspian Sea and found microscopic lesions, characteristic of CDV, in seal tissues, while confirming infection by the virus using serological and molecular methods. The virus was previously identified in a single Caspian seal in 1997 but it could not be linked to disease in Caspian seals at that time. The origin of the infection is unknown, it being possible that the virus has been present in the population for several years or that seals have become repeatedly infected from a terrestrial animal reservoir. Studies are currently underway to examine the potential role of pollution in the die-off due to the extremely high levels of contaminants found in the Caspian Sea and the species. CDV was also the cause of a mortality of Baikal seals (Phoca sibirica) in 1987-1988 and was suspected as the cause of a mortality of crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophagus) in 1955. For more information, see the Emerging Infectious Diseases article. (Sources: ECOTOX - 15 Sep 2000; ENS - 20 Sep 2000; National Geographic News - 18 Sep 2000) (2 November 2000)
Swedish oil spill threatens seals - Swedish environmentalists warned that an oil spill could harm seals on the island of Gotska Sandön, about 100km off the southeastern coast of Sweden in the Baltic Sea, after National Park rangers discovered an oil belt about 20km long on 2 October, large patches of oil covering about 90% of the island's beaches. The Swedish coast guard was investigating the source of the spill but it was not known how much oil had been spilled. On 5 October it was reported that no oiled animals had yet been discovered although a representative of the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency said that the agency was worried about the seals and hoped that they would keep away from the shore while the cleanup took place, expected to last two weeks. (Source: AP - 5 Oct 2000) (2 November 2000)
Canada's first Marine Protected Area protects pinnipeds - The Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks announced on 14 September that they had endorsed the Race Rocks Advisory Board's recommendation that Race Rocks / XwaYeN, British Columbia, become Canada's first Marine Protected Area (MPA) under the Oceans Act. The Race Rocks area had already been designated since 1980 as an ecological reserve under the British Columbian Ecological Reserves Act. Located 17km southwest of Victoria at the eastern end of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and named after its strong tidal currents and rocky reefs, Race Rocks is home to many marine species, including Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus), California sea lions (Zalophus californianus californianus), Northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) and harbour seals (Phoca vitulina richardsi). For more information, see the Race Rocks web site and the DFO Press Release. (Sources: DFO - 14 Sep 2000; Race Rocks web site - 1 Nov 2000) (2 November 2000)
New protection sites proposed for seals in Scotland - It was announced by the Scottish Executive on 14 June that it was putting out to consultation, under scientific advice from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, an additional 90 sites for proposal as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) under the European Community (EC)'s Habitats Directive. The Executive also added significant interest features to and/or extended several existing candidate SACs and declared itself open to consideration of any sites that had not been included. The move came after the decision by the EC that the United Kingdom and other Member states had proposed an insufficient list of candidate SACs in terms of resources and geographical spread.
On 26 October, it was announced that round 5 of the public consultation exercise, being carried out by SNH, included Eileanan agus Sgeirean Lios mor (around the island of Lismore) because of its harbour seal (Phoca vitulina vitulina) population, and the Treshnish Isles because of its grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) population. The 12 week consultation period for these sites, both in Argyll & Bute, extends until 18 January 2001. Other sites also included in the original list for reasons of their seal populations and which have already gone out for consultation include the Ascrib, Isay and Dunvegan site on the Isle of Skye (harbour seal), the Isle of May in Fife (grey seal), the Sound of Barra in the Western Isles (harbour seal), the Yell Sound Coast in Shetland (harbour seal added as a feature) and the Dornoch Firth in Highland (harbour seal added as a feature). For more information on any of these sites, contact the local SNH office, or contact Sandy MacLennan, SNH's Natura Project Manager, at +44-(0)1463-723100. (Sources: Scottish Executive - 14 Jun 2000; SNH - 18 Sep 2000, 26 Oct 2000) (2 November 2000)
Patagonian land purchased by conservation organisation - It was reported on 25 August that the UK-based organisation World Land Trust has raised sufficient funds to make a down payment on more than 8,000 hectares of spectacular coastal steppe land near the Valdes Peninsula in Argentina's Patagonia region. The coastline of the area is home to South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens) and Southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina). None of the area is currently protected as a National Park or nature reserve and the World Land Trust plans to establish a nature reserve, create a small ecotourism and environmental education centre on the land, and formalise a conservation plan with the local Fundación Patagonia Natural. Funds for the purchase were obtained with the help of the internet "click-to-donate" site www.EcologyFund.com. For more information, see the World Land Trust web site. (Source: ENS - 25 Aug 2000) (2 November 2000)
Rare seal births in Tasmania and North Carolina - The surprise birth of a Southern elephant seal pup (Mirounga leonina) took place in October on a narrow strip of sand at Dover, Tasmania, one of only three births of the species recorded on mainland Tasmania in the past 50 years. Authorities were reported to be maintaining a 24-hour surveillance of the pup. The birth has increased hopes that the species may be slowly returning to its former habitat in southern Australia, Southern elephant seals having bred on various Bass Strait islands before sealers devastated the populations in the 19th century. (Source: Melbourne Age - 27 Oct 2000) (2 November 2000)
In the meantime a harbour seal pup (Phoca vitulina concolor) called "Albert" which was found being harassed on a busy beach at Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, USA, on 6 June was re-released into the wild on 5 September by the New England Aquarium after having been rescued and transferred to the Aquarium by the Virginia Marine Sciences Museum. The Aquarium commented that it was extremely unusual for harbour seal pups to be born so far south. For more information, contact Connie Merigo of the New England Aquarium's Marine Animal Rescue Program. (Source: AP - 5 Sep 2000) (2 November 2000)
Wandering seals found stranded in northern Scotland - A one-year-old female hooded seal (Cystophora cristata) named "Ruairidh Ron" found stranded in the Scottish Western Isles was rescued and flown from Scotland to the RSPCA's Norfolk Wildlife Hospital in England by the organisation British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) on 30 October. The rescue came only a month or so after the BDMLR rescued an Arctic ringed seal (Phoca hispida hispida) named "Rocky", which had been found stranded on a beach in the North of Scotland, and took it to the Orkney Seal Rescue centre where, despite treatment, it subsequently died. Both species live in Arctic waters and are only occasionally found in Scotland. For more information, contact BDMLR's Alistair Jack or Orkney Seal Rescue's Ross Flett. (Sources: Aberdeen Press & Journal - 16 Sep, 31 Oct 2000; Alistair Jack - personal communication, 1 Nov 2000) (2 November 2000)
Pinnipeds interact with public in North America and South Africa - It was reported on 26 September that four instances had been notified to the authorities of a "demented" seal leaping into kayaks or rowing boats near Dick Island at Texada Island, British Columbia. The caretaker of the Shelter Point Regional Park on Texada Island said that he believed that one seal was responsible for the incidents. Ed Lochbaum, a scientist with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, commented that the seal's reported size led him to believe that it was a harbour seal (Phoca vitulina richardsi) and that the seal's actions could well be a misdirected panic response to the large number of transient killer whales that showed up in the Strait of Georgia during the summer. Nobody was hurt during the incidents. (Source: Victoria Times-Colonist - 26 Sep 2000) (2 November 2000)
In the meantime a harbour seal in Alaska's Prince William Sound named "Skippy" was reported on 28 August as having been observed climbing onto kayaks in the area. Rescued last year as a week-old pup by a well-meaning, if misinformed, kayaker in Southeast Alaska, Skippy spent the next four days in the kayak before being passed to the Alaska SeaLife Centre for rehabilitation and eventually being re-released in the autumn. Biologists are surprised at the strength of Skippy's memory of her time in the kayak and are now worried that her behaviour may make her unfit for life in the wild. (Source: Anchorage Daily News - 28 Aug 2000) (2 November 2000)
Three Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) were reported on 26 October as having taken up residence in a small boat harbour in Homer, Alaska, hauling out on a floating dock at night and feeding on pollock or scraps from fishing boats during the day. Many residents have turned up to look at the sea lions, a rare sight in Homer, and the sea lions have already menaced a few people trying to reach their boats. In order to minimise this problem, one idea being proposed is that during a major overhaul of the harbour next autumn a piece of the old dock be towed outside the harbour and anchored for the sea lions to use. A similar move has already helped to separate resident sea lions and the public in Kodiak, Alaska. (Source: Anchorage Daily News - 26 Oct 2000) (2 November 2000)
A resident South African fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) named "Robbie" who had been living in Kalk Bay, near Cape Town, South Africa, for 10-15 years was eaten by a 7-metre long Great White shark on 26 September. One fishery worked in the harbour commented that locals would miss the seal. A colony of seals living at the harbour wall who headed out to sea after the attack were reported as having not yet returned, leading locals to the conclusion that the shark was still around. At the time of the attack there was a run of snoek (a fish species) and it was suggested that the offal washed into the sea by the fishery may have been keeping the shark interested. One surfer said that he believed that sharks were attracted into the area by the activity of "chumming" where local tour operators place bait in the water to attract sharks for their cage diving operations, and also from fishermen throwing offal overboard. (Source: Cape Town Argus - 30 Sep 2000) (2 November 2000)
Cannibalism observed in New Zealand sea lions - Scientists studying the population structure of a breeding colony of New Zealand sea lions (Phocarctos hookeri) at New Zealand's Dundas Island were surprised to observe a number of adult males grabbing pups, dragging them into the sea and eating them. The biologist leading the study, Ian Wilkinson, said that scientists had recorded 24 cases of such killing in 12 weeks of study in early 1999 and in January and February of this year at the island, where up to 300 pups are born each year. Dr. Wilkinson commented that the occurrence, the first example of such cannibalism in fur seals or sea lions, was not good for the species, one of the rarest sea lions in the world. He said that it was very difficult to speculate on why some of the adult sea lions were acting in this way but suggested that it may be due to the relative ease of the killing as a feeding strategy. For more information, contact Ian Wilkinson. (Source: London Sunday Telegraph - 15 Oct 2000) (2 November 2000)
Otter suspected of killing young seals in California - In an unusual occurrence, an adolescent 5-year-old male sea otter in Elkhorn Slough, Monterey Bay, named "Morgan" is suspected of killing young harbour seals (Phoca vitulina richardsi), possibly by playing too roughly with them and shoving their noses underwater so long that they drown or die of shock trauma. Current evidence is circumstantial but researchers report that the otter has been observed assuming a mating position with a seal before roughing it up and then being observed floating with the dead seal in his grip or nonchalantly grooming himself alongside the body soon after. About a dozen unconfirmed victims were retrieved during the summer and post-mortems performed on several of the seals showed sudden and suspect deaths. The authorities are looking into relocating the otter, which was raised in the Monterey Bay Aquarium rehabilitation centre after being found abandoned in the wild soon after its birth, to another area or, ultimately, placing him in permanent captivity. (Source: San Francisco Examiner, 3 Sep 2000) (2 November 2000)
California restricts use of gill nets - In response to the large number of marine animals, including sea birds, cetaceans, pinnipeds and otters, that drown each year in set gill nets, California state wildlife officials announced on 12 September that fishing using gill nets in waters less than 60 fathoms (110m) deep from Point Reyes to Yankee Point, Monterey County, would be banned as of 14 September. An additional ban was also placed on fishing with gill nets along a stretch of coastline in Santa Barbara County in order to protect sea otters. Under state law, state officials can impose such a ban for up to 120 days, but officials say that they are pushing for legislation to make the ban permanent. The fishery most affected by the restriction is the halibut fishery. Pinniped species that have been killed by entanglement in the California set gill net halibut fishery are harbour seals (Phoca vitulina richardsi), Northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) and California sea lions (Zalophus californianus californianus). (Source: ENS - 12 Sep 2000; San Jose Mercury News - 14 Sep 2000) (2 November 2000)
Groups oppose Baltic Sea port developments - The construction of new oil and chemical terminals in the Gulf of Finland area of the Russian Baltic Sea as well as the increase in the transportation of oil and hazardous substances have drawn criticism from Russian environmentalists due to the proximity of these activities to nature reserves, including important areas of seal habitat. One of the most important protected areas which could be affected is the Berezovije Ostrova ("Birch Islands") Nature Reserve in the north-eastern part of the Gulf which includes an aquatic zone of significant importance for the Baltic ringed seal (Phoca hispida botnica) during late winter and spring. Another area which could be affected is the Koorgalsky Poluostrov Nature Reserve on the southern coast of the Gulf which provides important summer and autumn haulouts for both ringed seals and grey seals (Halichoerus grypus). The construction of the largest oil terminal has already begun in Primorsk, near the Berezovije Ostrova Nature Reserve, as part of the Baltic Pipeline System (BPS) project. The Russian environmental group Green World has criticised the developments due to the resultant increase in potential risk of oil spills and pollution of the Gulf as well as the potential disturbance of very sensitive coasts, marine ecosystems and nature reserves. For more information, contact Green World's Alexander Sutyagin.
The Estonian Green Movement and other environmental organisations are meanwhile opposing plans to build a port at Undva on the island of Saaremaa in Estonia, located only half a kilometre from Vilsandi National Park. The proposed port would receive cruise ships and ferries carrying up to 200,000 tourists and 30,000 cars per year. In addition to the potential for oil spills and disturbance affecting important bird populations, the port could also adversely affect grey seals as Vilsandi National Park is one of the main areas of concentration of grey seals in the country and a main breeding site. The European Commission's environmental commissioner has already requested Estonia to treat the site as if it were a specially protected area under Natura 2000. With construction of the port planned to commence in May 2000, environmental organisations publicised the potential problems and the Estonian cabinet froze the project in April to carry out further studies. For more information, contact the Estonian Green Movement's Peep Mardiste. (Sources: Coalition for a Clean Baltic Newsletter 3/2000; HELCOM Seals Project Draft Action Plan - 12 Aug 2000) (2 November 2000)
Deformities observed in Canadian Arctic pinnipeds - A survey of 31 hunters and elders in four Nunavut communities in the Canadian Arctic was released in September showing that many animals in the territory are exhibiting troubling abnormalities. Hunters stated that they had observed seals, walruses (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) and other wildlife with a large number of deformities, including swollen internal organs and missing patches of skin. A strange occurrence of "round wounds" was observed in the skin of some seals and walruses, the analysis of a similar abnormality found in a walrus in Arctic Bay in March pinpointing a strain of bacteria as the cause. Hunters also reported finding walruses with fluid or pus between their meat and fat or odd stomach contents, and even one walrus which had its gall bladder reversed and draining into its stomach. The main abnormalities reported by the survey involved changes in the physical condition of animals and many animals were reported to be skinny, seals being one of the animals particularly affected. Changes to the colour of meat and fat were also reported in walruses and seals. The survey report recommended a specific system of monitoring for such abnormalities in the future, as well as further studies on affected animals.
One possible reason suggested for these abnormalities was the high level of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the Canadian Arctic. These pollutants accumulate the higher they progress up the food chain and tend to concentrate in the fats of animals such as marine mammals. In the first continent-wide study to trace one type of POP, dioxins, from emission point to final destination, research scientists under the auspices of the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation have traced the source of dioxin pollution in Nunavut to individual waste incinerators and other sources in Canada, the United States and Mexico. Covering a year between 1996-1997 and using computer models, the study released on 3 October showed that 70-82% of the pollution in Nunavut originated in the USA, 11-25% in Canada, 5-11% in Mexico, and 2-20% outside North America, chiefly in Japan, France, Belgium and the UK. The results have attracted much interest due to negotiations on the POPs treaty currently underway at the United Nations.
Recent studies have shown that 95% of human exposure to dioxins is through the diet, particularly animal products, and that the Inuit people in Nunavut, whose diet is heavily dependent on seals and other animals, have increased levels of dioxins. In response to these and similar threats the Canadian Department of Indian and Northern Affairs set up the Nunavut Environmental Contaminants Committee (NECC) on 30 August. The Committee is intended to enable the exchange of information and ideas between scientists and the inhabitants of Nunavut. (Sources: ENS - 30 Aug, 4 Oct 2000; National Geographic News - 5 Oct 2000; Nunatsiaq News - 15 Sep 2000; Reuters - 4 Oct 2000) (2 November 2000)
Scientists to study pinnipeds at Heard Island - Research scientists from the Australian Antarctic Division set sail from Australia on 7 October on a rare trip to study the geology and nature, including the pinniped populations, of remote subantarctic Heard Island, located in the Indian Ocean. Heard Island, which was placed on the World Heritage list in 1997, is home to an important breeding population of Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella), a population of about 1,000 leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx) and a number of Subantarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus tropicalis). The island is also at the northern edge of the range for Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii), Ross seals (Ommatophoca rossii) and crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophagus). Included in their research, scientists will be trying to determine why there has been a significant decline in the number of Southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) observed on the island in recent years. (Source: National Geographic News - 9 Oct 2000) (2 November 2000)
Namibia starts annual seal hunt - A source close to the Namibian Fisheries Ministry has disclosed that the Namibian hunt for South African fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) began in mid-August this year. A large number of seal pups are already reported as having been killed at Cape Cross and skinned and dismembered in Henties Bay. The government announced on 19 July that the number of seals to be killed in this year's hunt, which ends on 15 November, is to be 60,000 pups and 7,000 adult males, almost double that of 1999 when the quota was for 30,000 pups and 5,000 adult males. The pups are normally clubbed to death and the adult males are shot. Animal welfare groups have strongly condemned the hunt, in which the adult male penises are dried and sold as an aphrodisiac or fertility symbol in the Far East, and in which seal oil and pup fur are also marketed. Photographers are banned from the beaches where the hunt is taking place and the Wildlife Society of Namibia has complained that it has been unable to monitor the hunt because of bureaucratic obstacles. The two new concession holders for the hunt have been named as Cape Cross Seals and Okakoverua Seafood.
Earlier in the year the Namibian Fisheries Minister Abraham Iyambo justified the doubling of the hunt quota by arguing that the seal population is threatening the local fishing industry and was quoted as saying that "Seals don't eat air or grass... They eat fish and lots of it". However he then confused the government's position on 20 July by declaring that sustainable utilisation, not the consumption of fish by seals, was the basis for the government's seal management policy. Animal welfare groups have pointed out that there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that seals are impacting Namibia's commercial fisheries and a Wildlife Society of Namibia spokesman also pointed out that it was contradictory of the government to have doubled the seal hunt quota using the fisheries argument at the same time as it had announced an increase in the pilchard quota from 15,000 to 25,000 tonnes. Abraham Iyambo expressed concern when increasing the pilchard quota that the country's fish stocks were not in a good state. For previous news, see News, 25 June 2000. For more information on the Namibian seal hunt, contact Sarah Scarth, International Fund for Animal Welfare. (Sources: Johannesburg Mail & Guardian - 24 Aug 2000; Namibian - 20, 24, 27 Jul 2000; News 24 - 21 Jul 2000; Reuters - 20 Jul 2000) (28 August 2000)
More Caspian seals found dead in Kazakhstan - It was reported on 4 August that Caspian seals (Phoca caspica), thousands of which died in May and June (see News, 25 June 2000), were once again dying in increased numbers off Kazakhstan's Caspian Sea shores. The head of the ecological monitoring department of the Mangistau region said that 89 seal carcasses had been counted over the past week, a significant increase on the one or two seals that had been dying every week since the earlier mass mortality. No specific cause for the mass mortality has yet been identified and samples from the recent carcasses have been sent for testing. For more information on the Caspian seal mortality, contact Makhambet Khakimov, Caspian Tabigaty. (Source: Reuters - 4 Aug 2000) (28 August 2000)
Russian seal hunters urge President to veto ban - The Russian Interfax news agency reported on 31 July that up to 5,000 seal hunters in the Arkhangelsk region have signed a petition calling for the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, to veto a bill that outlaws the hunting of harp seal (Phoca groenlandica) pups. The bill was passed by the Russian parliament's lower house, the State Duma, earlier this year. The hunters are arguing in their letter to the President that the seal hunt operates according to the "recommendations of science" and agreements with Norway. Animal welfare groups are opposing the hunt on the grounds that hunting of the seal pups is excessively cruel. For more information on the Russian harp seal hunt, contact Masha Vorontsova, International Fund for Animal Welfare. (Source: Reuters - 1 Aug 2000) (28 August 2000)
U.S. court orders major fishery changes to protect Steller sea lions - In response to an injunction filed on 30 March by three environmental groups (see News, 27 April 2000), a U.S. federal court ruled on 20 July that the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) must implement immediate and significant changes to groundfish trawl fisheries in Alaska in order to protect endangered Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) from loss of prey. The provisions of the decision include the banning of all groundfish trawl fishing within 20 nautical miles of designated Steller sea lion critical habitat rookeries, haulouts and feeding areas from 8 August 2000. In his ruling Judge Zilly stated that the NMFS had not proved that its current regulations would protect the declining population of Steller sea lions in the western Gulf of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. The fishing ban will remain in operation until the NMFS develops and presents Judge Zilly with new analysis and recommendations on the problem, due to take place on 31 October 2000.
The Alaskan groundfish fishery for pollock, cod, rockfish and Atka mackerel is the largest in the United States, taking over 2.2 million tonnes of fish each year worth almost US$1 billion. Between 50-80% of recent trawl fishery catches of key Steller sea lion prey species have come from the sea lion's critical habitat. Janis Searles of Earthjustice Alaska said that "This is a huge victory for Steller sea lions" while Mike Hagler of Greenpeace commented that "The court has done what NMFS would not: give the Steller sea lion a fighting chance against the industrial groundfish trawl fleet". The decision has drawn opposition from the fishing industry and the Department of Commerce. The U.S. Department of Justice has decided however not to appeal against the decision, contrary to the requests of the NMFS and Alaska's congressional delegation.
For more information, contact Janis Searles, Earthjustice Alaska or see the press releases. For background information on the decline in the Steller sea lion population in western Alaska, see the Society's Steller sea lion page. (Sources: Anchorage Daily News - 21 Jul 2000; AP - 21 Jul 2000; Earthjustice Legal Defense Fund - 20 Jul, 8 Aug 2000; ENS - 21 Jul 2000; Fairbanks Daily News-Miner - 15 Aug 2000; Greenpeace - 20 Jul 2000; Reuters - 24 Jul 2000; Seattle Times - 21 Jul 2000) (28 August 2000)
Scottish fishermen call for seal commission to be set up - Arguing that growing seal numbers are affecting North Sea fish stocks, the Scottish Fishermen's Federation was reported on 9 August as having asked the Scottish Executive to set up a special commission, based on the country's deer commission and including scientific, fisheries and environmental interests, to examine the interactions between Scotland's fisheries and grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) and harbour seals (Phoca vitulina vitulina). The Scottish Executive responded by saying that it will examine the proposals but that a committee already exists to advise ministers and that there is no evidence to suggest that seals pose a significant threat to commercial fish populations. Animal welfare and conservation groups also voiced opposition to the plans saying that there is no need for a commission or any control of the seal population and that seals are being treated as scapegoats. A prominent marine biologist was quoted as supporting the proposals as a way of bringing out the truth about the seal issue. "It could be a good thing to bring out the truth, rather than the stories which go round about seals eating all the fish. In fact, too many fish are being taken out by the fishing industry", he said. (Sources: Aberdeen Press & Journal - 9 Aug 2000; BBC - 9 Aug 2000; Edinburgh Evening News - 29 Jul 2000) (28 August 2000)
High levels of pinniped mortality observed in California - Following a report that 19 dead adult harbour seals (Phoca vitulina richardsi) in good body condition had been found by a biologist over a two-week period at Point Reyes, California, the Marine Mammal Center (TMMC) examined the seals on 6 June. The Center's science staff found a severe bacterial pneumonia in three of the seals of a bacterial type that is usually a secondary cause of death and have sent samples for further analysis. An event that started with similar characteristics occurred in 1997 when