News
2010.04.1r |
Plastics and garbage found in stomach of dead grey whale |
A gray whale that died after getting stranded on a West Seattle beach had a large amount of garbage in its stomach — ranging from plastic bags to a pair of sweat pants and even a golf ball. Most of the whale’s stomach contents was algae — typical of the bottom-feeding mammals. But Cascadia Research, whose experts were among those who performed the necropsy, said “a surprising amount of human debris” was found, including “more than 20 plastic bags, small towels, surgical gloves, sweat pants, plastic pieces, duct tape, and a golf ball. |
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2010.04.16 |
Jon Lien Remembered. |
Jon Lien, 71, a Newfoundland scientist who earned international renown for his work with whales, died on April 14, 2010. He had been ill for several years. |
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2010.03.29 |
Robson Bight Spill Decision Released. |
Leroy Trucking Found Guilty of Six Pollution Charges
iThe Chemainus-based trucking company was found guilty of discharging oil under the Canada Shipping Act, the Fisheries Act and the Migratory Birds Convention Act. Charges against Gowlland towing, who owned the tugboat and the tug driver were dismissed.
2010.01.20 |
NOAA's Proposed Orca Vessel Regulations - Public Comment Period Closed |
The opportunity to comment on NOAA Fisheries' proposed vessels regulation to protect killer whales in Puget Sound ended on Jan. 15, 2010. For more information visit the NOAA Orca Regs website.
To read Cetus Society's comments click here.
2009.11.13 |
The judge will deliver the verdict in the Robson Bight spill case on Feb. 1, 2010. |
The trial into the August 20, 2007 Robson Bight spill involving a barge owned by Ted Leroy Trucking and towed by Gowlland Towing Ltd. concluded Oct. 30, in Campbell River provincial court. Both parties pleaded not guilty.
The Crown maintained the towing company and Ted Leroy should have been responsible for the condition and maintenance of the barge. However, the defence contends the barge was the sole responsibility of Ted Leroy Trucking.
See the CampbellRiverMirror.com for more information.
2009.7.28 |
NOAA proposes new rules for killer whale protection |
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has proposed new regulations under the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act to prohibit vessels from approaching killer whales within 200 yards and from parking in the path of whales for vessels in inland waters of Washington State. The proposed regulations would also prohibit vessels from entering a conservation area during a defined season. Public hearings will be held Sept. 30 in Seattle, and Oct. 5 in Friday Harbor to provide additional information on the proposed rule. More Information.
2009.5.25 |
Robson Bight Barge Spill Update / Whale Entanglement |
Two pieces of equipment spilled off a barge into Robso
n Bight on August 20th, 2007 were successfully recovered last week. Straitwatch was on scene to monitor wildlife. We spotted several humpback whales, two groups of transient killer whales and a group of 50 to 100 Pacific white-sided dolphins. Thankfully, none of the whales approached the recovery scene while the operation was underway. On Monday, May 18th Straitwatch overheard a report from a fishermen that a humpback whale was entangled in his prawn fishing gear in Knights Inlet.
Read more about these stories here:
Blog Entries
2008.9.1
Read here about a Straitwatch Patrol in Barkley Sound last fall to monitor a humpback whale that was attracted to boats
For more information or to get involved please email: info@straitwatch.org or call (250) 974-7064.