WWF - 62nd International Whaling Commission meeting

Good news for sharks at Indian Ocean Tuna Commission meeting

2013-05-13

Gland, Switzerland: WWF welcomes the adoption of key conservation measures for oceanic white-tip sharks, whale sharks and cetaceans following the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) annual meeting last week in Mauritius.

IOTC member states agreed on important measures for the management of tuna fisheries and other vulnerable species such as white-tip sharks, which are not to be retained and need to be released unharmed if possible, while purse seiners can no longer set around whale sharks and cetaceans.

One very positive outcome was the adoption of a proposal by the Maldives with regard to interim target and reference points, and a framework for management decisions to be taken in response to changes in stock status.

A reference point is a benchmark value that helps managers decide how the fishery is performing and is often based on an indicator such as fishery stock size or the level of fishing. Fisheries scientists conduct a fishery stock assessment to provide estimates of a fishery stock size and fishing mortality over time. Reference points serve as a standard to compare those estimates based on our understanding of the biological characteristics of the targeted species.

"This is an important step towards the implementation of full harvest control rules and paves the way for the development of management tools essential for a sustainable fishery", said Dr Wetjens Dimmlich, Indian Ocean Tuna Coordinator for WWF's Smart Fishing Initiative.

"WWF welcomes the increasing involvement of Indian Ocean coastal developing states in conservation proposals, demonstrating an awareness of the need to responsibly manage tuna fisheries in the region," Dr Dimmlich added.

"Negotiation and successful adoption of the Maldives proposal for the management of tunas in the Indian Ocean is indeed a giant leap forward in the history of IOTC.

"We are now confident and convinced that together we can make IOTC an effective tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organisation", said Dr Hussain R Hassan, the Maldives Minister of State for Fisheries and Agriculture, and head of the Maldives' delegation.

WWF looks forward to continuing work in cooperation with the Maldives Government and other developing coastal states in the region to improve the management and conservation of tuna stocks.

Yangtze finless porpoise population nosedives to 1,000

2013-03-29

Wuhan, China -- The Yangtze finless porpoise population has declined to a mere 1,000 individuals, making the endangered species even more rare than the wild giant panda, the 2012 Yangtze Freshwater Dolphin Survey Report reveals.  

The population in the mainstream of the Yangtze River was less than half of what a similar survey found six years ago, with food shortages and human disturbance such as increased shipping traffic major threats to their survival.

The study also found that the rare species annual rate of decline now stands at 13.7 percent, which means that the Yangtze finless porpoise could be extinct as early as the year 2025.

The report comes after a 44-day and 3,400-kilometer round-trip research expedition on the Yangtze River between Yichang in Hubei Province and Shanghai. Led by China's Ministry of Agriculture and organized by the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, WWF and the Wuhan Baiji Dolphin Conservation Fund, the expedition first set sail on 11 November 2012.  

The crew visually identified 380 individual Yangtze finless porpoise in the river's mainstream during the 2012 survey. Based on this observation, scientists determined through analyses that the population in the Yangtze mainstream is about 500, down from 1,225 in 2006. 

In October 2012, research was carried out in two adjoining lakes, the Poyang and Dongting, where the population was about 450 and 90, respectively, according to the report.  In a sharp contrast, 851 individuals of Yangtze finless porpoise were visually identified in the mainstream of the Yangtze during the 2006 survey. That research, however, did not cover the two lakes. 

"The species is moving fast toward its extinction," said Wang Ding, head of the research expedition and a professor at the IHB.  Attempts to find traces of the Baiji Dolphin, another rare cetacean and close relative of the finless porpoise, failed during the 2012 survey. The Baiji dolphin was declared "functionally extinct."

According to data captured by acoustic equipment onboard the observation ships, the largest numbers of finless porpoise were found in the river sections east of Wuhan, with 67 percent recorded between Hukou in Jiangxi Province and Nanjing in Jiangsu Province, the report shows.  

There is a notable sign of scattered distribution pattern which could be the result of "shipping traffic that made migration harder, projects that altered hydrological conditions in the middle and lower reaches and habitat loss," said Wang with the IHB.  

The report also cautions that small groups of Yangtze finless porpoise living in comparative isolation may have a negative impact on their ability to reproduce. 

There are fewer finless porpoise in the mainstream of the Yangtze while more discoveries were made in wharf and port areas, scientists found.  

"They may risk their lives for rich fish bait resources there. But busy shipping traffic close to the port areas poses a threat to the survival of finless porpoise," said Wang.  

"Lack of fishery resources and human disturbances including shipping traffic are among the key threats to the Yangtze finless porpoise survival," Lei Gang, director of freshwater programme at WWF-China, said. 

Researchers found dense distributions of finless porpoise in waters that are not open to navigation and attribute this to less human disturbance. Less optimistic was the discovery of illegal fishing practices in these areas, including traps that could affect finless porpoise.  

A set of enhanced measures that include in-situ conservation and ex-situ conservation approaches are essential for efforts of saving the species from its distinction, said Lei.  Given that, the report calls for all-year-round fishing ban for all river dolphin reserves, establishment of a national reserve in Poyang Lake and ex-situ conservation reserves along the Yangtze.

For further information:

Qiu Wei, WWF China, +86 10 6511 6272, WQiu@wwfchina.org

Help save the world's smallest, rarest porpoise

2013-02-04

In the upper part of Mexico's Gulf of California lives the world's smallest porpoise, the vaquita. Rare and elusive, scientists believe that there are likely less than 200 remaining.

This endangered species—whose name means "little cow" in Spanish— has been in decline for years and is on the brink of extinction. Without new protections, it may be lost forever.

The porpoises become caught in fishing gear (gillnets intended for shrimp and fish) and drown. That's why WWF is rallying supporters to urge the Mexican government to ban deadly gillnets in the porpoise's habitat as soon as possible. Without it, the vaquita will most likely become extinct.

Environmental leaders from around the world have encouraged Mexico to protect the vaquita. Others can lend their voices to this effort as well by sending a letter of support to the Mexican president.

TAKE ACTION NOW TO HELP SAVE THE VAQUITA!

Korea abandons plan to hunt endangered whales

2013-01-09

WWF is pleased that the Republic of Korea has reversed its dangerous plan to commence 'scientific' whaling, which was widely condemned by world governments, WWF and other conservation groups.

An official circular issued by the International Whaling Commission (IWC) this week announced that the government of Korea "had changed its position regarding its initial plan on scientific whaling and would instead undertake research using non-lethal methods."

The Republic of Korea announced in June 2012 its plans to kill endangered whales under a loophole in the whaling treaty that allows for so-called 'scientific' whaling. The proposal was met with fierce opposition from numerous IWC member governments that called the hunt unnecessary given the availability of modern non-lethal research techniques.

Korea's previous plans involved the hunting of an endangered stock of minke whales, which would have sent a dangerous signal that even the most threatened of whales are fair game for exploitation.

"WWF congratulates the Republic of Korea for reversing its decision to hunt endangered minke whales for scientific purposes," said Wendy Elliott, Species Manager for WWF International. "We hope that this positive move is a step towards strengthened conservation of whales in Korean waters."

Japan is the only country that continues to kill whales for purportedly 'scientific' purposes, with meat going straight to sale in the Japanese market. The Japanese hunt includes takes of whales in the Southern Ocean, a legally-defined sanctuary where whale hunting is prohibited.

"Killing whales in the name of 'science' is entirely unnecessary in the 21st century, when non-lethal research provides all necessary information effectively," Elliott said. "Korea's decision means that Japan is the only country left to continue this outdated practice. We hope this is a wake-up call that now is the time to end Japanese scientific whaling in the Southern Ocean for good."

Shipping, overfishing pushing Yangtze finless porpoise towards extinction

2012-11-28

Wuhan, China – The number of endangered finless porpoise spotted in an ongoing research expedition along the Wuhan-Yichang section of the Yangtze River has declined drastically with growing evidence pointing to impact of shipping and overfishing pushing the rare animal towards extinction, scientists on the expedition say.

The survey team has visually identified 39 individuals of the Yangtze finless porpoise – endangered on the IUCN Red List – during the 1,252km round-trip voyage on Wuhan-Yichang-Wuhan section of the river.

"Based on visual and sonar identification, the number of the Yangtze finless porpoises we've spotted is about one-third of the detected in the area during a similar study six years ago," said Wang Kexiong, deputy head of the research expedition and an associate researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB).

Most of the 39 finless porpoises were spotted in the waters close to the Yanshou Dam, near the city of Yichang, Gong'an county, Chenglingji and Luoshan.

The distribution became concentrated and its location moved up stream compared to results in 2006, when the majority of discoveries were made across a wider area.

"The changes could be attributed to the comparatively gentle flow and rich fishery resources in waters near Yanshou Dam and Gong'an," said Wang.

The Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides asiaeorientalis), which numbers between 1,200 to 1,500 in the wild, lives mainly in the central and lower reaches of the 6300km Yangtze River and two large adjoining lakes, Dongting and Poyang. Recent studies say that the species could become extinct in 15 years if nothing is done to protect them.

The expedition team is due to depart Wednesday for Shanghai before heading back to Wuhan late next month when the initial results of the research are expected to be announced.

Calculation of the number of cargo and fishing ships in the Yangtze started from Yichang onward to evaluate the pressure posed by shipping and fishery activities on the endangered species.

"Shipping traffic and fishing activities can cast an influence on the survival of the Yangtze finless porpoises. The relatively concentrated distribution and fixed location could possibly result from excessively busy shipping traffic in certain sections of the river that may have severed route of communication of the porpoises," said Zhang Xinqiao, expedition team member and WWF finless porpoise programme officer.

For instance, in the waters off Shijitou in Xianning and Hannan district of Wuhan that have the busiest traffic of fishing and cargo shipping so far, little traces of porpoises were detected, said Zhang.

A total of 80 fishery boats and 697 cargo ships were counted by the team from Yichang-Wuhan. Twenty-seven cargo ships were calculated within 30 minutes in the waters off the Hannan district of Wuhan, while the number in Shijitou stood at six.

Led by China's Ministry of Agriculture and organized by the IHB, WWF and Wuhan Baiji Dolphin Conservation Fund, the expedition commenced on November 11 and comes only six years after the Baiji dolphin - another rare cetacean and close relative of the finless porpoise - was declared functionally extinct.

For more information please contact:

Qiu Wei, Senior Communications Officer, WWF China, wqiu@wwfchina.org, +86 10 6511 6272

Yangtze River expedition points to decline of endangered finless porpoise

2012-11-20

Yichang, China -- Scientists from a research expedition that is looking to find out how many finless porpoises now live in the Yangtze have spotted 10 individuals in a 630km section of the river, fewer than detected in the area during a similar study six years ago.

A combination of visual and sonar identification are being used to guarantee the independence and accuracy of the findings, according to the expedition team, which docked near the city of Yichang Monday afternoon.

Initial results suggest a drop in the population of the world's only freshwater finless porpoise but the results are pending until late next month when the evaluation is finalized.

"We have spotted 10 finless porpoises from Wuhan to Yichang, the first leg of the survey, mainly in the lower reaches of the Honghu section, upper reaches of the Dongting estuary, upper and lower reaches of the river near Jianli county and the section adjacent to Gong'an county, with few discoveries elsewhere," said Wang Kexiong, deputy head of the research expedition and an associate researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB).

Shipping traffic, infrastructure to blame for population decline

The Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides asiaeorientalis), which numbers between 1,200 to 1,500 in the wild, lives mainly in the central and lower reaches of the 6300km Yangtze River and two large adjoining lakes, Dongting and Poyang.

Estimates from the 2006 survey say that the finless porpoise is expected to decline to around 200 by 2035 - Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List – but more recent studies say that the species could become extinct in 15 years if nothing is done to protect them.

Scientists on the expedition point to the growth of commercial shipping traffic and the construction of dams and other large-scale infrastructure projects as some of the major reasons behind the decline of the rare species.

"In order to study human impacts on finless porpoises in a scientific and comprehensive manner, we will count the number of cargo and fishing ships in the Yangtze from Yichang to Shanghai to evaluate the pressure posed by shipping and fishery activities on the endangered species," said Zhang Xinqiao, expedition team member and WWF finless porpoise programme officer.

The expedition team, which first set sail on 11 November, is scheduled to depart Yichang for Wuhan on 20 November, travelling along the Yangtze through the provinces of Anhui, Jiangxi, and Jiangsu to Shanghai, wrapping up the voyage in late-December when the first research report is to be published.

Led by China's Ministry of Agriculture and organized by the IHB, WWF and Wuhan Baiji Dolphin Conservation Fund, the expedition comes only six years after the Baiji dolphin - another rare cetacean and close relative of the finless porpoise - was declared functionally extinct.

"Statistics will be finalized after we take into consideration the validity of calculation, density of distribution, width of the river, sailing length and areas covered," said Wang Kexiong from the IHB.

Conservation advances at IWC

2012-07-06

Panama City – The 64th annual meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) closed today with major steps toward the conservation of whales and dolphins, many of which are highly threatened. Meeting in Panama City this week, governments pushed forward initiatives geared at reducing dangerous marine debris and minimizing subsea noise from industrial activities, which can disorient and injure and even kill whales.

"WWF commends IWC member states for joining together to tackle the most critical threats to cetaceans, such as fisheries bycatch, ship strikes, and the expansion of oil and gas development." said Wendy Elliott, head of WWF's delegation to the IWC. "As land-based resources are depleted, exploitation of the oceans is growing rapidly. We must not allow another shameful decline of whales from human activities, which were driven to near extinction during the peak years of whaling."

Warnings from the IWC's Scientific Committee about the grave state of Mexico's vaquita porpoise and the Maui's dolphin in New Zealand generated expressions of deep concern from many countries. The committee recommended that Mexico and New Zealand ban all fishing gillnets from the critically endangered animals' habitats to prevent entanglement deaths.

New threats

IWC governments also expressed concern over the threat posed by increasing development of off-shore oil and gas projects. The whale-rich Arctic waters off Alaska could see their first ever drilling operations from oil giant Shell as early as this month. Shell admits that technology does not exist to clean up an oil spill in harsh Arctic conditions.

"Considering that the Gulf of Mexico oil spill could not be contained, even in the best of conditions, an Arctic spill would cause an even greater environmental disaster," said Leigh Henry, Senior Policy Advisor for WWF-US. "At this point in time, the risks from oil and gas operations in the Arctic, including the noise pollution that impacts whales' ability to survive, outweigh the benefits. Arctic drilling is a short-sighted solution to our long-term energy needs."

Similarly, in the Russian Far East, oil companies are planning to build new off-shore drilling platforms near the feeding area of critically endangered western gray whales. It was noted by governments that the cumulative impacts of additional platforms have not been studied.

There are only an estimated 150 western gray whales remaining, and the waters off Sakhalin Island are the only place where they can teach their calves to feed. Loud noise pulses used by oil companies in the exploratory phase are known to interfere with whales' behaviour and could cause western gray whales to abandon their primary feeding habitat.

Monaco's commissioner cautioned that the expansion of oil and gas exploration is a "dangerous development" taking place worldwide that could seriously interfere with preservation of the marine environment.

Fireworks on IWC floor

The meeting's most explosive moment came Wednesday when the Republic of Korea shocked delegates by announcing plans to conduct so-called 'scientific whaling' of an endangered minke whale population. The move triggered widespread condemnation from conservation groups and world leaders, including Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

The meeting also witnessed debate over a proposal from Monaco for greater engagement of the United Nations in addressing unregulated whaling on the high seas conducted outside IWC's control. Unable to reach a consensus decision, it was decided that discussions on the topic would continue after the meeting.

Just before close of the gathering, IWC governments decided to shift to bi-annual meetings, although no nation has stepped forward to host the commission in 2014.

IWC calls for net bans to prevent extinctions

2012-07-06

The International Whaling Commission (IWC) has taken up the cause of some of the world's most critically endangered marine mammals by calling on governments to keep fishing nets out of their waters to prevent entanglement deaths.

Mexico's vaquita porpoise and the Maui's dolphin of New Zealand were a focus of discussions today between countries gathered in Panama City for the commission's annual meeting. Governments urged Mexico and New Zealand to take all possible measures immediately to save the animals from extinction.

"It's time for diplomatic niceties and step-wise strategies to take a back seat to immediate, concrete action with no compromise," said Michael Stachowitsch, delegate of Austria to the IWC.

There are believed to be fewer than 200 vaquitas left, and only 55 remaining Maui's dolphins over a year old. Both animals are severely threatened by accidental bycatch in gillnet fisheries. A total ban on the use of gillnets in the entire ranges of both populations is needed to secure their survival, according to the IWC Scientific Committee's report.

Scientists say that unless immediate action is taken the vaquita population could soon be extinct. The only known loss of a mammal species from human causes was the Chinese baiji, or Yangtze river dolphin, which was declared functionally extinct by the IWC in 2006. Governments cautioned that this worst case scenario is near for vaquita.

"Mexico has the power to save this unique species by banning all gillnets in vaquita habitat," said Aimee Leslie, WWF's marine turtle and cetacean manager.

A similar ban on gillnets and trawl nets is urgently needed throughout the whole habitat of Maui's dolphin, which is found only in the shallow waters surrounding the North Island of New Zealand. Protection measures announced by the government last week are not enough to save the animals from extinction.

"Advances in technology mean that fishermen and Maui's dolphins can safely share New Zealand's waters. We urge the government to deploy alternative fishing gear that is dolphin-friendly and keep all gillnets and trawl nets out of Maui's habitat," Leslie said.

Incidental capture in fishing operations is the biggest threat to cetacean species today. It is estimated that more than 300,000 whales, dolphins and porpoises die each year from entanglement in many types of fishing gear, which is an average of one cetacean killed by bycatch every two minutes.

Despite their small numbers, hope remains for vaquitas and Maui's dolphins. If bycatch is eliminated, scientists believe populations can recover. WWF is supporting the development of alternative fishing gear that is safer for cetaceans and marine turtles.

Korea reveals plan to hunt endangered whales

2012-07-04

Panama City – The Republic of Korea today announced plans to kill endangered whales under a loophole in the International Whaling Commission (IWC) treaty that allows for so-called "scientific whaling". The proposal was met with fierce opposition from numerous IWC member governments that called the hunt unnecessary given the availability of modern non-lethal research techniques.

Many governments countered Korea's claims that lethal whaling is needed to determine how to manage stocks. Australia went so far as to invite Korean scientists for a visit to discuss how non-lethal techniques can help fill data gaps.

"The resumption of whaling by Korea after a quarter of a century would be a huge step back for the IWC," said Wendy Elliott, head of WWF's delegation to IWC. "Korea already sells meat from whales caught in fishing gear, and we believe this move is a thinly veiled attempt by Korea to conduct commercial whaling under the guise of scientific research, similar to hunts conducted by Japan in the Southern Ocean whale sanctuary."

The minke whales that would be taken in Korea's proposed hunt are considered endangered by the IWC Scientific Committee.

In its opening statement to the annual meeting of the commission, Korea said its fishermen are pressuring the government to allow whaling. "[T]hey are experiencing disturbances in their fishing activities due to frequent occurrences of cetaceans in their fishing grounds and an increasing number of minke whales are eating away large amount of fish stocks," the statement says.

The argument that increasing whale populations are behind declining fish stocks lacks any scientific foundation. Overfishing, not whales, is responsible for the degraded state of many of the world's fish stocks.

Korea conducted a similar scientific hunt of minke whales in 1986, which was found by the IWC to yield no relevant scientific data. Not only was no new information of significant scientific value obtained, the IWC Scientific Committee found that "the take of 69 minke whales may have caused further reduction of this depleted stock, or at best inhibited its recovery," according to its report.

"This type of senseless proposal derails the important work of the IWC on conservation issues of critical importance to whales, dolphins and porpoises," Elliott said. "Conservation of threatened whale species is something all countries should be able to agree on."

Future for endangered whales lies with IWC

2012-07-02

Panama City – The 64th annual meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) opens today in Panama. The conference comes at a time intense pressure on whales, dolphins and porpoises from human activities. Governments are set to discuss severe marine threats such as oil and gas exploration and fisheries bycatch, which are driving some cetacean populations to near extinction, as well as stronger measures to protect cetaceans, such as sanctuary establishment.

"IWC member governments have already begun to strengthen the convention's conservation agenda and we are urging them to keep conservation front and centre at this week's meeting," said Wendy Elliott, head of WWF's delegation. "The most severe threats to whales today are the result of industrial activities like off-shore drilling and commercial fishing that must be better managed. IWC countries have the opportunity this week to show leadership and protect cetaceans in their national waters and on the high seas."

Oil and gas expansion

WWF has learned that oil giant Shell plans to begin drilling operations in the Beaufort and Chukchi seas off Alaska as early as this month, which could mark the beginning of a massive oil exploration effort throughout US Arctic waters. The harsh Arctic environment with its rough seas, violent storms, icy waters and long periods of darkness renders current spill response procedures woefully inadequate. Technology simply does not exist to clean up an oil spill in these conditions.

Similarly, in the Russian Far East, oil companies are planning to build new off-shore drilling platforms near the feeding area of critically endangered western gray whales. There are only an estimated 26 breeding females remaining and the oil-rich zone off Sakhalin Island is the only place where they can teach their calves to feed.

The noise generated by oil and gas exploration results in some of the loudest sounds that can be produced underwater by man. The explosive pulses generated by seismic testing airguns can disrupt whales' behaviour and even cause their death.

Saving the smallest

WWF is extremely concerned about the survival of Maui's dolphins in New Zealand and Mexico's vaquita porpoises, two critically endangered cetaceans at risk of extinction due to entanglements in fishing gear. Fisheries bycatch is estimated to kill 300,000 whales, dolphins and porpoises each year. There are fewer than 200 vaquitas left and only 55 Maui's dolphins over one year old. To save them, WWF is calling for an immediate ban on the use of gillnets in their entire habitats.

Iceland's fin whale hunt

WWF remains deeply concerned that Iceland could resume commercial hunting of fin whales, an endangered species. WWF urges the government of Iceland to adhere to the internationally agreed moratorium on commercial whaling and publically commit to stopping its fin whale hunt for good.

Whale sanctuaries

A proposal to establish a whale sanctuary in South Atlantic waters between Africa and South America is set for debate at this week's meeting. WWF urges parties to support a sanctuary in this region where whale-watching has been steadily increasing, providing ecotourism income, benefits for local communities, and research opportunities.

Follow us on Twitter @WWF or @Wendy__Elliott for live updates from the IWC meeting

Half measures fail to save Maui's dolphins from extinction

2012-06-28

The New Zealand government has today announced half measures that will fail to save the remaining estimated 55 Maui's dolphins from imminent extinction, says WWF.

"There are now fewer Maui's dolphins than kakapo left in the world," said Rebecca Bird, WWF-New Zealand's Marine Programme Manager. "And yet this decision means the government is knowingly allowing a method of fishing that kills dolphins to go ahead in their habitat. Instead of seizing the opportunity to give Maui's the best chance for survival and population recovery, these measures are simply not enough to protect the species from extinction," she said.

The interim measures will minimally increase protection on the Taranaki coast south from Pariokariwa Point to Hawera including extending the set net ban out to 2-nautical miles and allowing the use of commercial set nets between 2 to 7 nautical miles when an observer is on board.

The measures fail to adequately protect dolphins from commercial and recreational gillnet fishing and trawling throughout their entire range. Fishing is the number one threat to their survival. The marine corridor between the South and North Islands and harbours also remain largely unprotected despite this being important habitat for critically endangered Maui's dolphins.

"The newly announced measures are weaker than the government's own proposed option to best manage the risk to Maui's dolphins. After months of delay, it is shocking that there are still critical areas of Maui's habitat where they could drown in gillnets and trawl nets," said Ms Bird. "The measures also fail to protect the marine corridors that connect Hector's dolphins from the south with Maui's, which scientists consider could hold the key to the survival of the species."

The Minister of Primary Industries announced the measures after public consultations and a lengthy delay, pending a review of the Hectors and Maui's Dolphin Threat Management Plan later this year.

"This area should have been fully protected back in 2008 when the government introduced new fishing restrictions. Yet it has taken more dead dolphins, an obstructive legal challenge by the fishing industry and further evidence of a serious decline in the population before the government acted. A Maui's dolphin was reported killed by a commercial fisher off the Taranaki in January, in an area of known dolphin habitat that we have long argued should be off limits to gill nets," says Ms Bird.

"We need to do everything we can to ensure the decline of these dolphins is reversed. Small steps will not achieve this; we need bold measures and genuine leadership that will ensure a future for these dolphins."

The official estimate placing the population of Maui's dolphins at just 55 individuals over the age of one was released by the Department of Conservation in March this year. It was based on DNA sampling and profiling carried out by a team of scientists at Auckland University.

Government commissioned science indicates that we can only afford to lose one dolphin at the hands of humans every 10 to 23 years without impacting on the population's ability to recover.

"We hope history will prove this not to be a case of too little, too late," said Ms Bird. "WWF will continue to speak on behalf of the vast majority of New Zealanders who want strong government action to save this precious species. The global community are also watching. Maui's are in such a precarious situation we simply cannot afford to lose a single dolphin."

WWF is calling for New Zealanders to join its campaign for Maui's to be protected from all threats throughout their range, at www.stoptheirextinction.org.nz

For more information, please contact:

Rosa Argent, WWF-New Zealand Communications Manager, tel: +64 4 471 4292 / + 64 27 212 3103

Jenny Riches WWF-New Zealand Marketing & Communications Manager, tel: +64 4 4714288 / +64 274477158

Filipinos learn to rescue whales, dolphins

2012-05-22

Swimming at the beach, you quickly notice something huge thrashing in the water. Panic vanishes as you realize it is a whale, stranded by the tide. What do you do?

To address rising incidents of whale and dolphin strandings, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Philippines) recently conducted a two-day cetacean stranding rescue workshop at Hamilo Coast in Nasugbu, Batangas. Over 40 staff and officers from Hamilo Coast underwent classroom and field sessions on cetacean biology, identification, threats, conservation and actual rescue techniques.

"Few Filipinos realize that whales are found right here in the Philippines," explains WWF-Philippines Hamilo Coast Project Manager Paolo Pagaduan. "Training local residents to rescue cetaceans far more than ensures the safety of stranded whales and dolphins – it cultivates their natural sense of stewardship."

Cetaceans include all whale, dolphin and porpoise species, divided by type: Odontocetes or toothed whales feed primarily on fish and squid. Mysticetes or baleen whales have fringed strips of hair-like plates in place of teeth and feed primarily on plankton, krill and tiny fish. Twenty eight – a full third of all known species – have been recorded in Philippine waters as of 2012.

Hamilo Coast has since 2007 been working closely with WWF to restore and protect the degraded coastlines and marine resources of Nasugbu, Batangas. The 8000-hectare eco-tourism project has fused tourism with sustainable land development by balancing conservation and land conversion.

Whale and Dolphin Strandings in the Philippines

Each year, thousands of cetacean strandings are reported worldwide. Some die at sea and wash ashore, while others become trapped in shallow water. Left unaided, many die within a day or two.

About a dozen stranding events are reported in the Philippines yearly, most occurring during the Amihan or north-eastern monsoon from November to March. During this period, strong winds generate stronger-than-usual currents.

WWF-Philippines Vice-Chair and CEO Lory Tan says, "Our priority should be to return stranded cetaceans to their natural habitats as soon as possible. WWF conducts these workshops so local leaders know just what to do."

Cetacean stranding causes include the presence or a lack of food, predators, stress, injuries, disease, pollution, rough seas, tidal fluctuations, undersea quakes, seismic testing, blast fishing or the disruption of magnetic fields used by some cetaceans for navigation.

On 10 December 2009, a stranded 29-foot Bryde's Whale (Baleanoptera edeni) was towed and set-free by locals in nearby Barangay Calayo, Nasugbu.

On 10 February 2009, 300 Melon-headed Whales (Peponocephala electra) were stranded off the towns of Pilar and Orion in Bataan, in the largest recorded stranding event in Philippine history. Three of the whales died but the majority were herded to deeper waters by volunteers.

On 3 March 2009, another pod of 100 Melon-headed Whales was ushered back to deeper waters in Odiongan, Romblon.

"When I was young, beached dolphins used to be slaughtered for meat," recounts Hamilo Coast Security Officer and Barangay Calayo resident Zaldy Flores. "The skills shared by WWF have given us both the competence and confidence to deal with future strandings. We're now ready to rescue all stranded whales and dolphins in Nasugbu."

Batangas Volunteer Saves Hundreds of Dolphins, Turtles

"You don't have to be a doctor or a vet to save lives," explains WWF Hero of the Environment and dolphin mural painter AG Saño. "Jessie De Los Reyes, a Bantay Dagat or Sea Patrol volunteer based in Calatagan, Batangas, was able to rescue and release hundreds of sea turtles, dolphins, sharks and even a large whale because he attended a workshop like this. If one person can do this, imagine what can happen if all 40 people here emulate him."

Led by WWF-Philippines CEO Lory Tan, author of the multi-awarded book, 'A Field Guide to Whales and Dolphins in the Philippines', the training team was composed of Paolo Pagaduan, AG Saño, Marlyn Santiago, Vanessa Vergara, Joanne Arnaldo and Gregg Yan.

WWF has been collaborating with leading Filipino marine mammal experts and conservationists to conduct marine mammal training programs with local governments, coastal communities and private sector allies since 1997.

So what to do in a stranding situation? "Immediately contact WWF-Philippines, the Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines or local authorities. WWF-Philippines alone has a 25,000-strong following on Facebook and pools volunteer experts from a wide range of disciplines to accomplish conservation goals. We're just a Facebook message or a text away," says Pagaduan.

"All Pinoys can do their part," shares Saño. "When at the beach, throw your trash in bins. Here and abroad, never order whale or dolphin meat. Finally, we call on everyone to boycott dolphin shows. If you love dolphins, then please watch them in the wild. Palawan, Bohol, the Tañon Strait and the Davao Gulf are excellent places to see them in their natural element." (30)

For more information, contact:

Gregg Yan, Communications and Media Manager, WWF-Philippines
+63 917 833 4734, gyan@wwf.org.ph

Working together to save the dolphins of the Mekong River

2012-05-13

By Aimee Leslie, WWF's Marine Turtle and Cetacean Manager

Today the population of 85 Irrawaddy dolphins that inhabits the Mekong River in Cambodia faces great danger. Gill nets, the proposed construction of hydropower dams, and unplanned development all threaten the survival of the Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong.

But today, the biggest challenge faced by WWF scientists is that the calves are dying in very high numbers. A recent population study lead by WWF and the Cambodian Fisheries Administration found that the survival rate of calves through to adulthood was virtually zero. This means that practically all Irrawaddy dolphins born in the Mekong die within the first years of life.

"If this trend continues Irrawaddy dolphins could disappear from Mother Mekong by the end of the decade," said Gerry Ryan, a dolphin researcher at WWF-Cambodia. "The problem is that we are uncertain why so many calves are dying."

In January 2012, WWF convened a dolphin conservation workshop in Kratie, Cambodia that was attended by fifteen of the top cetacean scientists in the world and many local and regional experts. The scientists agreed that gill nets are the primary cause of adult mortality, but the reasons for the high rate of calf mortality are still not clear.

WWF, the Fisheries Administration, and the Dolphin Commission signed the Kratie Declaration, a joint statement in which they agreed to work together to conserve dolphins in the Mekong. The declaration included a long list of recommendations for the conservation of this population.

WWF has been working in Kratie, Cambodia to help save Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins since 2005. The team has worked side by side with the Fisheries Administration to monitor the size of the population, determine causes of mortality through necropsy studies, water quality testing, promote protected areas in key dolphin habitat, and with local organizations to develop alternatives that improve the livelihoods of the surrounding communities, while reducing human pressure on dolphins and their environment.

"The Irrawaddy dolphins attract over 10,000 tourists a year to this province," said Gordon Congdon, Project Manager for WWF-Cambodia. "The survival of this population is important for the livelihoods of the communities along the Mekong River and as an iconic symbol of the rich natural heritage of Cambodia."

WWF will continue efforts to save Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong River through science based policy development and ongoing research, concurrent with grassroots work with local communities to reduce the threats - for healthy dolphins, healthy rivers, and healthy people.

WWF deeply concerned over deaths of vulnerable Yangtze finless porpoises

2012-04-28

Beijing – WWF is deeply concerned over the reported deaths of over 32 vulnerable Yangtze finless porpoises since the beginning of the year, and is working with authorities and local communities to prevent the tragedy from reoccurring.

Since 3 March 2012, more than 32 porpoises have been found dead in Dongting and Poyang lakes - nine of them over a one-week period.

The only freshwater finless porpoise in the world, the Yangtze finless porpoise lives mainly in the Yangtze River and two large lakes – Dongting and Poyang – and the recent spike in deaths is raising concerns that the rare animals are being pushed closer to extinction.

"This tragedy shows that Yangtze finless porpoise is facing enormous challenges," said Lei Gang, head of WWF China's Central Yangtze programme. "The porpoise deaths illustrates that without effective measures to fundamentally reverse the trend of ecological deterioration, future of the incredible creature is far from certain. We have to act immediately."

Illegal fishing, accidents part of the blame

Analysis of the deaths reveal an a long list of culprits thought to be pushing the rare species' numbers down, including electrofishing, which uses electricity to stun fish before they are caught, accidents with boat engine propellers, food shortages and poison.

An April 17 autopsy report from the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences shows that two Yangtze finless porpoise were killed by
electrofishing and boat engine propellers.

Additional claims that pollution is to blame for the porpoise deaths require further investigation, and no exact deadline has been set for the results.

There is presently little evidence to point to food shortage as a cause of death, but some experts say that climate change, which has affected Yangtze water levels, is making it increasingly for the porpoises to find food.

A 2006 survey from the IHB found about 1,800 Yangtze finless porpoise in the Yangtze River and connected lakes, with a decreasing rate of 6.4% each year. From 2006 - 2010, the number of Yangtze finless porpoise in Dongting Lake has decreased to 198, with an average decreasing rate of 7.9% each year.

Solutions

China's Ministry of Agriculture and the Yueyang municipal government have accepted recommendations from leading Chinese cetacean experts with WWF input and are now considering immediate in-site conservation measures in Dongting Lake, as opposed to earlier suggestions to relocate the remaining porpoises elsewhere.

The local government has also promised implement a ban on illegal fishing, regulate sand dredging, and limit shipping speeds. Additional measures include better pollution control and increased investments in existing nature reserves.

"WWF welcomes central and local government's commitments, and will work with experts to explore effective in-site conservation solutions," said Mr. Lei Gang. "In-site conservation for the Yangtze finless porpoise should be prioritized in Dongting lake and Poyang lake, which house 1/3rd of the rare species' population. As a backup, WWF is also exploring sites outside of the lakes as a salvage measure to help maintain a stable porpoise population in the future."

In May 2012, WWF is planning to organize a dolphin survey in Dongting Lake with IHB to determine the current population size in Dongting. Based on the survey results, more concrete conservation measures will be proposed to China central and local government.

For more information contact

Zeng Ming (曾铭), Head of Press, WWF China, +86 10 6511 6298, mzeng@wwfchina.org

Sanctuary boundaries need to extend south to protect last 55 Maui's dolphins

2012-04-27

Wellington, New Zealand – WWF-New Zealand is calling on the Department of Conservation to help protect the world's remaining Maui's dolphins by extending the boundary of the Marine Mammal Sanctuary further south and suspending all current mining and seismic activity in their habitat.

The Department of Conservation's call for submissions on its interim proposal to extend the West Coast North Island Marine Mammal Sanctuary close today, 27 April.

Milena Palka, WWF-New Zealand Marine Advocate, said: "The number one threat to the survival of our Maui's dolphins is fishing with nets. However with the population so perilously low, all other human threats including boat strike, seismic surveys and seabed mining (for minerals such as iron sands) need to be removed from their habitat to give these dolphins a fighting chance at survival. Extending the current sanctuary boundaries and imposing a suspension on these activities until they can be adequately assessed is crucial."

Maui's dolphins, and their South Island relative Hector's, are the smallest and rarest marine dolphins in the world. Last month, DOC released a new official population estimate revealing there are likely just 55 Maui's over the age of one.[1] The previous official estimate from 2006 was 111 individuals. The species is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN.

In response to the Maui's decline, Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson and Primary Industries Minister David Carter have proposed added interim protection measures while a full review of the threats is undertaken.

WWF-New Zealand has responded to DOC's proposal for interim extension of the West Coast North Island (WCNI) Marine Mammal Sanctuary, including an extension on the seismic survey regulations within the sanctuary, by urging a more precautionary approach. In a submission, the global conservation organisation argues that the sanctuary boundary must be further extended along the entire coast from Maunganui Bluff (near Dargaville) to Hawera in Taranaki, to cover all harbours and waters out to 100 meters deep.

WWF is also calling on the corridor that links the top of the South Island from Farewell Spit to Harewa to be protected, to allow Hector's and Maui's dolphins to connect. New biopsy data reveals that there is evidence of Hector's travelling north to coexist with Maui's. This opens up the possibility of future breeding and replenishment of the dangerously low Maui's population.

This marine corridor is currently totally unprotected, despite evidence the dolphins are found in this area. A Hector's dolphin was reported killed in a commercial set net off the coast of Taranaki in January this year, and subsequently identified by Ministry of Fisheries officials as a Maui's.

"The proposed interim protection measures are inadequate to stop the extinction of the Maui's", said Milena Palka. "For Maui's dolphins to survive, they need complete protection across their entire range. With as few as 55 individuals left, there can be no room for error."

For more information please contact

Rosa Argent, Communications Manager, WWF-New Zealand: +64 4 471 4292, rargent@wwf.org.nz

WWF calls for total ban on set nets in rare dolphins' range

2012-02-24

Wellington, New Zealand - WWF-New Zealand today reiterated calls on the Government to ban set net fishing throughout Hector's and Maui's dolphins' habitat, to prevent more dolphins dying needlessly in nets. The call came as two Hector's dolphins were reported killed by the illegal use of set nets within a sanctuary for the endangered species[1].

WWF-New Zealand's Marine Programme Manager Rebecca Bird said these latest deaths were a further blow for a species already threatened with extinction: "We can't keep on losing dolphins like this. This latest incident follows the death of a critically endangered Maui's dolphin in a set net, and neither species can sustain this kind of death toll. We are saddened at the news of these two dolphins found dead, it is a grim reminder that dolphins are still dying needlessly in fishing nets."

Fishing with nets is the main reason the numbers of Hector's dolphins have declined so rapidly; the nets entangle the dolphins and cause them to drown. Since the 1970s, their population has plummeted from around 30,000 to just over 7,000 today.

"The Government is launching an inquiry into the illegal use of set nets inside the Banks Peninsula sanctuary, but the fact of the matter is the dolphins remain unprotected in large parts of their range. The Government is clearly struggling to enforce piece-meal regulations – if it is serious about protecting this species, it needs to send a clear signal to fishers by banning nets in our coastal waters."

She said the government's own research shows the dolphins have the best chance of recovery if all human threats to the dolphins' survival are removed: "Current protection falls short of what's needed for the dolphins to recover their numbers, so they are no longer threatened with extinction. This is a wake-up call for the Government – do they want the species to recover or are they willing to preside over their decline?"

"For a species that has lost nearly three-quarters of its population in just three decades, we need to be pulling out all the stops to help them recover. And that means making sure no more dolphins die needlessly in nets," she said.

WWF is campaigning for Hector's and Maui's dolphins to be protected adequately from human threats throughout their natural range to allow their numbers to recover to their pre-1970s abundance.

She said "Globally set nets are recognised as a very wasteful method of fishing, they catch and kill everything in their path. We are encouraging fishers to change to more sustainable methods that don't catch dolphins," said Ms Bird.

WWF advocates for the Government to develop and implement an effective action plan for the recovery of the species that also identifies, manages and mitigates all other threats to Hector's and Maui's to ensure their recovery, such as boat strike, pollution, coastal development sand- mining and exploration for oil and gas.

-ENDS-

For more information contact
Jenny Riches WWF-New Zealand Marketing & Communications Manager, tel: 04 4714288 / 0274477158

BNP Paribas, Credit Suisse and Standard Chartered can help save threatened whales

2012-02-08

WWF this week has asked European banks behind a Russian off-shore oil development to do their part to protect a population of critically endangered whales. BNP Paribas, Credit Suisse and Standard Chartered are among the companies financing the project, which currently consists of two drilling platforms off Russia's Sakhalin Island.

The project's developer, Sakhalin Energy Investment Company, has proposed installing a third platform dangerously close to the key feeding ground of western gray whales. There could be fewer than 130 of the whales remaining, including only 26 breeding females.

WWF is urging the European lenders to oppose Sakhalin Energy's plans for another platform and to request that the "Sakhalin-II" project be limited to the two existing platforms as previously agreed. A third platform was not part of the project's environmental impact assessment and could push this vulnerable whale population closer to extinction.

"The western gray whale is on the verge of extinction, and the additional platform, which was never part of the original proposal, sets a dangerous precedent for all future oil and gas projects in the region," said Colin Butfield, head of campaigns at WWF-UK. "WWF is calling on the banks to take action and oppose the plans - before it's too late for these critically endangered whales."

Western gray whales feed off Sakhalin Island during the summer and autumn months, before their long winter migration. They must consume enough during that period to sustain themselves for the rest of the year. Gray whales are the only large whales that feed from the sea bottom, churning up the sea bed and filtering the disturbed invertebrates through their baleen plates.

The shallow waters close to the island are the only waters that are suitable for mothers to teach their calves how to feed. If Sakhalin Energy's expansion plans go forward there will be increased risk of the whales being driven from their critical feeding area by noise pollution, especially that caused by seismic surveys. Development of an additional platform would also increase the likelihood of oil spills, lethal whale and ship collisions, and chemical pollution.

The Western Gray Whale Advisory Panel, a group of independent scientists focused on considering how to reduce the impacts of oil and gas operations on the whales, is meeting with lenders and Sakhalin Energy in Geneva next week. The banks can use this opportunity to voice concerns and oppose the platform.

WWF is inviting the public to help encourage the banks to say no to a third platform, by signing a petition online at www.thelast130.org. Additionally, Londoners can visit a life-size whale on the south bank of the River Thames on Wednesday, and will have the chance to learn more about the issue by picking up a copy of 'The Daily Whale', a WWF newspaper being handed out at tube stations.

Maui's death in set net takes species one step closer to extinction

2012-02-01

Auckland, New Zealand - Reports that an endangered Maui's dolphin has been killed in a fishing net off the coast of Taranaki should serve as a wake up call that current protection measures are insufficient and a total ban on set nets is needed throughout their current and historical range to save the species, warns WWF.

WWF-New Zealand's Executive Director Chris Howe says: "This death of a Maui's dolphin is a tragedy for a species that is down to only about 100 individuals. Set nets in Maui's habitat continue to pose an unacceptable risk to these dolphins. Until we get set nets out of the shallow coastal waters where they live, more Maui's will needlessly get entangled and drown. The species could be extinct within our generation without urgent action."

Maui's dolphins, a subspecies of the South Island's Hector's dolphins, are found only off the west coast of the North Island. They are the world's rarest marine dolphin, classified internationally as critically endangered.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) yesterday released a statement saying they believe that the dead animal was a Maui's, not a Hector's dolphin as originally reported, because of the location of its death. The dead dolphin was returned to the sea by the fisher. MAF claimed the death "occurred outside of the current known range of Maui's dolphins, as well as outside the current restrictions."

However there have been independent verified sightings of Maui's dolphins in the coastal waters off Taranaki in recent years, and WWF-New Zealand is urging MAF and the government to extend protection measures throughout the Maui's historical range to give the species the best chance of survival and recovery.

Despite fishing restrictions announced in 2008, Maui's are not currently protected throughout their entire range. WWF is calling on the government to extend protection measures into harbours and the southern extent of their current range, along with better monitoring and policing of regulations.

WWF- New Zealand is urging all members of the public who see a Maui's dolphin – noted for their rounded dorsal fin - to report it to a special sightings hotline, 0800 4 MAUIS. Mr Howe says: "Every sighting of one of these rare and precious dolphins matters. The more we know about where Maui's range and their movements, the better we can protect them.

"WWF will continue to speak out on behalf of all those New Zealanders who want to stop the extinction of Maui's dolphins, and urge the government to extend the current protection measures before it is too late."

Day of the dolphin

2011-10-23

The 24th of October is International Freshwater Dolphin Day, a day in the Greater Mekong to celebrate the Irrawaddy dolphin as a unique part of Cambodia's biological heritage and think carefully about how we can all help to conserve it for future generations.

In Cambodia the Irrawaddy dolphin is regarded as a sacred animal, and folk stories tell of its origin as a woman who, fearing disgrace, threw herself into the river, only to return as a dolphin.

In both Cambodia and Laos dolphins receive the highest level of legal protection. In 2010 WWF estimated that there are 85 dolphins in the Mekong River, and the population is continuing to decline. On-going research shows that in the Mekong, the species continues to be threatened by entanglement in gillnets, illegal fishing measures, increasing habitat degradation, and very high mortality in the young population, possibly related to disease and environmental contamination.

Recent efforts by the Royal Government of Cambodia have resulted in the development of dolphin conservation areas that when passed into law should provide protection from some of these threats and help the species' chances of survival in the Kingdom.

Irrawaddy dolphins, Orcaella brevirostris, are found in just three rivers around the world: the Mekong River, in Cambodia and Lao PDR, and once down into Vietnam, in the Mahakam River in Indonesian Borneo, and in the Ayeyarwaddy River - once called the Irrawaddy River - in Myanmar. Each of these populations numbers fewer than 100 individuals, and each is listed as Critically Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - the highest level of threat.

Irrawaddy dolphins are unusual in that they live in freshwater habitats, estuaries and coastal marine environments, and are found in tropical Asia from the Philippines to India. The finless porpoise, Neophocaena phocaenoides, is found in the Yangtze River and also found in marine environments. Other freshwater dolphins are the Susu, Platanista gangetica, also known as the Ganges or Indus River dolphin, which is found in some South Asian river systems, while the Boto, Inia geoffrensis, the Bolivian River dolphin, Inia boliviensis, and the Tucuxci, Sotalia fluviatilis, are all found in South America.

Freshwater dolphins are poorly known and because of their dependence on the freshwater systems that also support many millions of people worldwide, are often threatened with extinction due to human impacts in their environment. All freshwater dolphins are considered threatened or data deficient on the IUCN Red List.

International Freshwater Dolphin Day is also a sad reminder of the first human caused extinction of a dolphin - the recently lost Baiji, Lipotes vexillifer, a beautiful and unique creature that lived until recently in China's Yangtze River.

WWF has active projects to conserve freshwater dolphins around the world, working with national partners and local communities to secure the future of these mystic animals. In Cambodia, WWF implements the Cambodian Mekong Dolphin Conservation Project in partnership with the Fisheries Administration and the Cambodian Rural Development Team, and does community outreach and education, research, policy development and alternative livelihoods initiatives with communities along the Mekong River.

Narwhal tracking project helps chart species' future

2011-10-19

Canada - WWF is supporting a new project to track narwhals, Arctic whales best known for the long tusk that projects forward from their faces.

The project partners fitted the little-researched whales with satellite tracking devices. WWF is also launching a web page to showcase the partners' fieldwork and research, with maps and information about the latest movements of the narwhals as they move around Baffin Bay in Canada's Nunavut territory.

Pete Ewins, Arctic species specialist for WWF-Canada, said that it is expected the project will contribute fascinating information about the habits of narwhals.

"We're supporting this project because it is a chance to better understand these animals while their world changes around them. We know Narwhals are often associated with sea ice, and we know the sea ice is shrinking. WWF is trying to understand how narwhals, as well as all other ice associated animals in the arctic can adapt to a changing environment. We can put this knowledge together with existing Inuit knowledge, and we can work with Inuit and other stakeholders to help the animals survive the coming changes."

Tracking the Monodon monoceros

The composite maps displayed on the WWF narwhal tracking page show the total paths taken to date by the whales being tracked (most of whom were adult females). Having spent much of the past 10-12 weeks in the fjords and inlets around northern Baffin Island, often probably heading well up these long inlets to escape the increasing number of killer whales now summering in these waters, these narwhals are starting to move out of the area.

Although rapid changes in climatic conditions have been making it increasingly difficult to predict the timing of sea-ice formation in the fall, it is likely that in the next couple of weeks sea-ice will start appearing along the coast and in shallow waters. As temperatures drop regularly well below zero, so the narwhals will steadily move eastwards and into deeper water.

WWF is glad to be able to provide support to this project partnership of the local Inuit community of Pond Inlet, the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, the Canadian Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), the Narwhal Tusk Research project centred at Harvard University, the Vancouver Aquarium and the Calgary Zoo.