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Buoy network protects endangered whales
Woods Hole, Mass., April 29, 2008 U.S. marine scientists say they've established a network of electronic buoys along Massachusetts Bay's shipping lanes to protect endangered right whales. The Right Whale Listening Network developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution recognizes the whales' distinctive calls and routes the information to a public Web site and a marine warning system, giving ships the chance to avoid deadly collisions. Right whales were hunted to the brink of extinction centuries ago, and now fewer than 400 of the 50-ton, long-lived black whales remain, scientists said, noting collisions with ships are currently a leading risk factor. "For the first time, we can go online and hear �� calling whales, and see where those whales are in the ocean off Boston and Cape Cod," said Christopher Clark, of the Lab of Ornithology. "Better yet, those calls immediately get put to use in the form of timely warnings to ship captains." Clark said even the deaths of one or two breeding females each year could lead to the population's extinction. "If all ships slow down for whales, it could make a real difference," he said. The sounds and additional information are available at http://listenforwhales.org Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links Follow the Whaling Debate
Japanese whalers return to port
Tokyo (AFP) April 15, 2008Japan's whalers began arriving home Tuesday as authorities prepared to investigate high-seas clashes with activists that prevented the fleet from killing almost half its intended catch. |
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