A Tale Of Two Marine Mammals

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July/August 2007

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MARINE MAMMALS

FUTURE OCEANS

A TALE OF TWO MARINE MAMMALS

BY JEAN-MICHEL COUSTEAU

It’s hoped Sea Ghosts, part of the second year of the Jean-Michel Cousteau Ocean Adventures series, will expand knowledge and understanding that leads to long-term protection of the featured marine animals.

Photo: Courtesy Doc White, Ocean Magic Photography

Charles Dickens’ great classic A Tale of Two Cities begins with the ambiguous reflection, “It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.”

That is how many of us in the environmental movement feel about our efforts and milestones to preserve and protect our planet. Just when you win a victory for conservation, another area you thought was safe becomes threatened again. Like the sand washing out from under your feet at the shoreline, the tide of governmental decision-making often sweeps away the stability we think we have.

Such is the case with two recent federal initiatives that affect the future of two marine mammals – the beluga whale and the Florida manatee.

This summer my team and I are setting off on an expedition to film the second documentary of our ongoing PBS HD TV series. Entitled Sea Ghosts: Apparitions of the Ocean, it will explore different populations of the highly intelligent beluga whale and their relationships with people.

Some beluga populations are facing serious threats, primarily from over hunting and pollution. Other beluga populations appear to be quite healthy and effectively managed. Our purpose is to better understand and educate the public about the beluga, those imminently threatened 10

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and their healthier counterparts.

In light of our deep concern for the future of belugas in Cook Inlet, Alaska, I am extremely pleased that the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has proposed to bypass ‘threatened’ status and put this genetically distinct population directly on the endangered list. For many years we have emphasized the need for urgency where beluga protection is concerned and this step by the NMFS is commendable for recognizing that the dwindling Cook Inlet beluga population – of about 350 animals – could become extinct in 100 years without such measures in place.

Our focus on belugas this summer will be instructive. We anticipate learning more of this elusive white whale known also as the ‘sea canary’ for its birdlike vocalizations. As the hearing for this endangered designation proceeds over the next 12 months, we at Ocean Futures Society will bring our filmed testimony to bear on the protection of these amazing whales.

FUTURE OCEANS

The Ocean Futures Society expedition team is filming beluga whales in Alaska and Canada this summer. The National Marine Fisheries Service has proposed to list as ‘endangered’ the genetically distinct population in Cook Inlet, Alaska. Photo: Courtesy Doc White, Ocean Magic Photography

ABOVE: The Florida manatee population of some 3,200 animals was further diminished in 2006 with over 416 mortalities, making it the worst year on record. Photo: Courtesy Doc White, Ocean Magic Photography BELOW: The U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife draft plan to downgrade status of the Florida manatee from ‘endangered’ to ‘threatened’ species may result in further habitat destruction and increased mortality and injury resulting from collisions with boaters. This iconic symbol of Florida’s natural history could be lost to us if strict environmental protection is not kept in place. Photo: Courtesy Doc White, Ocean Magic Photography

The Ocean Futures Society upcoming PBS HD TV documentary, Sea Ghosts: Apparitions of the Ocean, takes an in-depth look at the natural history of the beluga and interaction between this highly intelligent, yet elusive marine mammal, and humans. Photo: Courtesy Doc White, Ocean Magic Photography

While the action of the NMFS was a victory for preservation, only days later the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) drafted plans to end the endangered status of the Florida manatee. This, I believe, would be a serious and costly mistake (see DIVER August-September 2006).

Daily, manatees are threatened by human activity. This slow-moving marine mammal grazes on shallow water aquatic plants; they are no match for high speed boaters who fail to slow down in designated zones or simply ignore them altogether. Not surprisingly, propeller wounds are common injuries suffered by the manatee. As well, unrelenting shoreline developments encroach on and deplete the mangrove habitat of the manatee.

Timing of the USFWS protection downgrade from ‘endangered’ to ‘threatened’ is dubious considering manatee mortalities were at an all time high in 2006. According to officials 416 animals of the total (estimated) population of 3,200, died in the past year - the highest loss in over 30 years.

Effect of this government move would only serve to weaken existing speed regulations for boaters and facilitate more development near manatee habitats. Allowing this to happen could well be a death sentence for this “lovable” and ancient species.

These realities underscore the need for vigilance by all of us who are dedicated to marine life protection. Often, when we take one step forward, we must take another step back.

When the evidence is so clear that both these species need the strongest possible protection, we need to insist that regulatory agencies remain consistent in their decision-making. Most importantly, if we are to err in our responsibility to safeguard marine life, we should always err on the side of protection. The consequences are too grave otherwise. We have seen how our neglect and ignorance impacts life on Earth. It’s not too late to protect the ocean. In doing so we protect ourselves. divermag.com

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