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March 2008Whale of a Time with Dolphin Moko - the Hero Saves Stranded Whales
Never has this been recorded before in history. Dolphin Moko who is a very popular dolphin since the 10th March 2008 when he came to rescue a whale mother and her baby who had been stranding at Mahia Beach in Hawke's Bay. The two pygmy sperm whales got very distressed although conservation field worker Malcolm Smith who has been working in this field for 30 years and couldn't help the whales and was about to give up and kill the whales to save them from any more pain. All of a sudden a dolphin turned up out of the blue and swam directly towards the whales and started talking whale. The whales agreed with the dolphin and swam back into the sea. This was an exceptionel resolution of the problem and shows how this compassionate creatures of the sea care for each other and are able to communicate over distance and help each other. Perhaps we'll see humans work with these animals more closely for whale rescue around the world. Dolphin Moko certainly has received our Whale of a Time Award for his fascinating rescue work. See CNN Newsflash below.
February 2008Polar bear paddle boat protestBush Administration delaying listing as endangered
 Washington, DC, United States — What's a polar bear to do? Your ice is melting, politicians won't listen, and the government is dragging its feet about listing you as endangered... Off to Washington, to start your own floating vigil! Uh oh, here comes the fuzz. OK, it was one of our activists in a costume - peacefully protesting the Bush Administration's delay in issuing a final Endangered Species Act listing for the polar bear due to global warming. Yesterday, the activist, dressed in a polar bear suit, sat quietly in a paddleboat in a park pond in front of the Department of Interior. (Until the police took him to jail, where he remains as of writing.) Full steam ahead for new oil While the Department of Interior is dragging their feet on protecting polar bears, they are moving full steam ahead on plans to drill for oil in prime polar bear habitat. New oil leases are opening up in the Chukchi Sea and oil companies are lining up quickly to obtain licenses to drill. A fifth of the remaining Arctic polar bears depend on Chukchi Sea ice in their hunt for food. In December of 2005, Greenpeace and two other conservation groups sued the Bush administration when it missed its first legal deadline to respond to the petition for an endangered species listing. On December 27, 2006, the Service announced its proposal to list the species as "threatened" and had one year to make a final listing decision. The legal deadline for doing so was January 9, 2008.
RE: The battle of the Antarctic Anti-whaling activists have been trying to stop the Japanese fishing fleet from killing whales in the Antarctic. The two organisations which sent boats to search and find the Japanese fleet and then take direct action are: Greenpeace www.greenpeace.org and Sea Shepherd www.seashepherd.org. Greenpeace writes: For eleven days, we've been chasing the Japanese whaling factory ship Nisshin Maru through Antarctic waters. Every day they've spent trying to outrun us has been a safe day for whales. In fact, we estimate that by shutting down the whaling operations, we've saved as many as 82 whales through our efforts. But today, the Nisshin Maru engaged in a different type of illegal activity, and we were there to stop it. It attempted to refuel in Antarctic Treaty waters. The Panamanian flagged ship Oriental Bluebird arrived on the scene, in an effort to refuel the fleet and take on packaged whale meat, processed in the weeks before we located the fleet. Refueling in the Antarctic is dangerous and a serious threat to the Antarctic environment which is recognized internationally as a specially protected area. We immediately launched our inflatable boats, including mine. We steered a course between the Nisshin Maru and Oriental Bluebird. The Esperanza warned the vessels of our presence, but they continued to maneuver together, essentially trapping us between the two huge ships. Two of the Japanese hunting ships were also on the scene, harassing our activists for more than an hour by performing close-quarter maneuvers near our boats, as we documented the exchange of whale meat and fuel between the Nisshin Maru and Oriental Bluebird. Our boats are less than 26 feet in length, but we managed to keep the Goliath whaling ships apart long enough for another ship to appear on the horizon: Australia's Oceanic Viking. Now the Australian government is on the scene and documenting the Japanese whaling fleet's illegal activities for themselves.
January 2008
RE: International Boycott Japan Awareness Week A week asking people not to buy Japanese goods, EVER! Since the ban on whaling in the mid 1980s Japan has killed thousands of whales for “scientific research”.
Also every year over 20000 dolphins are cruelly killed. Read more about Cetacea Defence
December 2007RE: Have a Whale of a New Year 2008!
RE: Read a review of 2007 - Whale of a Time Newsletter!
 or read onlineRE: Japan halts hunting of humpback whales! TOKYO: Japan's whaling fleet in the Antarctic will avoid killing humpback whales for now but will press on with plans to catch about 1,000 other whales by early in the new year, a government official said Friday. The move follows an announcement by Australia on Wednesday that it would send a fisheries patrol ship to gather evidence for a possible international court challenge to halt Japan's yearly slaughter. "Japan has decided not to catch humpback whales for one year or two," Nobutaka Machimura, a government spokesman, told reporters. "Japan's relations with Australia could improve, but it depends on how it will see our decision," Machimura said. He said Japan made the decision after holding talks with the head of the International Whaling Commission. Humpbacks, popular among whale watchers for their distinctive silhouettes and acrobatic leaps, were hunted to near extinction until the IWC ordered their protection in 1966. Plans by Japan to include 50 humpbacks in the hunt had sparked an outcry from activists. Machimura said the IWC had not been "functioning normally," saying the international forum had been distorted by ideology. He said Japan would suspend humpback whale hunting while the IWC held talks on "normalizing" its functions. But Japan would continue with its "scientific research" whaling, Machimura said. Japan's whaling fleet set sail last month with plans to catch more than 1,000 whales, including 50 humpbacks. It is due to return to port early next year. Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura of Japan said earlier Friday that he wanted to discuss whaling with his Australian counterpart. Komura defended Tokyo's whaling program, saying that it was in line with international treaties and that he saw no problem with it. Komura said he would like to speak with his Australian counterpart soon. "We will try to seek each other's understanding," he said. Japan, which says whaling is a cherished cultural tradition, abandoned commercial whaling in accordance with an international moratorium in 1986 but began what it calls a scientific research whaling program the following year. The Australian Embassy in Tokyo said it and other embassies would deliver a document on whaling to the Japanese Foreign Ministry on Friday but declined to disclose the contents of the document or say how many other countries were involved. Whale meat ends up in Japanese supermarkets and restaurants, although the public appetite for what is now a delicacy is waning. Some experts say Japan fears that limits on whaling will lead to limits on all Japanese fishing, while others argue that the whaling campaign is a form of nationalist diplomacy. RE: Whale of a Time at Earl's Court Boat Show is a great success!! Whale of a Time Sculpting Workshop provided an opportunity for children and all visitors to the boat show to make a model of their favourite marine species. Over 200 people used their artistic skills to sculpt dolphins, starfish, whales, octopi, basking sharks, great white sharks, a frog and even a penguin with a snorkel. Whale of a Time raises awareness of endangered species. Celebrity attendees included Dom Mee the famous rower and Elle Macpherson, Hollywood actress who attended with her children.
Responses included the following:
Max (7) said, “It was very fun and exciting”.
We are looking forward to having another whale of a time at the Boat Show 2008. Have a whale of a time!
Download press release here in pdf format
November 2007RE: Endangered Humpback Whales – New Target for Whalers! - Take Action to Save Whales Now! Japan's whaling fleet has set sail for an international whale sanctuary in Antarctica, where it intends to kill more than 1,000 whales over the next four months in the name of "science". IFAW is working hard to protect whales but we need your help! Japan’s whaling fleet has left for the Southern Ocean Sanctuary and plans to kill 50 endangered humpback whales in the name of ‘science’. Humpback whales have not been killed for several decades and are still endangered. The whaling fleet intends to kill around 1,000 whales of other species as well. The majority of whale populations has not recovered since the ban on whaling has been put in place. Over 30,000 whales have been killed since the ‘ban’ on whaling in the 1980s. Whaling is inherently cruel; it an take over half an hour for a whale to die. There is also no need for whales to be killed and no real ‘science’ is produced by Japan. Scientists around the world have condemned this practice. At the next International Whaling Commission in 2008, we need to get more countries to vote for the protection of whales on a global scale. We need to establish better protection for whales. This could be done, particularly through a South Atlantic whale sanctuary as well as strict controls of fishing in the oceans. Please send a letter to your MP urging him or her to write Foreign Secretary David Miliband insisting that the UK Government takes the lead in helping stop whaling. Take Action now! Send a letter to your MP.
October 2007RE: Fishing is killing whales The northern right whale ranges the Atlantic Ocean from Britain to America. With estimates of 400 individuals remaining from a population that once have numbered hundreds of thousands over millions of years, it is now uncertain that these majestic creatures will survive this century. The whales have been protected from hunting since the 1930s but the failure of the population to recover had puzzled scientists. Researchers have found the majority of the whales are dying in agony after being hit by ships or tangled in fishing nets off America's eastern coast. "Humans are still killing whales" said Michael Moore of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution on Amercica's eastern coast, who carried out the research. "Fatally entangled whales can die very slowly over months or even years. This is an extreme animal welfare issue as well as a serious conservation problem." In a recent conversation with Ph. D. William Megill, Research Director at the Coastal Ecosystems Research Foundation, Ph. D. Megill said that we need to focus on the over-fishing of the oceans, only then we can save the whales as they won't be able to survive if there is no food in the oceans.
September 2007RE: Sustainable Fishing In a few weeks, the World Trade Organization will come forward with new rules to govern global fishing. It's time for you to raise your voice! We can help end the unfair and unsustainable fishing system! The fishing system of exploitative countries is subsidized and corporate fleets overfish the oceans for profit. The oceans don't belong to any country. All countries of the world have to come together to bring in strict fishing controls and methods of maintaining species populations healthy and sustainable to prevent global fish populations from collapsing. Statistics show that 90% of big fish including tuna and marlin have disappeared. Please go to the Avaaz website and enter your name and email address, and select your country. The website chooses your trade minister (or other leader) automatically. Click "send" and it will deliver your message. Please help maintain our oceans' life! RE: 5th European Congress of Mammalogy The European Congresses of Mammalogy aim to bring together mammalian biologists from European and also non-European countries. The relaxed and friendly atmosphere of these congresses provides an excellent opportunity to hear the latest developments in various fields of mammalogy, to share research experience and expertise, and to develop new and closer contacts with colleagues from different countries. Following the successful congresses in Lisbon (1991), Southampton (1995), Jyväskylä (1999) and Brno (2003), it is now the turn of a Mediterranean country to host this exciting event and to invite mammalogists to the 5th European Congress of Mammalogy (ECM5) in Siena.
Dates: Thursday, 20. September 07 - Wednesday, 26. September 07, 09:00 - 18:00 Uhr RE: 2007 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species released
What is the IUCN Red List?
"Extinction crisis escalates: Red List shows apes, corals, vultures, dolphins all in danger About The World Conservation (IUCN) Created in 1948, the World Conservation Union (IUCN) brings together 84 States, 108 government agencies, 800 plus NGOs, and some 10,000 scientists and experts from 147 countries in a unique worldwide partnership. The Union’s mission is to influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable.
The Union is the world's largest environmental knowledge network and has helped over 75 countries to prepare and implement national conservation and biodiversity strategies. The Union is a multicultural, multilingual organization with 1,000 staff located in 62 countries. Its headquarters are in Gland, Switzerland. See full press release in English, Spanish or French below
August 2007RE: 21st - 24th September 2007 Hermanus Whale Festival
The Hermanus Whale Festival, the only Enviro-Arts festival in South Africa, is held annually to celebrate the return of the Southern Right whales to the waters of Walker Bay, our magnificent environment and the arrival of Spring!
July 2007RE: Global fishing crisis
A Guardian summary of the condition of the world's oceans and their inhabitants, including a visual presentation of the decline of the cod population in the North Sea.
RE: Whales SOS! Protect Whales from Sonar! Dear friends, The American people have rejected it. The federal courts have ruled against it. But the U.S. Navy won't take NO for an answer. It's bringing back a sonar system so powerful it can impact whales 300 miles away with its ear-splitting noise. Its effects are so far-reaching -- and so unknown -- it could threaten the survival of entire populations of marine mammals. Now the Navy wants to deploy this Low-Frequency Active (LFA) sonar system across a staggering 70 percent of the world's oceans. And the Bush Administration has given the public only 15 days to register our opposition. It is critical that you submit an Official Citizen Comment immediately. Send the Bush Administration a message loud and clear that we will NOT let them play a terrifying game of Russian Roulette with our planet's oceans. Send a Citizen Comment urging the National Marine Fisheries Service to reject the Navy's plan for worldwide deployment of dangerous LFA sonar. LFA sonar can deafen, maim and kill whales. But scientists are even more alarmed at its potential impacts on whale migration, feeding, mating and communication -- in other words, the biological keys to the survival of whale species. Five years ago, NRDC won a dramatic courtroom victory blocking global deployment of this dangerous sonar system just as the Navy was about to launch operations. Since then, the Navy's training with LFA sonar has been limited to one remote area. But now the Navy is back with the same reckless proposal for world-wide testing and training. And, shockingly, the National Marine Fisheries Service is once again giving the Navy a permit to harass or injure hundreds of thousands of marine mammals each year the get in the way of its sonar. Send a Citizen Comment right now telling the Bush Administration you will not accept this massive acoustic assault on our planet's oceans. Time is of the essence. With only six days to respond, we're counting on you --and those you know -- to help deluge the administration with a tidal wave of outrage at this dangerous proposal. Help NRDC stop the deployment of this technological menace before its deafening noise is unleashed on our planet's fragile oceans and wildlife. Sincerely,
Frances Beinecke Let's raise awareness with the aim to protect the whales and change the military's attitude to become more humane and caring and protective of our planet! Start a campaign today! Please let us know if you have any good ideas how you could help. Email us at info@whaleofatime.org with your comments.
RE: Giles Bryant from Turiya live on Glastonbury Radio
RE: Whale of a Time with Cyberstarlet
Glade workshop will be taking place on Sunday 22nd July, 1:30 pm at Open Source Workshops, located in the twin domes within the ID Spiral chill zone.
Whale of a Time is also running sculpting workshops for private parties.
RE: Turiya & Friends in concert
Fund-raising event for “Whale Of A Time” Sat 28 July 7.30pm
Wethersfield Arts Centre,
Tickets £5
RE: 365 Ways how to change the world
Michael Norton is author of "365 Ways to Change the World", which provides an issue for each day of the year, interesting facts, inspiring case studies of people doing things to address the issue and ideas for action. Originally published in the UK, versions with local content have been published in Australia, Canada, India, South Africa and the USA. To find out more visit our website at www.365act.com
June 2007
RE: Patented harpoon pins down whale age
RE: Join the Powercut on 1 July 2007 & Stop Global Warming!!!
RE: Basking Sharks at the Scottish Coast!!!
Caution urged to protect Sharks (BBC News Update 2 June 2007)
Shark warning for boat owners! (BBC News Update 1 Jun 2007)
Call to Protect Basking Sharks! (BBC News Update 4 Oct 2006)
Basking Sharks drawn to Scottish coast (BBC News Update 16 Sep 2005)
Read more about the Basking Shark here
RE: Hermanus Whale Festival, 21st - 24th September 2007
11th June
8th June
3rd - 15th June
Read more about CITES @ The Netherlands
May 2007
RE: 31th May CITES Resolution
RE: Southern Atlantic Whale Sanctury defeated
Complementary information:
CITES: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling, IWC
28th - 31th May 2007
IWC Official Website - Scientific Permits - Why murder a whale in the name of science? News update of the IWC Meeting in Alaska - by Environment News Service
December 2006
RE: Extinction of the Baiji
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