Saving Sealife.

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  • Author(s): Abhat, Divya
  • Source:
    E: The Environmental Magazine. Sep/Oct2005, Vol. 16 Issue 5, p12-13. 2p. 1 Color Photograph.
  • Additional Information
    • Subject Terms:
      MARINE mammal populations; FISHING nets; ANIMAL rescue; MARINE biology; WHALES; LIFEGUARDS
    • Abstract:
      The article reports that many marine mammal populations are at extreme lows. Many seals, sea lions and other mammals also end up entangled in fishing nets and end up drowning after they tried to steal fish. For 21 years, Whale Rescue Team volunteers have relieved entangled or beached whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions and sea birds along the California coast. According to Peter Wallerstein director of the Sea Shepherd Society, beach communities throughout Los Angeles County were in desperate need of appropriate equipment, a high standard of care and a well-trained team. Wallerstein counts on volunteers for help with rescues, including police officers, fire department officials and county lifeguards. Last year the Whale Rescue Team made 165 rescues. This year the numbers have already touched 230 mammals and 240 sea birds. The most difficult part is hoop netting the animal, says Peter Brown of the team. Besides rescues, the group also conducts advocacy work for marine wildlife and campaigns against the capture of healthy marine mammals.