Implementing Humane, Modern Technologies to Reduce Research Boat Traffic Part 2!
Boat traffic and associated noise is recognized as one of the three major threats to orcas. Reducing boat traffic must include Research Vessel Traffic.
Decades old research methods can be barbaric and inhumane. The old school, peer review Ivory Tower has supported lucrative career experiments that sacrifice some “subjects” all in the name of science! Sentient, endangered orca families must not continue to be treated as research tools. It has not stopped the decline of the endangered orcas and others!
d) Dart Trackers
Invasive dart trackers continue to be used to determine the travel patterns and locations of cetaceans for experiments. This has caused long term wounds and injuries in orcas and humpbacks. These penetrating sharp “arrows” have caused one known infection that led to the death of an endangered SRKW (2016). It is believed that at two other Transients may have died.
There is absolutely no need to use dart trackers because a vast system of hydrophones are presently in the oceans that can track orcas. This includes 1) existing military systems that have been used by whale researchers; 2) The University of Victoria Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) program with its installation of early warning underwater earthquake sensors. ONC monitors the west and east coasts of Canada and the Arctic to continuously gather data in real-time for non invasive scientific research; 3) Drones/UAVs also provide an alternative, safer, quieter and often cost-effective option for monitoring fauna and flora, from individuals and populations to entire ecosystems and 4) the use of satellites.
e) Use of Antibiotics
An antibiotic that was untested in wild orcas was used for orca J50’s unknown health problem in 2018. “Scarlett” was relentlessly chased and repeatedly shot at.
There is a long list of adverse reactions to antibiotics in humans and domestic animals. The unknown risks in free roaming orcas and other wildlife could result in death. If humans are allergic to antibiotics, they get signs and symptoms like a rash, swelling of the face or difficulty breathing. A severe allergic reaction is known as anaphylaxis, and usually occurs within an hour of taking an antibiotic. Common side effects of antibiotics include nausea, indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, loss of appetite and stomach cramping or pain.
Any “benefits” of antibiotic and vaccines in wild orcas are unknown. The NOAA East antibiotic experiment with the Right whale calf with prop wounds are inconclusive because marine wildlife often recover from such wounds and infections without human interference. Captive orca experiments cannot be extrapolated to wild populations due in part to their confinement and causes. Antibiotics and vaccines are extreme life threatening risks and must not be used!
f) Oil Spills and Isolation Cases
In the event of oil spills and lone/group orca isolation cases it is presently the stressful, probable harmful methods that are listed for priority uses in the US and Canada. This includes seal bombs and banging pipes.
Playbacks, developed, in part, by Lifeforce, can attract orca pods away from oil spills and other dangers such as the lone orca who was in Comox Harbour (2018). The use of passive orca playbacks must be a priority for all responses.
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