News
Research shows Orca population in Washington State is dwindling
New research reveals the number of the Orca population in Puget Sound is dwindling — especially among reproductive age males.
“That’s clear, they’re not recovering,” said Bruce Stedman, who heads-up the Orca Relief Citizens’ Alliance.
He points to numbers from the Center for Whale Research and NOAA, which Stedman claims since 2009, the number of reproductive-age males is down 26 percent, and there are only 14 reproductive age male Orca left.
And he worries if those numbers don’t get better soon, the result could be devastating.
“Slowly but surely, they would go extinct,” Stedman said. “That’s the worry.”
Lynne Barre with NOAA says a combination of three causes threatens the Orca population: She says reproductive-age males need more calories, but there are fewer numbers of Chinook salmon for them to eat. More and more Ocra tour boats increase stress levels in Orca, and when an Orca goes hungry, its body consumes its own blubber, which is full of toxins PCBs and DDTs.
Just this summer, a 25-year-old male Orca went missing and is presumed dead. Research released in September showed a slight decline in reproductive-age females too.
Barre says NOAA is watching for new salmon runs along the newly un-dammed Elwha River to help feed the male Orca, but cleaning-up polluted Puget Sound is a tougher challenge.
“There should be a place where there is more space for them to have quiet some of the time,” Stedman said. NOAA discussed creating an Orca safe zone in the Sound a few years ago, but the plan ultimately fizzled-out
Stedman’s group is now fighting anew for an Orca safe zone in the Sound, but there’s also this glimmer of hope: The research also shows an 66-percent increase in the number of juvenile male Orca.
NOAA says that could mean in a year or two, the population could be OK, but nobody will know until then.
Source: www.komonews.com
Dive Worldwide has recently introduced Kenya to its portfolio of dive destinations, making it a new must-visit for divers. The company has chosen Temple Point Resort, located in Watamu, a small town on Kenya’s Indian Ocean Coast. The resort embodies the spirit of Kenya, with thatched roof buildings and bright white interiors, complemented with local art. The Creek Deluxe rooms enjoy a creek view and sunset vistas, whilst Boutique Garden rooms offer peace nestled in lush greenery.
An abundance of activities such as golf, stand up paddleboarding and kite surfing await those looking for action; while those in search of rejuvenation may partake in a range of yoga classes, or indulge in the spa. Spend evenings dining poolside dining or lazing in hammocks suspended over the creek; there is no detail missed at Temple Point.
The waters surrounding Temple Point Resort are bustling with life, however, there is also an opportunity to explore on dry land. Tsavo National Park is close enough for a day safari, allowing guests to double up on the wildlife experiences Kenya has to offer, from elephants to whale sharks.
Suggested Dive Itinerary: Dive and Discover Kenya
Embark on an adventure to one of Africa’s finest marine parks, Watamu, the first of its kind in the continent. Created in 1968, Watamu offers excellent diving and snorkelling for those of all experience levels. Lively coral reefs and the surrounding waters are home to over 1,000 species of fish, devil rays, mantas, whale sharks, dolphins and turtles.
DEAL: Stay 12 nights for the price of 10 at Temple Point Resort
Price: Dive and Discover Kenya now costs £2295pp, saving £150 per person. Including international flights from the UK, 12 nights’ B&B (for the price of 10), transfers, 5 days, 10 dive pack, tanks and weights. Based on travel in September ONLY. https://www.diveworldwide.com/trip-ideas/dive-discover-kenya#details
For more information visit: diveworldwide.com or call 01962 302 087
Over the next 12 months, specialist scuba holiday company Dive Worldwide will be supporting Bite-Back Shark & Marine Conservation with donations collected from client bookings to any one of its stunning dive destinations around the world. The independently-owned operator expects to raise £3000 for the UK charity.
Manager at Dive Worldwide, Phil North, said: “We’re especially excited to work with Bite-Back and support its intelligent, creative and results-driven campaigns to end the UK trade in shark products and prompt a change in attitudes to the ocean’s most maligned inhabitant.”
Bite-Back is running campaigns to hold the media to account on the way it reports shark news along with a brand new nationwide education programme. Last year the charity was credited for spearheading a UK ban on the import and export of shark fins.
Campaign director at Bite-Back, Graham Buckingham, said: “We’re enormously grateful to Dive Worldwide for choosing to support Bite-Back. The company’s commitment to conservation helps set it apart from other tour operators and we’re certain its clients admire and respect that policy. For us, the affiliation is huge and helps us look to the future with confidence we can deliver against key conservation programmes.”
To launch the fundraising initiative, Phil North presented Graham Buckingham with a cheque for £1,000.
Visit Dive Worldwide to discover its diverse range of international scuba adventures and visit Bite-Back to learn more about the charity’s campaigns.
MORE INFORMATION
Call Graham Buckingham on 07810 454 266 or email graham@bite-back.com
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