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Cetaceans
Whales, dolphins, and porpoises are
powerful symbols of our oceans. By the end of the 20th century, however, many
populations had been decimated by systematic hunting, accidental capture in
fishing nets (bycatch), habitat degradation, and other human activities. Despite
decades of legal protection, 7 of the 13 great whale species are still
endangered or vulnerable, as are a further 17 small whale, dolphin, and porpoise
species or populations. Direct hunting and bycatch remain the greatest threats
to the survival of these graceful aquatic mammals. Recent analysis has shown
that around 300,000 small whales, dolphins, and porpoises die each year (about
one every two minutes) as a result of becoming entangled in fishing gear. Known
as bycatch, this accidental catch is one of the greatest threats to the survival
of many cetacean populations.
Whales, dolphins, and porpoises all
belong to the same taxonomic order called cetaceans. Cetaceans are comprised of
about 86 species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises. The word cetacean is derived
from the Latin "cetus" (a large sea animal) and the Greek "ketos"
(sea monster).
Killer whale - Orcinus orca -
spy-hopping in the ice
They are mammals which means
they are warm-blooded, they have at least a few hairs on their bodies, and they
nourish their young with milk. Cetaceans spend their whole lives in water and
some live in family groups called "pods. "There are about 80 species of
whales, dolphins, and porpoises populate the world's oceans. To study these
cetaceans we categorize the species into two main groups: baleen whales (or,
mysticetes) and toothed whales (or, odontocetes).
"SAVE THE WHALES
AGAIN!"
Actress and 'Save the Whales Again!'
campaign spokeswoman Hayden Panettiere and House Natural Resources Committee
Chairman Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va. pose for photos following their news
conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2008
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A
CAST OF "REAL LIFE HEROES" OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES THE
"SAVE THE WHALES AGAIN!" CAMPAIGN-Click
Here
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13
December 2006 – The Baiji Yangtze Dolphin is with all probability extinct-Click
here
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Navy
Sonar Tests: Whales at Risk?-Click Here
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Star
Trek IV: The Voyage Home Whales Save The Earth-Click
Here
For more information on Whales,
Dolphins and Porpoise click on the logos below
Sea
Shepherd Conservation Society
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