Conservation
Our research and educational programs contribute in several ways to the welfare of dolphins and whales in the wild. Overall, the research findings of TDI scientists, when brought to the public's attention through scientific publication and media presentations, contribute to an increased respect for dolphins, whales, and their marine habitats.
Developing Whale Protection Regulations and Technologies
One significant contribution comes from our research into the effects
of vessels on humpbacks in Hawaiian waters in the winter, and in
Alaskan waters during the whales' summer feeding season.
Findings from these studies (conducted under KBMML) have been used to help develop regulations to
protect whales from undue disturbance by vessels.
Creating Marine Life Protection/Recovery Initiatives and Plans
People trained at our laboratory have helped to develop the federal
government's Humpback Whale Recovery Plan and the Marine Sanctuary
Plan, and have participated in research on the conservation of river
dolphins in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Recently, we produced a series of reports for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary on "Threats to Humpback Whales in their Hawaiian Habitat."
Under a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Whale Conservation Initative, we have been working with technologies partners Verizon, Hawaii and Pacific Direct Connect to develop measures to mitigate ship strikes on humpback whales, a growing problem for humpbacks in Hawaii's waters.
Increasing Public Interest and Positive Attitudes
Without the intimate exposure of the public to dolphins and whales
or the accrued knowledge about these marine mammals, public interest
might soon wane, resulting in an increasing and unchecked exploitation
of these animals in their natural habitats.
Presentations of our work -- through television documentaries,
lectures to student and civic groups, and other such outreach efforts
-- influence the
development of favorable public attitudes towards
dolphins and whales, and result in a new appreciation for these
animals' special abilities. In turn, these positive attitudes result
in heightened public pressures to protect these animals in the wild,
where hundreds of thousands are killed annually -- directly and
indirectly -- by human activities.
Our work has been presented in TV and radio programs, films, CD-ROMs, magazines, and newspapers [click here to view a partial media list].
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