Seal Conservation Society: 2002 News Digest

No change for 2002 Canadian seal hunt quotas - The Canadian federal Fisheries Minister Herb Dhaliwal announced on 12 December that the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) levels will remain at 275,000 harp seals (Phoca groenlandica) and 10,000 hooded seals (Cystophora cristata) for the 2002 east coast commercial seal hunt. A small hunt for grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) will also be allowed in areas other than Sable Island. The prohibition of the killing of whitecoat harp seals and blueback hooded seals will remain in place. Rick Smith of the group International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) criticised the unchanged harp seal TAC for failing to address the concerns of Canadians and of the international community that the hunt is unsustainable, despite Minister Dhaliwal having just released a report on sustainability i.e. the Report of the Eminent Panel on Seal Management (see following article). In making the announcement, Minister Dhaliwal said that he had decided to maintain the 2001 TACs and management measures so that time could be taken to develop seal population management strategies for the 2003 season based on the Eminent Panel's report. For more information, contact IFAW at canadasealhunt@ifaw.org or see http://www.canadasealhunt.ca. (Sources: Department of Fisheries and Oceans - 12 Dec 2001; IFAW - 12 Dec 2001; St. John's Evening Telegram - 13 Dec 2001; Vancouver Sun - 17 Dec 2001) (5 March 2002)

Canadian seal hunt report published - Herb Dhaliwal, the Canadian federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced on 12 December that he had accepted the final report of the Eminent Panel on Seal Management (see News Digest, 27 April 2000). The Panel was appointed by the Minister in 2000 "to provide advice on the best strategies for management of seal populations in Atlantic Canada, including a balanced and objective view of scientific information on seal populations and predator-prey relationships and how this information can contribute to development of management strategies." Minister Dhaliwal said that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) would now examine the findings and recommendations contained in the report over the next year in order to develop a long-term management plan, in consultation with interested stakeholders, in time for the 2003 season.

The Report made several research recommendations, including one that long-term seal research funding should be increased. It also made several management recommendations including that national and provincial governments should provide consistent and accurate data on their direct and indirect financial support to the sealing industry; that management of seals in Atlantic Canada should have explicit objectives; and that Canada and Greenland should cooperate in the management of seal species. Controversially it also recommended that "seal exclusion zones", i.e. the shooting of all seals that enter a certain area, should be trialed.

The organisation International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) said that it looked forward to participating in the consultation, and that it was pleased that the Panel had confirmed many of IFAW's own findings, such as the need for international cooperation on the management of harp seals (Phoca groenlandica) and the need to accurately account for every seal killed, not just those shot or clubbed. However it criticised the fact that the report did not cover the cruelty of the seal hunt since the Panel had not been asked to consider animal welfare aspects. Nor, it added, did the report deal with the "complete condemnation of the hunt by the international community and the ongoing damage to Canada's reputation on the world stage." IFAW's Rick Smith commented that "some of the options outlined in the report - such as the re-opening of the hunt for hooded seal (Cystophora cristata) pups and outright culling of seals - if pursued, will result in an enormous public backlash in Canada and around the world."

For more information, contact IFAW at canadasealhunt@ifaw.org or see http://www.canadasealhunt.ca. The Report of the Eminent Panel on Seal Management can be obtained at http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/seal-phoque/reports/index.htm. (Sources: DFO - 12 Dec 2001; IFAW - 12 Dec 2001; Report of the Eminent Panel on Seal Management - Autumn 2001; St John's Evening Telegram - 13 Dec 2001; Vancouver Sun - 17 Dec 2001) (5 March 2002)

Supreme court backs federal right to ban Canadian seal pup killing - The Supreme Court of Canada unanimously ruled on 22 February that the federal government has the power to ban the commercial killing of newborn whitecoat harp seal pups (Phoca groenlandica) and blueback hooded seal pups (Cystophora cristata), clearing the way for trials against 101 Newfoundland sealers accused of illegally killing bluebacks in 1996. The court's decision came after one of the sealers, Ford Ward, filed a motion that the federal government lacked the constitutional authority to prohibit the "sale, trade, or barter" of seal pelts, and that this was under provincial jurisdiction (see News Digest, 8 March 2000). Rick Smith of the group International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), which intervened against Ward at the court, hailed the decision as "a victory for hooded seals, for conservation and for the humane treatment of animals" and urged the government to enforce the prohibition of such killing. The provincial governments of Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec and Alberta all intervened on behalf of Ford Ward during the case. For more information, contact IFAW at canadasealhunt@ifaw.org. (Sources: CBC - 23 Feb 2002; CP - 22 Feb 2002; ENS - 22 Feb 2002; IFAW - 31 Oct 2001, 22 Feb 2002; Reuters - 25 Feb 2002; Toronto Globe and Mail - 22 Feb 2002) (5 March 2002)

Norwegian Minister proposes seal hunting for tourists - International condemnation followed Norwegian Fisheries Minister Svein Ludvigsen's suggestion at the start of November that the country's coastal seal hunt should be increased and marketed as an "exclusive experience" for tourists. The Minister attempted to justify his proposal by claiming that the seal population along Norway's coast must be reduced in order to alleviate pressure on fish stocks and to reduce damage to fishing nets. Norwegian fishermen are currently given a quota of 1,200 seals each year, but interest in coastal sealing is low and only about half of the quota is hunted.

Animal welfare groups around the world reacted strongly against the proposals, Advocates for Animals in Scotland summing up the feelings by stating "With so much violence in the world, even to contemplate 'seal culling parties' is nauseating". Others pointed out that seals are being used as scapegoats for fish shortages and that over-fishing by humans is the real problem. On the positive side, in response to a letter by the Swiss Cetacean Society, the Norwegian Tourist Board in London replied "The Norwegian Tourist Board would like to make it clear that there are no plans to start seal hunting as a tourist attraction. Although the Fisheries Minister Svein Ludvigsen did put forward the idea in an interview with the trade newspaper The Fisherman earlier this week, he has no political support for his proposal." For more information, contact Anton Krag, NOAH, at anton@noahonline.org. (Sources: Advocates for Animals - 6 Nov 2001; Aftenposten - 5 Nov 2001, 7 Jan, 11 Jan 2002; Ananova - 5 Nov 2001; BBC - 7 Nov 2001; London Guardian - 7 Nov 2001; Monika Müller [pers. comm.] - 10 Dec 2001; Reuters - 6 Nov 2001) (5 March 2002)

World Day of Action Against Seal Hunts planned for 12 March - The coalition group Global Action Against Seal Hunts (GAASH) has announced that it is organising a third annual World Day of Action Against Seal Hunts for Tuesday 12 March 2002. The day of action will highlight and oppose the commercial killing of seals in Canada, Norway, Greenland, Russia and Namibia. Organisations and individuals around the world will participate by demonstrating at government offices, embassies and tourist offices, writing letters and handing out information leaflets. Animal protection groups in thirteen countries participated in the event in 2001. For more information, see the GAASH web site at http://www.saveourseals.org or contact saveourseals@yahoo.ca. (Source: GAASH - 25 Feb 2002) (5 March 2002)

Greenpeace appeals for commercial seal hunt ban in Lake Baikal - At a news conference on 6 February, Greenpeace Russia appealed to the Chair of the Russian Federation State Committee for Fisheries and to the Baikal Fisheries Committee to impose a ban on commercial sealing of Baikal seals (Phoca sibirica) in Lake Baikal until the end of 2002, and to take all appropriate measures to fight poaching. The appeal follows a recently adopted federal government resolution which, among other aspects, bans the hunting of Baikal seals during the breeding season (late February until the end of March) and requires annual monitoring of the lake's endemic fauna and flora.

Greenpeace expressed great concern at the rapid decrease in the number of Baikal seals over recent years, saying that its figures showed that the population is expected to shrink even further in future years due to the current population structure. It is estimated that about 90% of all Baikal seal pups have been killed over the last 5-6 years. There are also fears that abnormally warm weather this year may result in pups being born closer to hunters and poachers. Greenpeace Russia's Baikal Campaign Coordinator Roman Pukalov commented "It is very encouraging that the Government has listened to our demands regarding putting an end to the sealing, but this should only be considered as a first step." For more information, contact Greenpeace Russia's Baikal Campaign at baikal.russia@diala.greenpeace.org. (Source: Greenpeace Russia - 6 Feb 2002) (5 March 2002)

Greenland sealskin prices rise as markets developed - Greenland's hunters' and fishermen's association KNAPK and Greenland Skin Buyers agreed in December on higher prices for sealskin, as effect from 1 January 2002. A top-quality dried sealskin now sells for 440 Kroner, a second-grade skin for 300 Kroner, and a fresh skin for 205 Kroner. It was reported that prices will rise yet again when KNAPK's request for a subsidy of up to 60 Kroner per skin is approved. The announcement came shortly after it was revealed in a Greenland newspaper that the Italian designers Prada and Dolce et Gabbana were to include brightly dyed sealskin clothing in their autumn fashion collections. Michael Kollgaard Nielsen, the head of Greenland's sealskin exporter Great Greenland, said that the company is also entering the Finnish market and promoting sealskin products in Japan, Korea, Russia and China, commenting "We have been very lucky that the market has expanded simultaneously with the growing liberalism in both Russia and China. That means we have two huge market areas that can be developed". Nielsen said that the company will require about 90,000 sealskins this year. In 2001, Great Greenland bought 86,000 skins from Greenlandic hunters and trappers. (Sources: Nunatsiaq News - 9 Nov 2001, 25 Jan 2002) (5 March 2002)

Norwegian seal processing company says markets are booming - Rieber Skinn A/S, the Norwegian seal processing company, stated in an interview on 9 November that markets for seal products, mostly fur and garment products, had undergone a close to boom period over the last 1-2 years, that seal fur had been fashionable in Europe and parts of Russia, and that prices had been good as a result, particularly in Russia. The company's Managing Director Joe Sanness said that producers had been struggling to supply the demand but that the demand appeared now to be flattening out. Regarding those people who protest at seal products Mr Sanness said "We don't see much of them at the moment and you can see in Europe that high profile fashion designers in Italy and France are using seal and other fur products. You see in many publications which are sold or distributed to large populations of urban areas of Europe where you know fur wasn't well received only five years ago. And now they have big articles of these kinds of products and they seem quite popular - it's really in fashion these days."

Regarding other seal products, Mr Sanness said that the company is also processing both meat and oil, and that markets for seal oil are looking good. He added that a lot of research is being undertaken and that doctors are involved with clinical trials on seal oil, there being indications that seal oil has "special benefits for poor people". Mr Sanness said that seal oil capsules are increasing in popularity and that seal meat is being sold on the world market. (Source: CBN - 9 Nov 2001) (5 March 2002)

Nunavut pushes for exemption to Marine Mammal Protection Act - It was reported in November that the Canadian territory of Nunavut is continuing to push for the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) to be amended to allow seal products from the territory to be exported to the United States. Nunavut Premier Paul Okalik was said to be raising the issue with American officials as part of a northern Canada trade mission to the United States that began on 26 November. At the same time, Nunavut was said to be distancing itself from the sealing industry in Newfoundland because of negative associations with the hunt there. Paul Okalik also suggested that the federal government in Ottawa is hesitant to help Nunavut in its in struggle for an exemption under the MMPA in case this alienates Newfoundland. The Nunavut government estimates that 20,000 seals are killed annually in the territory, but that only 7,000 go to market, subsidised through the government's first subsidy programme. Some pelts are used for clothing and arts and crafts but the rest go to waste, despite the price of pelts having increased in Nunavut from CAN$12.00 to CAN$43.00. (Sources: APTN-TV - 29 Nov 2001; CWFH-AM - 28 Nov 2001) (5 March 2002)

Canadian seal processor seeks legislation to guarantee garment production - It was reported in November that the Barry Group, which owns the seal processing company Atlantic Marine Products in Catalina, Newfoundland, has asked the provincial government to legislate that all seal pelts sold in Newfoundland should be processed locally to the garment stage. The call has attracted opposition from Rieber Skinn A/S, the Norwegian owners of the Carino seal processing plant in Dildo, who say that they are not ready to fully process every seal they handle and must continue to send the pelts to Norway for production of finished garments. A representative of Rieber Skinn said that there is the possibility that the company may pull out of Newfoundland if such legislation is passed. He also added that the company, which he said has 50-60% of the total worldwide market, could if need be "easily increase our buying of seals from other areas of the world."

It was revealed in a news article on 15 December that Atlantic Marine Products purchased 110,000 harp seals (Phoca groenlandica) out of the 214,000 killed in the 2001 hunt. As well as producing finished garments from the pelts, the company also extracted and refined 3,750 barrels of seal oil from them, equal to 640,000-770,000 litres (SCS Note - the article quotes 168,750 gallons but it is unknown whether these are U.S. or Imperial gallons. The first litre figure is calculated on U.S. gallons, the latter on Imperial). The seal oil is made into capsules and marketed as "Terra Nova Omega-3", a non-prescription oral food supplement. (Sources: CBN-AM - 8 Nov 2001; Corner Brook Western Star - 15 Dec 2001) (5 March 2002)

Culling debate takes place in England - A television debate on the effects that seals are having on fish stocks took place between two Lincolnshire Members of Parliament on 13 January. Senior Labour backbencher Austin Mitchell MP, who previously told a House of Commons debate on fisheries policy that there has been a seal population explosion, spoke in favour of culling. Opposing him was Shona McIsaac MP who during the Commons debate pointed out that Mr Mitchell had no scientific basis to prove his claim. Ms McIsaac was quoted as saying "You can't just come up with a simplistic statement that 'seals eat fish so if we kill seals there will be more fish'". She added that her "postbag has been 100 per cent supportive since I challenged Austin. I have had nothing from fishermen or anyone else in our area saying that seals should be culled." SCS Note - The SCS has also recently received communications from the English counties of Kent and Essex to say that fishermen in these areas have been calling for seal culls and that the topic has been discussed in the media. (Source: Grimsby Telegraph, 12 Jan 2002) (5 March 2002)

Division between delegates as HELCOM seals report discussed - There was a distinct division between those countries supporting the hunting of seals as a general measure to protect fisheries, and those countries seeking lethal control to be used only as a last resort, when a seal-fisheries report was debated at a meeting of the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM - Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission)'s HABITAT group at Gdynia, Poland on 29 January - 1 February. The report, entitled "Conservation and Management of Seal Populations in the Baltic; Action Plan for the implementation of the HELCOM Project on Seals", was produced by the Commission's Seal Project Group, which was set up in 1998 to examine seal-fisheries interactions in the Baltic Sea (see News Digest, 31 August 1998).

A special drafting group was set up at the meeting to consider the report. After extensive discussion, the representatives from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia and Sweden were all in favour of adopting the final report, while Germany, Poland and the organisation WWF were in favour of using the report only as the basis for a further report more acceptable to all parties. The latter three representatives said that the report should put more emphasis on non-lethal conflict mitigation measures and should reflect the critical comments received by HABITAT, such as those from Germany, WWF and Coalition Clean Baltic. In particular, they added, licensed protective hunting of seals should be expressed as an exceptional ultimate measure only to be used in case all other measures have failed. During the discussion the European Commission representative pointed out that constructing and applying seal-proof fishing gear for fishermen could be financially supported through EU-structural funds. The representative added that there is also continuing discussion in the Commission if, and to what extent, member states could pay compensation for seal damage to fishing gear and catch.

Representatives at the drafting group eventually decided that due to the conflicting opinions a new report should be produced, based on the original report but taking into account the differences in opinion. The following timetable was proposed: all comments to be received by 31 March 2002, the Chairman of HABITAT to compile a new report and distribute it to all relevant parties by 15 September 2002, comments on the new report to be received by 15 November 2002, and the Chairman to produce the revised version in time for the next HABITAT meeting in 2003. However Finland disagreed with the proposals and placed a study reservation on them. The main HABITAT meeting decided to adopt the drafting group's proposals and requested Finland to consider lifting its study reservation and to inform the Commission's Executive Secretary of any decision within two months. The meeting further decided to put the revision process in motion in the hope that Finland will lift its study reservation. For more information, contact the HELCOM Secretariat at helcom@helcom.fi. (Source: HELCOM HABITAT 3/2002 Minutes - Feb 2002) (5 March 2002)

Mexican law forbids marine mammal hunting and capture - On 10 January Mexican President Vicente Fox signed into law an amendment to the country's wildlife legislation that prohibits the hunting or capture of any species of marine mammal for either commercial or subsistence purposes. Capture of marine mammals in Mexico is now only allowed, under strict protocols, for educational and research work. For more information, contact Yolanda Alaniz at yolaniz9@avantel.net. (Source: Conservación de Mamíferos Marinos de México - 14 Jan 2002) (5 March 2002)

U.K. fish farming report criticises shooting of seals - A new report entitled "In Too Deep: The Welfare of Intensively Farmed Fish" published on 31 January by the U.K. organisation Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) says that the real price of farmed salmon includes the killing of an estimated 3,500 seals around Scottish fish farms each year. The report states that this appalling destruction of wildlife, showing a "wild west mentality", is entirely unacceptable and that wildlife should not be shot, drowned or otherwise harmed as an anti-predator measure. It recommends that every precaution should be taken to avoid predators gaining access to fish in fish farms through the use of anti-predator nets and other non-lethal deterrents. The report can be downloaded from http://www.ciwf.co.uk/Pubs/Reports/itdfull.pdf (200Kb), and a summary of the report from http://www.ciwf.co.uk/Pubs/Reports/itd10pg.pdf (80Kb). The report was supported by the Scottish-based animal welfare organisations Advocates for Animals and Animal Concern. For more information, contact CIWF at press@ciwf.co.uk. (Source: CIWF - 31 Jan 2002) (5 March 2002)

New Zealand aquaculture company invests NZ$4 million to deter seals - It was reported on 22 November that the salmon farming company New Zealand King Salmon has spent NZ$4 million over a five year period on different methods of deterring New Zealand fur seals (Arctocephalus forsteri) from its installations. The company revealed that it has now settled on a standard protection method of using predator-proof netting, which it is confident will protect 95% of its fish, although in the past it has also tried other methods, including the use of acoustic deterrence devices and the operation of a seal relocation programme (see News Digest, 19 March 2001). (Sources: FIS - 23 Nov 2001; New Zealand Herald - 22 Nov 2001) (5 March 2002)

Pinniped-scaring devices cause killer whales to flee in Canada - Two British Columbia whale researchers, Alexandra Morton of Raincoast Research and Helena Symonds of OrcaLab, have analysed data which shows a 67% decline in killer whale activity in an area where salmon farmers used underwater acoustic harassment devices to scare pinnipeds from their installations. The study, which compared 16 years of data on killer whale populations in two adjacent areas, only one of which has fish farms, found that when the 195dB devices were first used in 1993 to deter harbour seals (Phoca vitulina richardsi), the whales immediately abandoned over 300 square kilometres of territory. "It was as if a door slammed in their face" said Alexandra Morton. A similar study carried out by the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) showed a precipitous decline in harbour porpoise numbers when the noise was broadcast, but this report was never published. The DFO study also indicated that the devices actually attracted seals in a "dinner bell effect". Alexandra Morton has urged the DFO to permanently silence the devices. For more information, contact Alexandra Morton at wildorca@island.com. The study can be downloaded from http://www.idealibrary.com/links/doi/10.1006/jmsc.2001.1136/pdf (270Kb). (Sources: ENS - 7 Nov 2001; Raincoast Research - 6 Nov 2001; WetStuff - 6 Nov 2001) (5 March 2002)

Namibian government absolves seals for low fish stocks - In February a senior official from the Namibian Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources dismissed popular speculation that colonies of South African fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) in Namibia are overpopulated and that they are responsible for the current low stocks of pilchards and hake (see News Digest, 5 November 2001). The Ministry is instead blaming cormorant predation for the scarcity of pilchards in domestic waters and is currently looking at possible ways to manage the birds' numbers, despite the exact causes of the declines in fish stocks along the Namibian coast being as yet unknown. For more information on the Namibian seal hunt, contact the Wildlife Society of Namibia at wildlife@iway.na and visit the Society's seals page at http://www.orusovo.com/wildlife/seals.htm. (Source: FIS - 13 Feb 2002) (5 March 2002)

Scientist says increased seal-aquaculture interactions due to global warming - Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) research scientist Vincent Lyne told a CSIRO-organised climate change conference in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, on 26 November that the recent aggressive behaviour of Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) around Tasmanian salmon cages was probably a result of warmer water temperatures. Dr Lyne said that the seals' usual food source, jack mackerel, were decreasing in supply because of a change in water temperature, resulting in seals looking for alternative food such as farmed salmon. The conference heard that water temperatures in the state have been on average 1°C warmer during the past three years, the temperature predicted to rise even further, and that some of Tasmania's key industries including ecotourism and aquaculture may suffer as a result. For more information, contact Vincent Lyne at Vincent.Lyne@csiro.au. (Source: Hobart Mercury - 27 Nov 2001) (5 March 2002)

Falkland Islands investigates use of plastic killer whale - The organisation Falklands Conservation has revealed that it is considering obtaining a life-size plastic killer whale in order to test it as a deterrence to seals at Port San Carlos, where fishermen have been reporting reduced catches of trout possibly due to seal predation. The plastic killer whales are manufactured by Rispond Marine in Scotland and have been tested or used in various countries. For more information, contact Falklands Conservation's Rebecca Ingham at conservation@horizon.co.fk. (Source: Falklands Conservation Newsletter - 16 Jan 2002 [1Mb PDF file]) (5 March 2002)

Galápagos oil spill report published - The Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galápagos Islands (CDF) announced at the start of February that after a year of studies and monitoring it has completed the final 134pp (2.6Mb) report on "Biological Impacts of the Jessica Oil Spill on the Galapagos Environment". The report, which among other aspects studies the spill's impacts on Galápagos sea lions (Zalophus californianus wollebaeki), can be downloaded from http://www.darwinfoundation.org/jessicareport.html. The CDF's studies found that a total of 79 sea lions were affected by bunker fuel from the spill, and that more than half of these had to be cleaned and treated. No immediate deaths were discovered but the CDF recommends continuing long-term studies and monitoring to determine the after-effects of the spill. A contingency plan has been initiated to facilitate the management of similar situations in the future. For more information, contact Paola Díaz at infocdrs@fcdarwin.org.ec. (Sources: CDF - 16 Jan, 1 Feb 2002) (5 March 2002)

Concern at Norwegian coal and oil plans for Arctic - Environmentalists have expressed criticism at plans by the Norwegian government for a large increase in the amount of coal mined on the Svalbard archipelago in the Arctic. The development plan is the work of the state-owned Store Norske Spitsbergen Kulkompani (SNSK) which proposes to increase production to about 1.2 million tonnes of coal a year, although it says that it needs to mine twice as much to make a profit. The organisation WWF, quoting a proposed figure of 2.5 million tonnes, said that the plan is unnecessary and is a threat to the islands' ecology, accusing Norway of "walking backwards into the future". It added that the coal would be shipped along a vulnerable coastline where any oil spill could have disastrous effects on the wildlife that live there, including pinnipeds such as walruses (Odobenus rosmarus).

In the meantime, WWF revealed on 19 February that within the next two weeks the Norwegian parliament was expected to approve "Snowwhite", the first petroleum development in the Norwegian Barents Sea. WWF, worried that this will be the first step in large-scale oil and gas development in the region and that a major blowout or transport accident could cause lasting damage, has called for a comprehensive environmental assessment. The government has agreed to the assessment but refuses to put Snowwhite on hold in the meantime. The fragile Barents Sea ecosystem includes a number of pinniped species. For more information, contact WWF Norway's Rasmus Hansson at rhansson@wwf.no or Samantha Smith of WWF International's Arctic Programme at ssmith@wwf.no. (Sources: BBC - 12 Dec 2001; Reuters - 12 Dec 2001; WWF - 12 Dec 2001, 19 Feb 2002) (5 March 2002)

Marine mammals in Puget Sound at risk from polluted fish - A U.S.-Canadian study has found that fish stocks in Washington State's Puget Sound are seven times more contaminated by PCBs than those in British Columbia's Strait of Georgia, posing a direct health risk to marine mammals at the top of the food chain. Heavy industry is the main local Puget Sound source of PCBs, one of several persistent organic pollutants known to cause neurological problems as well as damage immune, hormonal and reproductive systems. The study found that the average harbour seal pup (Phoca vitulina richardsi) in Puget Sound contained PCB levels of 18 parts per million compared to 2.5 ppm for pups in the Strait of Georgia. The Institute of Ocean Sciences' Peter Ross said that he expected the Puget Sound pups to show negative effects from current levels of PCBs. For more information, contact Peter Ross at rosspe@dfo-mpo.gc.ca. (Source: Vancouver Sun - 4 Dec 2001) (5 March 2002)

Tonnes of discarded fishing gear collected in Hawaii - A team of scientists and researchers returned on 20 November from months at sea in the northwestern Hawaiian Islands where they collected discarded fishing gear that threatened habitats and the lives of endangered species, such as the Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi). The 90-day clean-up tour was a cooperative effort between the federal National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Ocean Conservancy, the U.S. Coast Guard, Hawaii Sea Grant, the federal Fish and Wildlife Service, and other state and private organisations. The tour, which made use of expert divers and three chartered commercial vessels, was the latest in a series of such expeditions, the seven so far having collected over 54 tonnes of derelict nets and fishing gear. Scientists estimate that there are still more than 100 tonnes of derelict fishing gear left to remove. Monk seals, especially curious pups, get entangled in the nets and often drown. Nina Young of the Ocean Conservancy warned that "entanglement is a major threat to this declining seal population." For more information, contact Nina Young at nyoung@dccmc.org. (Sources: CNN - 21 Nov 2001; ENN - 5 Dec 2001; NOAA - 20 Nov 2001) (5 March 2002)

New Zealand announces revision of marine reserves legislation - New Zealand's Conservation Minister Sandra Lee announced on 30 January that a Bill overhauling the Marine Reserves Act is to be introduced into Parliament this year. Calling it the most significant advance in conservation legislation within the last ten years, Ms Lee said that the Marine Reserves Bill 2002 will enable the preservation and protection of marine areas for the purposes of conservation of marine biodiversity. The Bill will also provide a streamlined process for creating reserves, as well as allowing reserves to be created throughout the country's 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone. Ms Lee commented that "Marine reserves have proven to be extremely effective ways of protecting and restoring marine life."

The Bill will specify that indigenous marine life within marine reserves will enjoy complete protection, all new marine reserves being "no-take" areas. A marine protected areas strategy to coordinate marine conservation measures is also being developed by government ministries and key interest groups. The announcement was welcomed by the group New Zealand Forest and Bird which launched its "I Love Marine Reserves" campaign on 9 December and which is calling on the government to establish marine reserves over up to 20% of the country's marine area. For more information, contact Forest and Bird's Barry Weeber at b.weeber@wn.forest-bird.org.nz. (Sources: New Zealand Department of Conservation - 30 Jan 2002; New Zealand Forest and Bird - 9 Dec, 21 Dec, 31 Dec 2001, 22 Jan 2002) (5 March 2002)

Belgian government protects marine species - The Belgian federal government issued a series of strong measures on 14 February aimed at the better protection of North Sea fauna and flora. Among other aspects, the measures outlaw the capture, disturbance, transport, possession or sale of wild animals, including all species of seals frequenting Belgian waters. The bycatch of protected species in fishing gear must also be reported to the authorities. Many of the measures go considerably further than those required by international conventions and European directives. (Source: MUMM - 14 Feb 2002 [scroll down]) (5 March 2002)

Galápagos Marine Reserve officially designated Natural World Heritage Site - UNESCO's Heritage Committee made the official announcement on 13 December that the 133,000 square kilometre Galápagos Marine Reserve, created only three years ago, has been added to the Galápagos Islands World Heritage Site due to its unique characteristics, including its ecosystems and species such as Galápagos sea lions (Zalophus californianus wollebaeki) and Galápagos fur seals (Arctocephalus galapagoensis) (see News Digest, 3 September 2001). The Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galápagos Islands (CDF) congratulated the Ecuadorian Government in confirming its decision to obtain this important recognition, and urged it to follow on by now making the crucial decisions required to protect the archipelago. For more information, contact Paola Díaz at infocdrs@fcdarwin.org.ec. (Sources: CDF - 13 Dec 2001; ENS - 14 Dec 2001) (5 March 2002)

New Tasmanian national park includes seal colony - It was reported that Tasmanian Environment Minister David Llewellyn was to formally announce on 23 November the designation of the 2,295 hectare Kent Group of islands in Bass Strait as the Australian state of Tasmania's newest national park. The Kent Group consists of six islands and adjacent islets, including an Australian fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) breeding colony at Judgement Rocks. (Source: Hobart Mercury - 23 Nov 2001) (5 March 2002)

Auckland Islands to be given marine reserve status - New Zealand Conservation Minister Sandra Lee said on 4 February that the coastal waters of the remote sub-Antarctic Auckland Islands are to be given marine reserve status. The islands, home to the threatened New Zealand sea lion species (Phocarctos hookeri), were granted World Heritage status in 1998 and are currently surrounded by a designated Marine Mammal Sanctuary. Minister Lee, making the announcement after having visited the islands with Prime Minister Helen Clark, said that the new marine reserve would be announced formally within two months. Among other aspects, the reserve will forbid fishing within 20 km of the islands. (Sources: New Zealand Department of Conservation - 1 Feb 2002; New Zealand Herald - 5 Feb 2002) (5 March 2002)

Environmentalists call for North Pacific protection - In a press release dated 5 December, Greenpeace USA, the American Oceans Campaign (AOC) and the Sierra Club called on the U.S.'s North Pacific Fishery Management Council to put the needs of the ocean ecosystem before the fishing industry by significantly altering fishing practices. The call came after the federal National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)'s announcement the previous week that it would present the Council with a framework for revising the plan to protect the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska ecosystems. Phil Kline of AOC commented "If you are not alarmed by the serious declines of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus), otters, fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus), birds, and other marine life in the North Pacific, you're not paying attention. Industrial fishing removes huge amounts of fish that are important prey for other fish and marine animals, and these removals effect the entire health of the food chain." A few days later, on 10 December, the Council decided to adopt one of the largest quotas in the fishery's history for the 2002 Bering Sea pollock season.

On 13 December the organisation WWF issued the findings of a year-long study by TRAFFIC, its wildlife trade monitoring network, accusing organised Russian criminals of illegal fishing worth US$4 billion each year in the western Bering Sea, putting numerous marine species at risk and contributing to fishery collapse. WWF and TRAFFIC called for greater cooperation between Russia and the U.S. to jointly develop preventative commercial fishing strategy and to create marine protected areas where commercial fishing would not be allowed during critical periods. On 5 February several speakers at the Alaska Forum on the Environment said that the Bering Sea is in trouble partly because no one group or agency is responsible for the ocean's health, and that a new government agency should be formed to coordinate research and determine which course to take. One of the groups pushing for such an agency, Oceana, said that the NMFS should not be in charge because it regulates commercial fishing, resulting in a situation where money tends to be spent only on species affecting commercial fisheries.

For more information, contact Phil Kline at pkline@americanoceans.org. For previous news on the status of Steller sea lions in the North Pacific, see News Digest, 3 September 2001. (Sources: Anchorage Daily News - 6 Feb 2002; AOC - 5 Dec 2001; ENS - 13 Dec 2001; FIS - 6 Nov, 11 Dec 2001) (5 March 2002)

Protection requested for Sceale Bay colony - The organisation Friends of Sceale Bay announced on 16 January that they and the Sceale Bay Town Committee have both formally requested to South Australian National Parks and Wildlife that the Eyre Peninsula Cape Blanche colony of Australian sea lions (Neophoca cinerea) and New Zealand fur seals (Arctocephalus forsteri) and its surrounds be considered for Marine Protected Area status. The site, less than 4 km from the location of a hotly-disputed proposed fish farm development, has recently been recognised as a major breeding colony for the sea lions (see News Digest, 5 November 2001). Media publicity of the colony's discovery has resulted in a greater number of members of the public travelling to view the colony, causing fears that disturbance may adversely affect the animals. As a result, Friends of Sceale Bay has requested that the authorities put in place an interim management plan to protect the colony and give it Reserve Status.

Friends of Sceale Bay later announced that on 4 February scientists had counted 71 sea lion pups and 3 fur seal pups at the site, thereby elevating the status of the colony to being the fifth largest breeding colony of Australian sea lions in the country. Furthermore, no dead sea lion pups were found at the site, a fact attributed by CSIRO scientist Peter Shaughnessy to the site being "an ideal breeding environment." For more information, contact Friends of Sceale Bay's Grant Hobson at granthobson@bigpond.com or Bob Minnican at bobminnican@hn.ozemail.com.au. (Sources: Friends of Sceale Bay - 16 Jan, 17 Jan, 4 Feb 2002) (5 March 2002)

U.S. government to develop harassment regulations - The U.S. federal National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced on 30 January that it is considering whether to propose regulations to protect marine mammals in the wild from human activities that are directed at the animals and that have the potential to harass and harm the animals, such as marine mammal watching and "swim-with" activities. It has requested comments, with a closing date of 1 April 2002, on the types of regulations and other measures that would be appropriate in order to prevent such harassment. The NMFS' Assistant Administrator Bill Hogarth commented "We're asking for the public's guidance in developing appropriate rules that better protect wild marine mammals, yet still promote responsible marine wildlife viewing on our waters and beaches." For more information, see the relevant Federal Register entry at http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/prules/fr4379_mmviewing.pdf (50Kb) or contact the NMFS' Trevor Spradlin at Trevor.Spradlin@noaa.gov. (Sources: ENS - 26 Feb 2002 [scroll down]; Federal Register - 30 Jan 2002; NOAA - 22 Feb 2002) (5 March 2002)

Concern at plans for Fisheries Management Area in Hawaii - The Hawaiian group KAHEA, in coalition with several other organisations, urged members of the public in January to oppose the Department of Land and Natural Resources' proposed plan to designate the State waters of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands as a "Fisheries Management Area" (FMA). The waters in question lie between an inner National Wildlife Refuge area, designated since 1909, and an outer Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve area, designated since December 2000, and are described as the very "heart" of the region's coral reef ecosystem. The coalition of groups expressed great concern that the proposed FMA language does not provide sufficient protection for the region, and are also worried at the detrimental effect that the FMA would have on the area's wildlife, including the endangered Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi), and habitats. For more information, see http://www.kahea.org/current_issues_pdf/Talking_points_State_FMA.pdf (16Kb) and contact KAHEA's Isaac Harp at Imua.Hawaii@verizon.net. (Sources: KAHEA - 11 Jan, 15 Jan 2002) (5 March 2002)

U.S. President accused of undermining new Hawaiian reserve - The environmental group Earthjustice has expressed concern that the huge Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve (see News Digest, 3 September 2001) is being undermined by the actions of the Bush administration. Paul Achitoff of Earthjustice Mid-Pacific said that the Reserve, set up by the previous president Clinton in December 2000, is under threat after fishing industry pressure on the Bush administration, particularly from the Western Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Council which has prepared its own competing plan to manage the Reserve in order to facilitate commercial exploitation. The Bush administration has announced that it is to review the Reserve's protected status and the Reserve has effectively been placed in limbo. Paul Achitoff commented that the Bush administration has "failed to do the Department of Commerce's duties under the executive order to put the reserve into operation. ... The administration has tried to stop the reserve from ever being established, and we fully expect the administration to now try to strip the reserve of its protections...". The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands are home to the endangered Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi). For more information, contact Paul Achitoff at eajushi@earthjustice.org. (Source: ENS - 8 Jan 2002) (5 March 2002)

Peruvian organisation to set up marine mammal centre - The Peruvian organisation ORCCAMM (Organisation for Research and Conservation of Animals: Marine Mammals), a non-profit organisation working for the conservation and study of marine mammals in the South Pacific, has announced that it is in the process of setting up the Center for Marine Mammals in the South Pacific Ocean (MMARSOPA) in 2002. The Center, which will be based in Lima and which will cover marine mammal conservation, rescue and rehabilitation, research and educational programmes, will initially cover Peru, Ecuador and Chile, and eventually Antarctica. The rescue and rehabilitation programme will involve the care of South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens) and South American fur seals (Arctocephalus australis). For more information, contact ORCCAMM's Carlos Francisco Yaipen-Llanos at cfyll@hotmail.com. (Sources: ORCCAMM [pers. comm.] - 22 Oct, 11 Nov, 15 Nov 2001) (5 March 2002)

Vital monk seal publication loses funding source - On 3 January the group International Fund for Animal Welfare announced that due to financial constraints they have decided to suspend direct financial support for the four year-old international electronic publication "Monachus Guardian" and the related web site www.monachus.org. The publication, which has established itself worldwide as the only dedicated source of information regarding monk seals and threats to their populations and habitat, has a readership of around 10,000 in more than 50 countries. Bill Johnson, the publication's editor, said that the editorial and production team was currently attempting to locate alternative funding sources but that the survival of the Monachus Guardian remained in doubt after the next issue due out in May. In one letter of support, Harun Güçlüsoy of the Turkish organisation SAD-AFAG referred to the publication as the "international voice of the grassroot organisations working in Greece, Turkey and elsewhere." The Monachus Guardian team has launched an on-line petition at http://www.monachus.org/break00/div020218.htm for those wishing to support the publication's survival. For more information, contact Bill Johnson at editor@monachus.org. (Sources: Harun Güçlüsoy - 21 Feb 2002; Monachus Guardian - 3 Jan, 20 Feb, 23 Feb 2002) (5 March 2002)

Irish seal sanctuary stops rescue work - The Irish Seal Sanctuary (ISS) reported in December that it had been forced to close its 16 year-old rescue operation after the government had not provided it with Irish£1.8 million in capital funding which the sanctuary says it had been promised as part of the 2002 Irish budget. The ISS said that the rescue operation could only be restarted if the promised funding materialises, and that in the meantime all seals reported to the sanctuary would be transported to rescue centres in the United Kingdom. Seals already at the sanctuary were said to be being prepared for release or shipment overseas. A petitioning, fund-raising and publicity campaign has been launched to try to persuade the government to change its mind. On 18 December the sanctuary held a "Seal Vigil" outside the Department of the Taoiseach (Prime Minister). The relevant government Department of Arts and Heritage said that it could only provide funding for endangered species and not for the welfare of individual animals, a position disputed by opposition spokesmen. For more information, see the ISS web site at http://www.irishsealsanctuary.com and contact Terry Flanagan at flanagan@indigo.ie. (Sources: Irish Times - 13 Dec, 19 Dec 2001; ISS - 13 Dec 2001, 3 Mar 2002; ISS web site - 25 Feb 2002; Teletext U.K. - 9 Dec 2001) (5 March 2002)

Vancouver rescue centre seeks new home - Vancouver's Marine Mammal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Canada, which has been operating for 40 years and which is funded by the Vancouver Aquarium and the British Columbia SPCA, was reported in December as looking for new premises after the company which has lent the Centre its land for the past six years requested it back. The Centre rehabilitates up to 100 sick and injured seal pups each year, about 98% of which are harbour seals (Phoca vitulina richardsi). The Centre's staff is hoping that someone else will donate space for its activities, preferably an accessible location with sewerage and power on the waterfront where it can obtain plentiful saltwater. For more information, contact the Centre's Jeremy Fitz-Gibbon at fitzgij@vanaqua.org. (Source: CP - 15/16 Dec 2001) (5 March 2002)

German rehabilitation centre faces possible competition for visitors - There are reported to have been arguments in the regional and state governments after the loss-making animal park at St. Peter-Oding in Schleswig-Holstein announced its wish to introduce seals into the park to try and redress its losses. Many are concerned that if the animal park gets the go-ahead for its plan, with the help of state allowances, then there will be a reduction of visitors to the seal rescue and rehabilitation centre in Friedrichskoog which is dependent on the 150,000 visitors a year it gets in order to cover the costs of running the centre. The Friedrichskoog centre is currently the only facility in Schleswig-Holstein allowed to rescue and rehabilitate seals. (Source: Wattenmeer International - #4 2001) (5 March 2002)

Rescue centre in Brazil offers increased intern opportunities - The Centro de Tratamento e Recuperação de Animais Silvestres (CETRAS - Centre for the Treatment and Recovery of Wild Animals) in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, announced in December that it has now obtained intern accommodation, thus increasing the opportunities for trainees interested in the treatment and rehabilitation of wildlife. Internships at the centre are currently restricted to those people who speak Portuguese or Spanish. For more information, contact CETRAS' Gilberto Soares at gilbertsoares@zipmail.com.br. (Source: CETRAS - 26 Dec 2001) (5 March 2002)

Two vagrant pinnipeds cared for in Chile - The Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Program of the Natural Sciences and Archaeology Museum of San Antonio went to the assistance of a weaned juvenile 1.4m long Southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) which was found sleeping ashore on 22 November at the naval port of Algarrobo. The seal had several minor injuries, apparently caused by pellets from a hunting weapon which were probably shot at it by one of the many artisanal fishermen who illegally keep weapons aboard their boats to shoot at South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens). The seal was captured but released shortly afterwards as it was being adversely affected by its captivity and its wounds were slight. This is one of only a few records of juvenile Southern elephant seals being observed in the region.

Later, on 7 January, an adult female Juan Fernández fur seal (Arctocephalus philippii) was found in South Santo Domingo and brought to the Museum. The seal was in good physical condition but exhibited an epilepsy-type condition and unfortunately died the following day. SCS Note: It is unusual to find Juan Fernández fur seals away from the Juan Fernández and San Félix / San Ambrosio island groups which they inhabit. For more information, contact the Museum's José Luis Brito at museo_imsa@hotmail.com. (Sources: José Luis Brito [pers. comm.] - 24 Nov 2001, 7 Jan, 11 Jan 2002) (5 March 2002)

Rehabilitated hooded seals travel to Scotland for release - Three vagrant hooded seal pups (Cystophora cristata) which normally inhabit Arctic and sub-Arctic waters (see News Digest, 5 November 2001) have recently been released off the north coast of Scotland. The first pup, 8-month-old Cleo, was released on the Scottish island of Orkney on 9 December. She had been found stranded at Playa de Almuñécar, Granada, Spain, last August and was taken to Aula del Mar de Málaga for treatment for exhaustion and starvation. She was later transferred to the Sea Life Centre in Benalmadena, Spain, the National Seal Sanctuary in Cornwall, England, and then to the Scottish Sealife and Marine Sanctuary in Oban, Scotland, before being transported to Orkney and released with the assistance of British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR). For more information, contact the Scottish Sealife and Marine Sanctuary's Mark Steward, who accompanied Cleo on her travels, at oban@sealife.fsbusiness.co.uk.

The second release, on 2-3 February, was of two ten month-old pups, Guanche and Majo, which were found suffering from extreme heat exhaustion and dehydration in the Canary Islands last September. The pups were treated at the Loro Parque Fundación on the islands and once ready for release were transported in specially-designed containers to Scotland, a journey totalling five hours in the air. A combined BDMLR and Cetacean Research and Rescue Unit (CRRU) team then took over, releasing both seals off the Scottish north coast. For more information, contact Kevin Robinson at kev.robinson@crru.org.uk. (Sources: Aberdeen Press and Journal - 23 Nov, 8 Dec 2001; BBC - 23 Nov, 7 Dec 2001; BDMLR/CRRU - 6 Feb 2002; London Daily Mail - 10 Dec 2001; London Times - 23 Nov, 10 Dec 2001; Scotsman - 23 Nov, 10 Dec 2001) (5 March 2002)

Holidaymakers criticise authorities for delay in euthanising seal - Holidaymakers at Pikowai Beach in New Zealand's Bay of Plenty criticised the Department of Conservation (DoC) after the Department took eight hours to euthanase an injured New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri) on 30 January. Campers first phoned the Department at about 9.30am but a ranger did not arrive at the scene until 6pm to look at the seal, which had a swollen head and a deep cut in its jaw. A ranger said that DoC staff had not been told that the seal was sick and that "we were in the middle of a meeting and at the end of the day we had completely forgotten about it". The seal was shot and buried. SCS Note: The DoC has a policy of minimal intervention with respect to seals and will normally euthanase sick and injured stranded pinnipeds. (Source: New Zealand Herald - 2 Feb 2002) (5 March 2002)

Elephant seal finds its way to Hawai'i - A 95kg male yearling Northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris), given the name Kailua-Kona, caused some excitement when he was found on the island of Hawai'i in January, the first ever reported sighting of the species on the main Hawaiian Islands which are nearly 4,000 km from the species' breeding areas on the U.S. west coast. The seal, which had about a dozen non-life threatening shark bites, was captured and flown to Honolulu and then to the Marine Mammal Center in California for rehabilitation. It was reported on 15 February that Kailua-Kona was doing well at the Center and that he was scheduled for release later that day. For more information, contact the Hawai'i Stranding Coordinator Margaret Dupree at Margaret.Dupree@noaa.gov and The Marine Mammal Center at com@tmmc.org. (Sources: AP - 17 Jan 2002; Honolulu Star-Bulletin - 18 Jan, 15 Feb 2002; The Marine Mammal Center - 30 Jan 2002) (5 March 2002)

Rescued seal shot on Welsh fishing river - Sammy, the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) captured on the river Teifi in Cenarth by means of a specially-designed net and relocated away from the river to protect it from local anglers last summer (see News Digest, 3 September 2001) was reported to have been shot in late August after having re-entered the river. The organisation Welsh Marine Life Rescue (WMLR) received an anonymous e-mail message telling them that the seal had been shot, probably by a local angler, just before they were about to travel to the river to recapture the seal. The organisation subsequently received a number of reports confirming the story although the seal's body has never been found. The anonymous e-mail message added that four seals had now been killed recently in the area. The perpetrators have still to be identified. For more information, contact WMLR's Terry Leadbetter at Trr.WMLR@tesco.net. (Sources: Terry Leadbetter [pers. comm.] - 15 Nov 2001; WMLR Newsletter Autumn/Winter 2001) (5 March 2002)

Monk seal pup released in Mauritania - The Mauritanian National Centre for Oceanographic and Fisheries Research (CNROP) announced on 2 March that the female Mediterranean monk seal pup (Monachus monachus) which it had been rehabilitating (see News Digest, 5 November 2001) was released near the country's main monk seal colony on 27 February. The pup, named "Weam", was about 7 days old and weighed 17kg when it was brought to the Centre on 18 September 2001. The rehabilitation was a collaborative effort between CNROP, the Seal Rehabilitation and Research Centre in the Netherlands, and the Spanish organisation CBD Habitat. Initial results from satellite tracking indicate that the pup is remaining in the vicinity of its release site. SCS Note - The critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal species is the most endangered pinniped species worldwide and is currently on the brink of extinction. For more information, contact CNROP's Khallahi Mohamed Fall at medfall_khall@hotmail.com). (Source: CNROP - 2 Mar 2002) (5 March 2002)

Rehabilitated fur seal successfully released in Western Australia - A year-old female Subantarctic fur seal pup (Arctocephalus tropicalis) which was rescued from City Beach, Perth, was scheduled to be released back into the wild on 20 November after a three-month rehabilitation period at the Aquarium of Western Australia. The release was to be carried out by Doug Coughran of the Department of Conservation and Land Management. The pup, nicknamed T-15, weighed just 5.5kg when she was picked up and the Aquarium's marine mammal specialist Gloria Jackson said that the seal had "taken a few bad turns and there were times when we weren't sure if she was going to make it. She is definitely a fighter though". Only a small number of Subantarctic fur seals wander so far north along the Western Australian coast. For more information, contact Doug Coughran at douglasc@calm.wa.gov.au. (Source: Perth Sunday Times - 18 Nov 2001) (5 March 2002)

Seals rehabilitated by Marine and Coastal Management in South Africa - Two South African fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) were released by the Cape of Good Hope SPCA on 26 February after having spent a month recovering from viral infections at the Marine and Coastal Management (MCM)'s Sea Point Offices. The younger of the two seals, a weaned six-month old pup, had washed up on a beach seriously undernourished, the older having been rescued from the Waterfront suffering pneumonia. Both seals were released at the Koeberg Nature Reserve which is 6 km away from Robbesteen Island, home to a breeding colony of 5,000 - 6,000 seals. The Reserve's conservation manager mentioned that the previous seal to be released there, an Antarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus gazella), had been treated for a longline tracer found embedded in its stomach. At the time of the two seals' release, a Southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) was reported to be moulting in the Granger Bay area, and was expected to remain there for at least another 2-3 weeks. For more information, contact MCM's Mike Meyer at mmeyer@mcm.wcape.gov.za. (Source: Cape Town Argus - 27 Feb 2002) (5 March 2002)

Rare hooded seal pup released in Ireland - A male hooded seal pup (Cystophora cristata) named "Flubber" was released back into the Atlantic Ocean over 160 km off the Irish coast by the Irish Naval Service on 20 November. A member of a species only rarely seen in Irish waters, the 30kg pup was rescued by the Irish Seal Sanctuary (ISS) from a County Wexford beach in mid-September suffering from a stress moult and heavy worm infection. The pup made good progress at the sanctuary and weighed nearly 100kg when released. Hooded seals are normally found in Arctic and Subarctic waters. For more information, contact the ISS' Terry Flanagan at flanagan@indigo.ie. (Sources: Irish Times - 21 Nov 2001; ISS web site - 30 Oct 2001) (5 March 2002)

Released hooded seal pup wanders in wrong direction - On 9 November the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, released a male hooded seal pup (Cystophora cristata) on Long Island which it had rescued near Assateague Island, Virginia, the previous July. The pup, known as "12-CC" or "Assateague", had arrived at the Aquarium weighing 30kg and emaciated, dehydrated and lethargic. A satellite tag was attached to the pup but the Aquarium's scientists became concerned when, within days of his release, signals indicated that he was much further south than where he had been released, close in fact to where he had originally been rescued. Only intermittent signals were received over the next month, scientists believing that the tag may have been damaged, but the signals that were received indicated that the seal was remaining in the general area of the mouth of the Chesapeake. The last signals received were on 13 December. Hooded seals are normally found in Arctic and Subarctic waters and it was expected that Assateague would head north after being released. For more information, contact the Aquarium's David Schofield at dschofield@aqua.org. For details of Assateague's satellite tracking, see http://whale.wheelock.edu/whalenet-stuff/StopNAq/.

Hooded seal strandings continue to be reported along the U.S. eastern seaboard. On 15 January a 160kg male hooded seal was rescued by the New England Aquarium from busy Carson Beach, South Boston, Massachusetts, and relocated to a remote beach on the North Shore after it was becoming noticeably stressed by the attention it was receiving from the public on the beach. The seal was found on another beach two days later and was taken back to the Aquarium where blood tests produced normal results but the seal seemed slightly dehydrated and lethargic. It was reported on 18 January that the seal would be transferred to the Mystic Aquarium for further tests and rehabilitation. For more information, contact the New England Aquarium's Connie Merigo at cmerigo@neaq.org and the Mystic Aquarium's David St. Aubin at dstaubin@mysticaquarium.org. (Sources: Boston Globe - 16 Jan 2002; Boston Herald - 16 Jan, 18 Jan 2002; National Aquarium in Baltimore - 5 Nov 2001; National Geographic Today - 27 Nov 2001; WhaleNet web site - Nov/Dec 2001) (5 March 2002)

Uruguayan marine wildlife group supports new ecotours - The Uruguayan group Protección de Fauna Marina (PROFAUMA - Marine Life Protection) has indicated its support for the initiation of guided tours to the pinniped colonies of Isla de Lobos from the seaside resort of Punta del Este, after the island was declared a tourism site by national and local authorities. The group believes that the spectacle of the seal colonies, combined with the expertise of the tour guides, will highlight to the public the serious problems associated with the protection and conservation of the country's pinnipeds and other marine life. The tours are subject to control and regulation by the National Office of Aquatic Resources (DINARA). Isla de Lobos and its islets are home to half of Uruguay's estimated 300,000 pinnipeds, mostly South American fur seals (Arctocephalus australis) and South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens). For more information, contact PROFAUMA's Alfredo Le Bas at lebas@fcien.edu.uy. (Source: PROFAUMA - 28 Feb 2002) (5 March 2002)

Seals reject new resting place in Australia - It was reported on 10 January that Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) in Port Phillip Bay, Victoria, are refusing to use a new AUS$210,000 platform that has been especially built as a haul-out for them. Parks Victoria had the platform, described as a "Taj Mahal for seals", manufactured over a period of eleven months as a replacement for a nearby dilapidated platform known as Chinaman's Hat on which the seals have hauled out for years. The main reason being put forward for the lack of interest in the new platform is simply that the seals are so used to the old one, others criticising the design of the new platform, which includes a large roof and is hard to access at very low tides. There is local opposition to Parks Victoria's plans to demolish Chinaman's Hat, and many say that the money should have been spent on restoring the old platform for the seals. (Source: Melbourne Age - 10 Jan 2002) (5 March 2002)

Macquarie Island elephant seal research permitted - The web site of the University of Tasmania's Antarctic Wildlife Research Unit (AWRU) reported in an article dated 3-7 January that the Tasmanian Environment Minister David Llewellyn had finally approved the permits for its continuing research on Southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) on Macquarie Island (see News Digest, 5 November 2001). The permit application, involving the taking of blubber biopsies and blood samples from day-old pups, had been opposed by the Tasmanian Conservation Trust. In December the AWRU had said that studies showed that research carried out on the species did not negatively impact the seals in the long term. For more information, contact the AWRU's Corey Bradshaw at corey.bradshaw@utas.edu.au and the Tasmanian Conservation Trust at tct@southcom.com.au. (Sources: ABC - 22 Dec 2001; AWRU web site - 3-7 Jan 2002 [scroll down]; Hobart Mercury - 3 Jan 2002; MARMAM - 15 Dec 2001) (5 March 2002)

French harbour seal network founded - A new network for all people in France who work with harbour seals (Phoca vitulina vitulina) on the Channel coast was created at a meeting on 20 October. Several research projects on the species are currently in progress and it is hoped that members of the network will present papers on the species at the forthcoming European Cetacean Society annual conference in Liège from 7-11 April 2002. For more information, contact Jeremy Kiszka at k.jeremy@caramail.com or Jean-François Elder at rnbeauguillot@wanadoo.fr. (Sources: Jean-François Elder [pers. comm.] - 22 Jan 2002; Jeremy Kiszka [pers. comm.] - 25 Oct, 1 Nov 2001) (5 March 2002)

Albino sea lion still alive in Galápagos Islands - Naturalist guides in the Galápagos Islands reported seeing the rare albino Galápagos sea lion pup (Zalophus californianus wollebaeki) (see News Digest, 5 November 2001) alive and healthy on the island of Floreana on 31 January. It is thought that the pup, first sighted on Floreana in August last year, had probably gone out to forage at sea with its mother which could explain why it hadn't been sighted in two months. The naturalist guides are reporting the pup's condition weekly to scientists of the Charles Darwin Research Station and to the Galápagos National Park Service. For more information, contact Sandie Salazar at ssalazar@fcdarwin.org.ec. (Source: Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galápagos Islands - 6 Feb 2002) (5 March 2002)

Decrease in New Zealand sea lion pup numbers observed - A research team led by scientist Ian Wilkinson has observed a 20% drop in the numbers of New Zealand sea lion pups (Phocarctos hookeri) surviving in the remote sub-Antarctic Auckland Islands. The team has also found a decrease in the average weight of male pups. Scientist Pádraig Duignan said that about half of the reported deaths had probably been caused by a parasite that lived in sea lions' intestines and which seems to have been stimulated in adult females when feeding their young. Sea lions had also been hit by a bacteria infection causing arthritis and joint inflammation. The findings were reported to Prime Minister Helen Clark and Conservation Minister Sandra Lee when they visited the islands in February. For more information, contact Ian Wilkinson at iwilkinson@doc.govt.nz. (Source: New Zealand Herald - 7 Feb 2002) (5 March 2002)

Californian scientists investigate historic fur seal collapse - A team of research scientists at the University of California at Santa Cruz (UCSC) in the United States are trying to determine the reasons for the disappearance of Northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) from California's Central Coast rookeries 1,000 years ago. Northern fur seals are now only rarely seen on the Californian mainland, although they do breed on San Miguel Island in southern California. The team is studying seal bones from Native American rubbish heaps to see if the species vanished due to a natural disaster or whether they were hunted to extinction. At Californian excavation sites like Moss Landing there are so many bones from seal pups that it is probable that breeding did take place on the mainland. The research team has so far been unable to find a change in ocean conditions that would explain the disappearance, implicating hunting as the cause. According to scientist Paul Koch, restoring fur seals to California's coast should be considered as part of conservation efforts to maintain a healthy coastal ecosystem. For more information, contact Paul Koch at pkoch@earthsci.ucsc.edu. (Sources: AP - 11 Feb 2002; UCSC Currents Online - 11 Feb 2002) (5 March 2002)

Camera-fitted Weddell seals provide further data - Scientists have obtained additional data on Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii) foraging behaviour in ongoing research using fist-sized infrared "sealcams" attached to the seals' heads (see News Digest, 21 February 1999). The monitoring equipment attached to the seal, usually for a period of about a week, includes a data recorder to measure depth, speed, bearing and stomach temperature, as well as satellite and radio tags. In addition to studying seal behaviour the use of the sealcams has also shed light on the behaviour of some of the seals' prey in the Antarctic environment. The research study lasted three years and video footage was taken by means of cameras attached to 15 seals. One of the most surprising findings was the extent of the individual variation in hunting behaviour, each seal seeming to employ its own strategy. Results from the study were published in the March edition of the publication Marine Biology. For more information, contact Randall Davis, Texas A&M University in Galveston, at davisr@tamug.tamu.edu. One of the scientists, Terrie Williams, has created a web site on the study at http://www.biology.ucsc.edu/people/williams/antarctic. (Sources: BBC - 25 Feb 2002; ENS - 17 Jan 2002 [scroll down]; National Geographic Today - 23 Jan 2002; Nature News - 18 Jan 2002; SeaWeb Ocean Update - Dec 2001) (5 March 2002)

Dead seals washed up in South Africa - Distressed lifeguards in Muizenberg, near Cape Town, found seven South African fur seal pups (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) and one adult washed ashore dead in December. The lifeguards said that the seals appeared to have been skinned and their heads cut off but council cleaners, sent to remove the seals, said that the seals were probably smashed into rocks by the wind. This explanation was also supported by the Dolphin Action and Protection Group which said that the seal pups were probably killed through natural causes at Seal Island and that their fur would have been eroded in the water by the time that they washed up. Dead seals were also found on Strandfontein and Fish Hoek beaches. For more information, contact Marine and Coastal Management's Mike Meyer at mmeyer@mcm.wcape.gov.za (Source: Cape Times - 24 Dec 2001) (5 March 2002)

California sea lions more common in Alaska - It was reported at the end of January that California sea lions (Zalophus californianus californianus) are being observed in increasing numbers at Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) rookeries and haulouts across Alaska. Alaska SeaLife center scientist John Maniscalco said that according to his research a total of 33 sightings of the species have been recorded so far, some California sea lions having reached as far west as the Pribilof Islands, and that the real number is probably higher due to misidentifications. The reason for the influx of Californian sea lions is as yet unknown but possible explanations include increasing populations, increasing competition for food, and changes in environmental conditions. Surprisingly, the sightings have included a number of females, it being previously thought that females remained near the species' breeding grounds in California. For more information, contact the Alaska SeaLife Center's Science Director Shannon Atkinson at shannon_atkinson@alaskasealife.org. (Source: WorldCatch - 28 Jan 2002) (5 March 2002)

Grey seal comes home to Cornwall - A wild grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) which appeared to have become too tame (see News Digest, 5 November 2001) and which was therefore captured and transported from a tourist area in Cornwall, England, to the grey seal colony on the island of Lundy, was reported on 11 November as having swum the 160 km back to Cornwall. The seal, named Alfie, had previously become well-known around the St. Ives area in Cornwall where he would sleep on beaches packed with holidaymakers. For more information, contact the National Seal Sanctuary at seals@sealsanctuary.co.uk. (Source: London Evening Standard - 11 Nov 2001) (5 March 2002)

Scientist says pinniped-shark balance has altered in Alaskan waters - Research scientists at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) discussed the possibility that a booming shark population and declining pinniped populations in Alaskan waters may be a sign of global warming. Fieldwork and wildlife surveys have led scientist Vince Gallucci of the University of Washington to come to the conclusion that top predators in Alaska's sub-arctic waters have shifted to a new balance, with increased numbers of sharks now outnumbering pinnipeds. Prof Gallucci said that he believed that population changes are tied to decades-long swings in climate and to continuing global warming, and that commercial fishing of pollock in competition with sea lions may also have benefited sharks. He further added that being more efficient eaters, sharks may be more able to take advantage of changes in available food resources. The topic was discussed at a special session of the AAAS meeting on 16 February entitled "Not Enough Sea Lions, Too Many Sharks: Global Warming Signal?". For more information, contact Vince Gallucci at vgallucc@u.washington.edu. (Source: ENS - 19 Feb 2002 [scroll down]) (5 March 2002)

Walrus dies at U.S. theme park - A 900kg male Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens), thought to be have been just over 15 years old, died on 10 November at the Six Flags theme park in Aurora, Ohio, from an infection caused by a blockage in his intestine. Leaves were found in his intestine but it is not known if they caused the blockage. The walrus, called George, was one of two male walruses in the park and had been there since 1994, inhabiting the sea lion and otter stadium and alternating in shows with the other walrus, Brutus. A spokesman for the park said that George may be replaced with another walrus. The park is currently seeking permission to import two killer whales. (Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - 29 Jan 2002) (5 March 2002)

Captivity Briefs ...

Four walruses (Odobenus rosmarus) arrived at the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut, USA, on 15 November, on loan until March from the New York Aquarium which is renovating its exhibit. The walruses have already had their tusks removed to prevent infection after they chipped or broke. Captive animals at the Mystic Aquarium currently include a Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus), fur seals and other pinnipeds. (Source: AP - 16 Nov 2001) (5 March 2002)

Ten seals at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, USA, are having to be relocated, at least temporarily, due to an expansion project at the aquarium. Five of the seals, ranging from 9-21 years of age, have been relocated so far, two to the Atlantis Marine Life Center in Riverhead, New York, one to Detroit Zoo, and two to the Aquarium of Niagara Falls. The other five, ranging from 22-29 years of age, are still waiting to be relocated. Some of the seals might eventually be transferred to a US$900,000 seal exhibit tank planned for the Ocean Life Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The new tank is to be funded by New Jersey's Casino Reinvestment Development Authority. (Source: AP - 9 Nov 2001) (5 March 2002)

A 17-year-old New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri) gave his final performance at Taronga Park Zoo in Sydney, Australia, on 9 January, after 13 years starring in the Zoo's daily seal show. The seal, named Bill, gave a total of 5,000 performances. Bill was originally brought to the zoo by state National Parks and Wildlife Service staff after being attacked by a shark as a one-year-old, but was never released back into the wild. (Source: Sydney Morning Herald -10 Jan 2002) (5 March 2002)

An 18-year-old male sea lion named Sammy was euthanased at Denver Zoo, Colorado, USA, on 28 February after it was found to be suffering from severe debilitation, early kidney failure and internal bleeding of the intestine. The sea lion had become increasingly lethargic and had lost his appetite over the previous two months. A bladder and inner-ear infection had been discovered but treatment had not been successful. (Source: Denver Post - 2 Mar 2002) (5 March 2002)

It was revealed on 1 March that the New England Aquarium in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, has reversed the decision which it made last autumn to transfer its four sea lions to other aquaria. The reversal follows the aquarium's decision to delay its proposed US$125 million East Wing development. The sea lions' antiquated performance barge will be sold and a temporary performance and housing facility built at the aquarium, with the hope of constructing a more permanent facility in 4-5 years time. (Source: Boston Globe - 1 Mar 2002) (5 March 2002)

Resources...

The Seal Conservation Society has added a transcription of the United Kingdom's Conservation of Seals Act 1970 to our web site. It can be viewed at http://www.pinnipeds.fsnet.co.uk/COS1970.htm. (5 March 2002)

The November 2001 issue of the electronic journal The Monachus Guardian, which focuses on Mediterranean, Hawaiian and Caribbean monk seals, can be downloaded from http://www.monachus.org. (5 March 2002)

PDF files for the first 631 of the American Society of Mammalogy's Mammalian Species Accounts (1969-1999) are now available on-line through http://www.science.smith.edu/departments/Biology/VHAYSSEN/msi/default.html. The pinniped account numbers are:
- Phoca sibirica: 188

The report "Steller Sea Lion Investigations, 2000" (editor B. Fadely), which summarises much of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)-funded research carried out on the species during 2000, is now available from the U.S. National Marine Mammal Laboratory (NMML). Please contact the NMML's Sonja Kromann at Sonja.Kromann@noaa.gov for copies. (5 March 2002)

A new interactive CD-ROM has been published entitled "Acoustic Monitoring of Marine Wildlife" (ISBN 1-904055-02-8). For more information on the CD-ROM, which includes topics such as general bioacoustics, marine mammal acoustics, and the impacts of man-made noise on marine mammals, contact info@seiche.com. (5 March 2002)

Kluwer Academic Publishers have published "The Sensory Physiology of Aquatic Mammals" (Supin AYa, Popov VV, Mass AM; Kluwer Publishers 2001 332pp). It can be ordered through http://www.wkap.nl. (5 March 2002)

The electronic version of the Marine Mammal Medic Handbook, the manual used by British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR)'s marine mammal medics, is now available in a cut-down non-photo version for use on the "Palm Pilot" using "Palm Reader". For more information, contact BDMLR's Nick Kail at nick@bdmlr.org.uk. (5 March 2002)

The U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has launched an automated e-mail based newsletter called "FishNews" that provides electronic notification of important actions, rules, policies, and programmes. For information on how to sign up for the newsletter, see http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/fishnews.htm. (5 March 2002)

A new e-mail discussion list, "Marine Mammal Group", intended for those interested in marine mammals in the English Channel and adjacent areas has been launched. For more information, see http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/mammal. (5 March 2002)

The following organisations have recently launched new or substantially revised web sites:
- The Marine Mammal Center: http://www.marinemammalcenter.org

Features ... - The following pinniped-related feature articles have recently appeared in the media:

Big funds fuel sea lion studies [Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) research in Alaska, USA.] (Anchorage Daily News - 26 Dec 2001) (5 March 2002)

Year after slick, man still threatens Galapagos [A look at the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador, a year after the "Jessica" oil spill] (ENN - 17 Jan 2002) (5 March 2002)