|
Whale strikes
The Belgian Ministry of Environment is happy to inform you about the
release of a folder on ship strikes with whales. Ship strikes are now a recognized cause of mortality for whales globally. Every segment of the maritime industry is concerned, as well as sailing boats. The folder commissioned by Belgium includes advice to reduce the risk of collisions with whales. It also provides the link to the ship strikes database developed by the International Whaling Commission which offers an easy to use interface for data entry. Ship strikes are a priority area of work for the International Whaling Commission and other international organizations. The folder is available in six languages and can namely be used by ship strikes contact points, whale stranding networks coordinators and maritime authorities. LPoint your browser to: http://www.iwcoffice.org/sci_com/shipstrikes.htm Further information and printed copies of the folder can be obtained by contacting Alexandre de Lichtervelde, Chair of the IWC Ship strikes Working Group, at: ”. |
Whale strikes
On Wed, 12 May 2010 19:50:04 -0700 (PDT), Bil
wrote: The Belgian Ministry of Environment is happy to inform you about the release of a folder on ship strikes with whales. Ship strikes are now a recognized cause of mortality for whales globally. They have also been recognized as a source of mortality for sailboats and their occupants. Are you suggesting that we should ban shipping to save the whales? |
Whale strikes
On May 14, 9:35*am, Wayne.B wrote:
On Wed, 12 May 2010 19:50:04 -0700 (PDT), Bil wrote: The Belgian Ministry of Environment is happy to inform you about the release of a folder on ship strikes with whales. Ship strikes are now a recognized cause of mortality for whales globally. They have also been recognized as a source of mortality for sailboats and their occupants. *Are you suggesting that we should ban shipping to save the whales? The effects of whale strike on sailboats is why I, as a cruising sailor, posted the message from the Belgian Ministry of Environment. Far from suggesting a ban on shipping, the documents at the Belgian Ministry of Environment suggest (1) collect data about the risks; and (2) consider mitigation strategies. To date, mitigation strategies include re-routing shipping lanes and changing ship speed slightly. A good database of whale/sailboat strikes might lead to mitigation specific to cruisers. At the moment, we don't know whether - for example - sailing with a sonar depth sounder operating avoids whale/ sailboat strikes. That's why a database with details of where/when/ under what conditions would be valuable. See the text as it reads today on mitigation: Mitigation measures It may sound obvious but the most effective way to reduce collision risk is to keep whales and ships apart. This is not as easy as it sounds for both scientific and logistical reasons, but it has been achieved in some areas. In particular, it relies on good information and predictable patterns of whale (and vessel) distribution as well as a practicable alternative route for shipping. For example, in the Bay of Fundy off the east coast of Canada, long-term data on North Atlantic whale distribution allowed a small adjustment to the shipping lane, adding minimal passage time to shipping, but achieving a substantial reduction in collision risk. A similar approach has been used for shipping lanes approaching the port of Boston on the east coast of the USA. In other areas, there is no practicable alternative route for shipping and other solutions need to be considered. There is good evidence that ships travelling at slower speeds pose less of a collision risk4. In areas where there is a particular concern, vessels have been requested to slow down. For example, there is an area in approaches to the Strait of Gibraltar that appears particularly important to sperm whales, but would be difficult for vessels to avoid. Measures to regulate shipping, such as modifying mandatory shipping lanes or establishing areas to be avoided, are decided by the International Maritime Organization. In 2008, the Marine Environment Protection Committee of the IMO included the development of a guidance document on minimizing the risk of ship strikes with cetaceans into its work programme. |
Whale strikes
On Thu, 13 May 2010 18:31:15 -0700 (PDT), Bil
wrote: A good database of whale/sailboat strikes might lead to mitigation specific to cruisers. At the moment, we don't know whether - for example - sailing with a sonar depth sounder operating avoids whale/ sailboat strikes. Well here's another data point for your research. We were recently approached by a pod of 3 minke whales south of Guadaloupe. The first was clearly on a collision course so we immediately slowed down to let him pass ahead. The other 2 passed close astern. The whales were all about 25 feet long and could have clearly done some serious damage to us and vice versa. For the record we are a twin engine displacement trawler with 3 depth sounders operational, black bottom paint, and white top sides. Our speed at the time was about 8 knots and the whales seemed totally oblivious to our presence. Two of the depth sounders operate at 200 khz and the third is a dual beam 200/50 khz. Back in south Florida we have frequently observed bottle nosed dolphins seeking us out from large distances away. They like to play in the wake but we think it is sound that attracts them. |
Whale strikes
"WaIIy" wrote in message ... On Thu, 13 May 2010 18:31:15 -0700 (PDT), Bil wrote: A good database of whale/sailboat strikes might lead to mitigation specific to cruisers. At the moment, we don't know whether - for example - sailing with a sonar depth sounder operating avoids whale/ sailboat strikes. That's why a database with details of where/when/ under what conditions would be valuable. Really, how stupid does a whale have to be in order to "bump into" a boat? Think about it. People walk in front of moving cars, OD on drugs, have unprotected sex, use tobacco, etc, etc ,etc.......we are the most self destructive species. |
Whale strikes
|
Whale strikes
|
Whale strikes
On Sat, 15 May 2010 10:22:44 -0800, You wrote:
Most Commercial Shipping Vessels do [not] carry any type of electronic equipment that could, or would, show a whale in near vicinity of a ship. I agree assuming that you meant "do not carry". Military vessels are more likely to carry high tech gear like that in my somewhat informed opinion, side scan SONAR and the like. |
Whale strikes
"WaIIy" wrote in message ... On Fri, 14 May 2010 21:06:27 -0400, "mmc" wrote: "WaIIy" wrote in message . .. On Thu, 13 May 2010 18:31:15 -0700 (PDT), Bil wrote: A good database of whale/sailboat strikes might lead to mitigation specific to cruisers. At the moment, we don't know whether - for example - sailing with a sonar depth sounder operating avoids whale/ sailboat strikes. That's why a database with details of where/when/ under what conditions would be valuable. Really, how stupid does a whale have to be in order to "bump into" a boat? Think about it. People walk in front of moving cars, OD on drugs, have unprotected sex, use tobacco, etc, etc ,etc.......we are the most self destructive species. Well, then should we ban cars, sex, tobacco and elevators. If we did. there'd less obesity! I was just pointing out that sometimes sh*t happens. Anyway, what does a whale swimming in a gigantic ocean running into a a boat which is taking up one billionth of space have to do with sex. Should we make whale condoms? Oh wait, I have some. Haha. |
Whale strikes
|
Whale strikes
On Sat, 15 May 2010 19:25:04 -0400, Wayne.B
wrote: On Sat, 15 May 2010 17:52:37 -0400, wrote: On Sat, 15 May 2010 10:22:44 -0800, You wrote: In article , wrote: On Fri, 14 May 2010 21:06:27 -0400, "mmc" wrote: "WaIIy" wrote in message .. . On Thu, 13 May 2010 18:31:15 -0700 (PDT), Bil wrote: A good database of whale/sailboat strikes might lead to mitigation specific to cruisers. At the moment, we don't know whether - for example - sailing with a sonar depth sounder operating avoids whale/ sailboat strikes. That's why a database with details of where/when/ under what conditions would be valuable. Really, how stupid does a whale have to be in order to "bump into" a boat? Think about it. People walk in front of moving cars, OD on drugs, have unprotected sex, use tobacco, etc, etc ,etc.......we are the most self destructive species. How stupid does a ship manned by many people and all the latest electronics, have to be, to run into a whale? Most Commercial Shipping Vessels do carry any type of electronic equipment that could, or would, show a whale in near vicinity of a ship. At most they carry a Depth Sounder, which on the High Seas, is likely turned OFF, and only used when entering, or leaving Port. AsK "Me" How I know... I did SOLAS Inspections on 300 GTon and up Vessels for a couple of Decades. Duh..... Not the point. Perhaps you are being a tad too abstruse for us, the unenlightened. Dogs do that sometimes but I see it more often in cats. I've seen quite a few whales, in quite a few different circumstances, and frankly I have no idea whether they are intelligent or not. Some are quite obviously capable of being trained. I've seen some in the wild that clearly looked like they were playing to the audience, and I've seen others that seemed totally oblivious to the presence of man or boat. It is likely that Sperm whales are capable of emotion, at least. Witness the account of the sinking of the ESSEX; and Killer Whales certainly are intelligent enough to be trained. Cheers, Bruce (bruceinbangkokatgmaildotcom) |
Whale strikes
On Sun, 16 May 2010 07:59:26 +0700, Bruce
wrote: After all, porpoise seem to be attracted to small boats and frequently seem to play in he wake or dive under the boat. We see that all the time, most recently yesterday at the SW corner of Puerto Rico. We had two big ones playing in the bow wave for several minutes, sometimes jumping at right angles to each other in front of the boat. They are very fast and agile, never getting hit as far as I know. |
Whale strikes
On 5/15/10 9:27 PM, Wayne.B wrote:
On Sun, 16 May 2010 07:59:26 +0700, wrote: After all, porpoise seem to be attracted to small boats and frequently seem to play in he wake or dive under the boat. We see that all the time, most recently yesterday at the SW corner of Puerto Rico. We had two big ones playing in the bow wave for several minutes, sometimes jumping at right angles to each other in front of the boat. They are very fast and agile, never getting hit as far as I know. Gosh. Porpoises playing around a boat. Did you take photos? -- The Tea Party's teabaggers are just the Republican base by another name. |
Whale strikes
On Sat, 15 May 2010 21:27:15 -0400, Wayne.B
wrote: On Sun, 16 May 2010 07:59:26 +0700, Bruce wrote: After all, porpoise seem to be attracted to small boats and frequently seem to play in he wake or dive under the boat. We see that all the time, most recently yesterday at the SW corner of Puerto Rico. We had two big ones playing in the bow wave for several minutes, sometimes jumping at right angles to each other in front of the boat. They are very fast and agile, never getting hit as far as I know. Funny, Everyone bitches about jet skiers "wake jumping" but admires the porpoise playing in the bow wave :-) Cheers, Bruce (bruceinbangkokatgmaildotcom) |
Whale strikes
"Bruce" wrote in message ... On Sat, 15 May 2010 21:27:15 -0400, Wayne.B wrote: On Sun, 16 May 2010 07:59:26 +0700, Bruce wrote: After all, porpoise seem to be attracted to small boats and frequently seem to play in he wake or dive under the boat. We see that all the time, most recently yesterday at the SW corner of Puerto Rico. We had two big ones playing in the bow wave for several minutes, sometimes jumping at right angles to each other in front of the boat. They are very fast and agile, never getting hit as far as I know. Funny, Everyone bitches about jet skiers "wake jumping" but admires the porpoise playing in the bow wave :-) Cheers, And I am guessing that you cannot see or tell the difference? Bruce (bruce,suckingthecockatgmaildotcom) |
Whale strikes
On Sun, 16 May 2010 18:06:51 +0700, Bruce
wrote: On Sat, 15 May 2010 21:27:15 -0400, Wayne.B wrote: On Sun, 16 May 2010 07:59:26 +0700, Bruce wrote: After all, porpoise seem to be attracted to small boats and frequently seem to play in he wake or dive under the boat. We see that all the time, most recently yesterday at the SW corner of Puerto Rico. We had two big ones playing in the bow wave for several minutes, sometimes jumping at right angles to each other in front of the boat. They are very fast and agile, never getting hit as far as I know. Funny, Everyone bitches about jet skiers "wake jumping" but admires the porpoise playing in the bow wave :-) Cheers, Have you ever been in an anchorage with a bunch of crazed jet skiiers swarming around like mosquitos on steroids? I'd also maintain that porpoises are smarter than jet skiiers since they never seem to get hit or run into each other. |
Whale strikes
In article ,
Wayne.B wrote: On Sat, 15 May 2010 07:20:26 -0400, wrote: How stupid does a ship manned by many people and all the latest electronics, have to be, to run into a whale? A big ship would not see them in time, and if they did, would not have time to avoid them. We are a lot closer to the water in our boat, but did not see the minke whales until they were about 100 feet away. A large ship would probably not see them at all. Old whales also have human frailties: deafness, blindness.. |
Whale strikes
|
Whale strikes
|
Whale strikes
|
Whale strikes
On Sun, 16 May 2010 07:55:00 -0400, Wayne.B
wrote: On Sun, 16 May 2010 18:06:51 +0700, Bruce wrote: On Sat, 15 May 2010 21:27:15 -0400, Wayne.B wrote: On Sun, 16 May 2010 07:59:26 +0700, Bruce wrote: After all, porpoise seem to be attracted to small boats and frequently seem to play in he wake or dive under the boat. We see that all the time, most recently yesterday at the SW corner of Puerto Rico. We had two big ones playing in the bow wave for several minutes, sometimes jumping at right angles to each other in front of the boat. They are very fast and agile, never getting hit as far as I know. Funny, Everyone bitches about jet skiers "wake jumping" but admires the porpoise playing in the bow wave :-) Cheers, Have you ever been in an anchorage with a bunch of crazed jet skiiers swarming around like mosquitos on steroids? I'd also maintain that porpoises are smarter than jet skiiers since they never seem to get hit or run into each other. Nope. There is a small group of jet skiers that you see in the area where I'm moored. Usually on a Sunday after noon but they stay away from the moored boats and the Marina and don't bother anyone. Over on the other side of the Island they are probably pretty crowded but those are tourists and no one with any sense goes there. I thought, from what I've read, that they were banned in many places?? Cheers, Bruce (bruceinbangkokatgmaildotcom) |
Whale strikes
On Sun, 16 May 2010 09:58:38 -0800, You wrote:
In article , wrote: I am guessing that perhaps the whales expect the ships to act like any other sea creature, and participate in avoidance manuevers. The whale corrects it's course a little expecting the ship to do the same. When the ship doesn't make it's expected correction... BAM! Porpoises are probably better at quick turns than a whale. They may also be smarter. and just how is the ship supposed to know that the whale is even in the vicinity? It is not like they have 360 degree Lookouts watching for whales that may or may not be in the neighborhood... Duh... When was the last time you saw a whale on your Radar.... Any why is it that no one seems to talk about road-killed animals, even people killed in road accident don't get too much mention these days, and but do talk about whales hit by ships? Cheers, Bruce (bruceinbangkokatgmaildotcom) |
Whale strikes
On 5/16/2010 5:32 PM, Bruce wrote:
On Sun, 16 May 2010 07:55:00 -0400, Wayne.B wrote: On Sun, 16 May 2010 18:06:51 +0700, wrote: On Sat, 15 May 2010 21:27:15 -0400, Wayne.B wrote: On Sun, 16 May 2010 07:59:26 +0700, wrote: After all, porpoise seem to be attracted to small boats and frequently seem to play in he wake or dive under the boat. We see that all the time, most recently yesterday at the SW corner of Puerto Rico. We had two big ones playing in the bow wave for several minutes, sometimes jumping at right angles to each other in front of the boat. They are very fast and agile, never getting hit as far as I know. Funny, Everyone bitches about jet skiers "wake jumping" but admires the porpoise playing in the bow wave :-) Cheers, Have you ever been in an anchorage with a bunch of crazed jet skiiers swarming around like mosquitos on steroids? I'd also maintain that porpoises are smarter than jet skiiers since they never seem to get hit or run into each other. Nope. There is a small group of jet skiers that you see in the area where I'm moored. Usually on a Sunday after noon but they stay away from the moored boats and the Marina and don't bother anyone. Over on the other side of the Island they are probably pretty crowded but those are tourists and no one with any sense goes there. I thought, from what I've read, that they were banned in many places?? Cheers, Bruce (bruceinbangkokatgmaildotcom) We spent a summer time a few years ago in a river estuary in El Salvador (Jaltepeque also know as Bahia del Sol, the name of the hotel that's there) and every couple of weeks a drunk teenager on a jet ski would hit an anchored boat. They just couldn't seem to remember that when you let off of the throttle, you loose all steering. Fortunately, cruising sailboats are built a lot tougher than jet skis. Typically, while major damage was done to the bow of the jet ski, there would be a scuff in the gel coat of the boat. -- Dan Best - (559) 970-9858, Fresno, CA 93705 Kelly-Peterson 44 #233, "Loose Pointer" http://dbsail.org/LoosePointer Tayana 37 #192, "Tricia Jean" http://dbsail.org B-2/75 1977-1979 |
| All times are GMT +1. The time now is 02:44 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright ©2004 - 2014 BoatBanter.com