Wednesday, 5 October 2016

Open letter to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries, re live capture of marine wildlife


Dr Simon Elwen
Namibian Dolphin Project
Walvis Bay Waterfront
PO Box 5209 Walvis Bay
simon.elwen@seasearch.co.za

29 September 2016

To: The Permanent Secretary,
Namibian Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources

Request to deny permission to capture live dolphins, penguins and seals in Namibia

Dear Dr Maurihungirire 

We are writing to you on behalf of the Namibian Dolphin Project (NDP) and our sister organisation, Sea Search, to voice our concerns over the recent proposal from the Welwitschia Aquatic and Wildlife Scientific Research Pty Ltd (WAWSR) concerning the live capture of marine animals in Namibia for the aquarium industry. We strongly urge you to reject this proposal and not allow the capture of any marine animals for reasons detailed below.

Scientific Merit

WAWSR claims that the main purpose of this proposal is to “promote scientific research” and help Namibia gather information on the impact marine mammals have on the Namibian fish stocks. Given the wording of this proposal, and indeed the company name, one would expect that this proposal would be based on sound scientific evidence; however, nothing in this proposal would suggest that this is the case. For example, WAWSR proposes to capture 50-100* Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, a species which does not occur anywhere near Namibia (their range being to the east of Cape Town, South Africa (Findlay et al. 1992). WAWSR also proposes to capture 50-100 common bottlenose dolphins, which are resident in Namibia. However, the inshore population, which logistically would be the only realistic option for capture, numbers fewer than 100 individuals (NDP unpublished data), making them one of Namibia's rarest mammal species. If WAWSR capture the upper limit of their proposed number (100), it would effectively wipe out this entire population of animals. Even if they were to capture the lower limit (50), it would likely have dire consequences for an already small and sensitive population, possibly resulting in local extinction of this species from coastal Namibia. It is clear that this proposal has little or no scientific foundation, and therefore to suggest that this is for anything other than making profit, is irrational.

International Legislation

We believe that the proposal directly contravenes the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The African penguin, which WAWSR proposes to capture between 300-500 of, is listed under the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species as “Endangered”, with estimates suggesting that it has decreased by more than 60% over the last 28 years. WAWSR also propose to capture “various sharks”, given that the IUCN suggest that one quarter of all known species are threatened by extinction, it is highly plausible that some of the species WAWSR propose to capture, are included in this listing. The other animals listed by WAWSR, such as Heaviside's dolphins and killer whale are listed by the IUCN as "data deficient", and in such scenarios a precautionary principal should be taken as there is little or no information on population abundance or trends

Captive Cetacean Industry

The argument against keeping marine mammals in captivity for educational purposes has gained a lot of support in recent years from the scientific literature. Killer whales, of which WAWSR have proposed to capture 10 per year, have been shown to live shorter lives in captivity compared to their wild counter parts (Jett and Ventre 2015) and often face poor cramped conditions, while Fair et al. (2014) suggested the increase in stress levels induced during live capture could have major negative consequences on individual cetaceans. Additionally, there is little strength to the argument that captive animals provide unique opportunities for research as the vast majority of scientific literature on cetaceans in the last 10 years at least has come from studying animals in the wild, something the NDP has been doing in Namibia since 2008.

Whales and dolphins have long term, individual based relationships and learn behaviours though cultural transmission.  The random removal of individuals can break up these long lasting associations influencing the cohesion of the remaining wild population. The removal of animals can be incredibly stressful for the remaining group associates and could reduce the overall health and fitness of the wild population.
SE_digital signature
Should you need any further information on the whales and dolphins of Namibia, our work specifically, or wish to discuss any of the concerns highlighted, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

Dr. Simon Elwen, Director - Namibian Dolphin Project, Director Sea Search Africa
NRF Research Fellow, Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria

on behalf of the Namibian Dolphin Project & Sea Search teams
Dr Tess Gridley, Dr Els Vermeulen, Ms Bridget James, Ms Morgan Martin and Mr Barry Mc Govern


References

Fair, P.A., Schaefer, A.A., Romano, T.A., Bossart, G.D., Lamb, S.V. and Reif, J.  (2014) Stress response of wild bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) during capture–release health assessment studies  Original Research Article. General and Comparative Endocrinology. 206 203-212 

Findlay, K. P., Best, P. B., Ross, G. J. B., & Cockcroft, V. G. (1992). The distribution of small odontocete cetaceans off the coasts of South Africa and Namibia. South African Journal of Marine Science. 12(1), 237-270.

Jett, J. and Ventre, J. (2015) Captive killer whale (Orcinus orca) survival. Marine Mammal Science. 31 4 1362-1377.


*It is not clear from the poor wording of the proposal whether killer whales are the only species to be targeted in subsequent years “10 killer whales per year; 50-100 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins; 50-100 heads of Common bottlenose dolphins; 500-1000 Cape fur seals; 300-500 penguins; and various sharks.”. As such, we have drafted this letter using the more conservative idea that they do not intend to target all other species in subsequent years. However, it is highly likely that WAWSR do intend to capture all species in subsequent years.



12 comments:

Mohamed Ali said...

$$$ GENUINE LOAN WITH LOW INTEREST RATE APPLY $$$
Do you need finance to start up your own business or expand your business, Do you need funds to pay off your debt? We give out loan to interested individuals and company's who are seeking loan with good faith. Are you seriously in need of an urgent loan contact us.
LOAN APPLICATION DETAILS.
First Name:
Last Name:
Date Of Birth:
Address:
Sex:
Phone No:
City:
Zip Code:
State:
Country:
Nationality:
Occupation:
Monthly Income:
Loan Amount:
Loan Duration:
Purpose of the loan:
E-mail address:

Email: shadiraaliuloancompany1@gmail.com

Tony M. said...

Good post.

Unknown said...

Your blog is really great. Thank you for sharing

Kuwait Postal Code

Unknown said...

I can see the hardwork done by the blog owner.Keep Posting such great things again.Looking forward for your next post.
latur pincodes

Fisheries Jobs in Mumbai said...

Great effort done by you to protect other members of this nature family!!!
Keep up!
I wish your work should motivate lots of other people out there.

Laxman S said...

I’m really impressed with your article, such great & usefull knowledge you mentioned here. Thank you for sharing such a good and useful information here in the blog

Social Media Marketing Services in India
Social Media Marketing Packages in India
SEO Company in India
Google Adwords Pricing in india
Google Adwords Services in India

Sappa Tamang said...

Everest Base Camp Trek is one of those journeys that create your vacation dreams return true. Hiking on the legendary foothills just under the mighty Mount Everest 8848m with exciting views of the master peaks will solely be found within the Everest Region. This celebrated trek is thought worldwide for its trailblazing routes & the landscapes speak to your senses. On this trip you furthermore Mera peak out at the celebrated Kala Patthar (5,600m/18,373ft) read purpose for a few grand direct views of the very best mountain in the world. Everest Base CampTrek additionally includes different celebrated eight thousand peaks like Mt mountain peak (8,516m /27,940ft), Makalu (8,485m /27,838 ft) Cho-Oyu (8,201m /26,906ft). The culture of this specific space is of nice notebook stuff & interacting with the native of us puts a lot of zest into your venturesome journey as you walk through the Khumbu region of the Asian country. This legendary path could be a psychological thriller for top & wild hikers World Health Organization want the tread the methods wherever legends walked before on their thanks to conquering mountain peak, some did some didn’t however the Everest Base Camp Trek path keeps those legends alive for many trekkers World Health Organization head to the present region. The trip begins with a stirring mountain flight to Lukla, one among the world’s highest mountains; & as shortly as you set down at that altitude, the remainder is history. Your hike takes you to the favored village city of Namche, referred to as the ‘gateway to the Khumbu’’ & from there on you rehearse quiet monasteries with the acknowledge Sherpa of us World Health Organization inhabit this region & their culture is price noting. On the way, we have a tendency to visit the Sagarmatha parkland, home to some rare fauna & flora, this additionally wherever we have a tendency to adapt for a few time. We head deep into the Khumbu hiking into the forest of shrub, birch trees & pine, with colorful villages wherever we have a tendency to square measure sincerely welcome by the Sherpa community. we have a tendency to square measure pleasantly stunned to return across a hospital-based mostly in Khunde and health post at Pheriche that shows this region not solely cares for the locals however also are able to look out of trekkers World Health Organization have altitude issues. Doctors square measure invariably at the post for aid treatment. The Everest Base Camp Trek is arduous however varied teahouses square measure found on the paths providing smart grubbed to shelter from the generally harsh climate. Our trek culminates at base camp so we have a tendency to create a path for Namche as we have a tendency to hike back to Lukla to rendezvous for our flight to Katmandu. we have a tendency to add an additional contingency day for inclement weather which will delay flights. It’s recommended to be pretty acceptable to undertake this journey; you only want some smart hiking exercise before doing this trip. And Nepal Base Camp Treks can do the remainder to allow you AN action-packed odyssey of a period.

Buna Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. said...

Why Trekking in Nepal Nepal?, a land of high hills, mountains, raging rivers and verdant deep jungles of

Terai & its rich lifestyle makes one of the most sought locations inside the map of the world. a destination for all season as

it's miles one of the most numerous and varied international locations on this planet a unique us of a nestled inside the

excellent snow capped variety is some other advent of the mom earth and it embraces worlds' 8 highest peaks from mt.everest,

mt.kanchenjonga, mt.lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu to Annapurna massive. nepal is likewise the beginning

location of Buddha (light of Asia). The Buna Treks is Local Base Under Nepal Government Trekking Agency in Nepal. blessed with wealthy nature, the brilliant Himalayan in Nepal

range stretches from the far north-west to the way east where the worlds highest 8th eight-thousanders are in Nepal. nepal

gives a enthralling adventure with enough time to wonder the encompassing beautiful landscapes and immerse with its warm human

beings, imparting you full of range and enchantment from the low lands of Gangetic plains and its verdant dense jungle where

the endangered species of Royal Bengal tigers and the one-horned rhinoceros roam, to the mythical yak and yeti trail to

Everest.as the adventure and leisure tourism was hooked up in view that late 1960 and 70’s quality travel & trekking

enterprise have mushroomed by using a tourism professionals Nepalese, and were leading countless of adventure trips in the

course of Himalaya consisting of rafting, mountain climbing also organize adventure trekking, and entertainment trips which

includes tailor-made itineraries for own family, college companies and company executives. Many of Trekking Company in Nepal are not perfect trip dealing, they have not enough Experienced.

Trekking in Nepal, Nepal is domestic to community of trails also known as the amazing

Himalaya trails, an extensive trail gadget that covers Nepal from humble and Darchula within the west to Kanchenjunga in the

east. the range of Trekking in Nepal cannot be located in any other location of the world. in fact, the lowest factor in

Nepal is fifty-nine m above sea-level inside the terai location even as the very best point is Everest, eight,848 m above

sea-level, the two factors are, in a direct line, most effective two hundred kilometers aside. the majority of visitors to

Nepal are available through the Tribhuvan international airport in Kathmandu. it's far in Kathmandu that trekkers want to

accumulate their permits and other documentation, both from a trekking agent or from the best places of work. those files will

be checked along the hiking route. for people with little time to spend in Nepal, there are half of-day hikes from Kathmandu

to witness breathtaking Himalayan Trekking in Nepal perspectives in any other case

trek for weeks over stunning tough mountain passes. as much as the mid-1960s just a few trekkers had generally visited Nepal

and lower back then as part of corporations of excursion fans. the various huge expeditions of the day recommended trekkers to

join up in an try to help balance the investment.

Dhansingh Gurung said...

14 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek high light trekking route in Manaslu Trekking Packages, and magical beaten track of hidden Valley Manaslu Larke La Pass 5150m. After Annapurna Circuit Trekking Most of Trekkers are thinking about the round Manaslu Trekking. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is restricted area of Special Trekking Path in Nepal and day by day Trekkers Demand increased and also develops lodge accommodation and foods. There is some option if some of trekkers has more holidays and want to see nicer Himalayan tropical villages Monastery and Trans Himalayan people they can select Manslu Tsum Valley Trek. That can make both destination combined Tsum Valley and Manaslu Base Cam with Lark La Pass. The Manaslu Trekking is little more expensive than others Trekking Routes, Because those trekkers who are interest to go Round Manslu Larke la pass or Manaslu Tsum Valley they have to buy four type of Trekking Permits as Manaslu conservation area of Project (MCAP), Manaslu Restricted Permit, Tsum Valley Restricted Permit and Annapurna Conservation Area of Project (ACAP).
Everest Trekking Routes has Professional Mountain Guide Team works with all Expert Local Porters those who are real typical himalayan people. our Expert Trekking Guide has well train and Best Packages Selling Trekking in Nepal. and now Highly Popular Manaslu Trekking which is short and suitable trip in Nepal.
14 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek Start from Kathmandu to Arughat to Sotikhola by Public bus or Jeep and Trek to Machhakhola, Jagat, Filim, Deng, Namrung, Lho, Sama Gaun, Samdo, Larke La Pass, Bhimtang, Gho, Tilje, Dharapani and Drive to Besi sahar to Kathmandu. During this trip can get amazing Himalayan flavor with outstanding white Himalayan scenery which of eight top high peak Manaslu Expedition and Ganesh Himal, Singi Himal, Annapurna II, Annapurna IIII, gangapurna, Lamjung and Many Others Trekking Peaks. Everest Trekking Routes Selling 14 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek full board Packages Kathmandu to Kathmandu. If anyone interest can contact us directly thank you.
Email: info@everesttrekkingroutes.com
www.everesttrekkingroutes.com
www.adventuremountainguide.net

Ady Grewal said...

What a good focus in the writing. Your grip on the words are fabulous. And Islamic Travel gives the top-class and cheaper Hajj Umrah Packages, everywhere throughout the year with least inexpensive umrah deals from London, Manchester, Birmingham and Bradford, UK.

Anonymous said...

Bồn tắm massage là mẫu bồn thiết kế các mắt sục nước trong lòng bồn giúp người sử dụng cảm giác như đang được mát xa, thư giãn sóng biển. Bồn tắm sục Massage không những mang lại cho con người những giây phút thư giãn thoải mái giúp giải tỏa những căng thẳng, mệt mỏi sau một ngày bận rộn với công việc, mà bồn tắm mát xa còn mang lại một không gian hiện đại, sang trọng, tiện nghi cho phòng tắm của gia đình bạn
Địa chỉ: 522 Nguyễn Trãi, Thanh Xuân, Hà Nội - 78 Khâm Thiên, Đống Đa, Hà Nội
Số điện thoại: 0971.048.739 - 0915.244.598 - 0977.109.773 - 0977.506.265

Sudipadhikari said...

Trekking in Nepal is one of the lifetime experience. There are manytrekking destination in the world among them Nepal is prime destination because of Magnificent Himlayan range, cultural heritage, religious harmony and unique lifestyle. There are many popular trekking routes in Nepal