Comments on: Scientists Use GPS to Spy on Whale Watch Tours, Uncover Ugly Secret

By: Jerry O'Sullivan

Jerry O'Sullivan — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 03:03:44 +0000

I have been on whale watches since the early eighties. When I first was on them there were little to no whales sighted. Yes all on the Stellwagen Bank, out of Provincetown. The cruises were extended until we saw something big or small. In the recent years I have seen a tremendous amount of whale activity. More than I have ever seen. Seeing whales come out of the water and showing off so to speak, The boats I had been on were extremely cautious on there approach. It was a wonderful experience. Almost tear jerking to see these huge animals seeming to be playing. I hope to see this still offered to us that really appreciate life and especially sea life.
So as to add comment, the offenders should be treated the same as the people who do lobster scrubbing. Yes the lobster scrubbers are locals, that know better. Now lobster scrubbing is a federal crime. Yes you loose everything your license to do anything in the water and loose your boat to the Feds.The problem is money is their object not the long term effects on the whole eco system.
Feel free to add comment, I have done my own personal studies. Its all about the money. Don’t be a whale scrubber!!!!

By: Carol

Carol — Sat, 31 May 2008 07:59:58 +0000

At least we can take heart that someone is observing this lack of compliance with conservation measures. The tour companies must now know that this isn’t going unoticed–it’s a step in the right direction.

By: Levi Novey

Levi Novey — Sat, 31 May 2008 02:33:29 +0000

Daniel, you bring up a good question.

It’s not unusual for scientific studies to be published several years after data is collected. One of the reasons is that academic journals often have a backlog of other accepted papers, and also because once an article is submitted sometimes it has to be revised before being accepted. Of course, many scientists also find it hard to write about their results quickly, as they might tend to have other job responsibilities that demand their immediate attention.

By: Daniel

Daniel — Fri, 30 May 2008 21:37:25 +0000

I wonder why the scientists just published their study, if the research was done in the summers of ’03 and ’04?

By: weee

weee — Fri, 30 May 2008 15:53:50 +0000

It appears that whales are destined to suffer as a result of human greed – very sad.
Let’s hope there’s an involuntary code set-up very soon.
Perhaps, a website that highlights the worst offenders so whale watchers know which companies to avoid would be a good start…