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Joint Information Center Sacramento River Whale Operations |
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| Press Release |
Date: 25 MAY 2007
Contact: Joint Information Center 916-869-4700 / 4742 |
Effort to Assess Health Scheduled to Continue Throughout Weekend RIO VISTA, Calif. – Scientists were
encouraged by the response of the two wayward whales to an experiment
this morning involving streams of water projected from a fire boat.
The whales, a mother and her calf, have been meandering through the
Sacramento Delta since May 13, and scientists have become increasingly
concerned about their health. Both have suspected boat strike injuries. Dr. Frances Gulland, the lead veterinarian
of the rescue operation, reported that the whales seemed to be deterred
by the streams of water from a Vallejo Fire Department boat. The method
was tested a total of five times before researchers stopped the effort
to prevent the whales from becoming accustomed to the activity. An intense herding operation is planned
for Tuesday, which will incorporate this new approach. Scientists plan
to use 3-5 fire boats from local agencies and 20 other vessels to urge
the whales out to the Pacific. The operation will not be conducted until
Tuesday due to concerns about safety to the public and the whales from
the large number of boats that will be on the water over the Memorial
Day weekend. The 500-yard safety zone around the whales
will still be strictly enforced over the holiday weekend. Both civil
and criminal penalties may be assessed. Fines for violations can
reach up to $20,000 under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and $50,000
under the Endangered Species Act. On Saturday, veterinarians and marine
biologists will continue to conduct health assessment activities on
the whales, which may involve sampling the skin and breath. The
team is also continuing to pursue the formulations and delivery methods
for administering antibiotics to the whales.
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