The 13th Biennial Conference for the Biology of Marine Mammals
Wailea, Maui, Hawaii.
One thing is for certain...there’s no better setting for a conference of marine mammalogists than "the valley isle." In fact, the only problem with having a conference in Maui is that sandy beaches, warm sunshine, and endless opportunities to snorkel and dive in the warm waters of the tropical Pacific can distract participants. I mean, you can either crowd into a hot, poorly ventilated room and listen to someone ramble on about whales and dolphins, or you could go outside, strap on your snorkel gear and swim with whales and dolphins...which would you choose?
Despite the distractions, there was ample opportunity to learn the latest information being gathered about cetacean and other marine mammals. Modern technology has allowed us to gather valuable information on aspects of cetacean life that were previously impossible. Radiotelemetry helps us gain a better understanding of the distribution and movements of high arctic species such as the Bowhead, Narwhal and Polar Bear, for example.
The advancement of remote cameras that can withstand both temperature and pressure extremes have allowed us to film the cooperative feeding effort of humpbacks in southeast Alaska, as well as the hunting strategies of blue and sperm whales far beneath the ocean’s surface.
Information regarding the natural history and current status of many familiar whales and dolphins constantly needs to be updated as the world’s oceans continue to become ever more crowded. Despite advances in aviation technology and high speed computers for communication, the earth’s waterways are still the medium through which much international trade travels, where people of different cultures harvest fish and other living creatures to support themselves and their families, and, increasingly more and more people venture in search of recreation and adventure. The exact effects of human/marine mammal encounters was a major theme of the conference. The effects of human activities such as whale watching and "swim with dolphins" programs are not completely known. While there are examples of "eco-tourism" that seem to clearly indicate adverse effects on whales and dolphins, it is important to remember that private commercial whale-watching and other eco-based tour operations are representative of a change in public perception of wildlife. For the first time in our history, wild creatures have a greater economic value alive than dead. Whereas in the past, a population of humpbacks off New England would be valuable to the average person only after harpooned and processed for food, oil and baleen, now these whales have greater monetary value alive...swimming, feeding, leaping and playing in their natural environment. This change in the public’s perception represents a great opportunity for concerned people (researchers such as those at the conference, as well as the general public) to protect valuable marine habitats and the living things that call it home.
By Jay Frontierro