Whales, Oil and Politics

[Big Guy]

Yesterday, Humpback whales were removed from Canada's species-at-risk list. The decision was based on new figures of whale population. Or was it?

Some scientists allege the decision was fast-tracked under political pressure just ahead of a federal decision on Enbridge's Northern Gateway pipeline.

The decision to downgrade the species from "threatened" to "special concern" came only four months after the federal Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife (COSEWIC) upheld its original recommendation. Normally such decisions take about 10 years, said the WWF.

"Humpback whales present a real problem for Northern Gateway," said 15-year marine biologist Misty MacDuffee, with Raincoast Conservation Foundation.

Is this a story about conservation or political manipulation or both?

Is something fishy here?

[guyser]

Who knows with this govt? I guess we could ask the govt scientists who stu......oh yea, Harper doesnt allow that.

[Shady]

It normally takes 10 years? That's ridiculous.

[Guest]

It normally takes 10 years? That's ridiculous.

Whales are big. Squirrels only take three weeks.

[Bob Macadoo]

It normally takes 10 years? That's ridiculous.

I imagine it has to do with gestation and developmental periods.

[Wilber]

With the decision on Northern Gateway due in mid June, what do you think? If the two weren't related, you would think a smart government would delay the change in whale status until after the decision on the pipeline came down, just to avoid such an accusation. Obviously they feel they needed it to get a go on the pipeline. With the new classification, the whale habitat doesn't have to be protected. How you can protect animals without protecting their habitat unless you put them in zoos is beyond me, but what do I know.

[Wilber]

Who knows with this govt? I guess we could ask the govt scientists who stu......oh yea, Harper doesnt allow that.

Not big on keeping the evidence either.

http://thetyee.ca/News/2013/12/09/Dismantling-Fishery-Library/

[WestCoastRunner]

Not big on keeping the evidence either.

http://thetyee.ca/News/2013/12/09/Dismantling-Fishery-Library/

Here is our answer as to why the hump-back whale was removed:

"The Harper government has dismantled one of the world's top aquatic and fishery libraries as part of its agenda to reduce government as well as limit the role of environmental science in policy decision-making."

[Smallc]

That doesn't really explain why it was removed. Last I heard, numbers had been increasing.

[WestCoastRunner]

That doesn't really explain why it was removed. Last I heard, numbers had been increasing.

Look at the other posts, do some research. You may come to a different opinion.

[Smallc]

I see a lot of conjecture, not much more.

[WestCoastRunner]

I see a lot of conjecture, not much more.

You will see what you want to see.

[Smallc]

Like I said, I see a lot of conjecture.

[Wilber]

I see a lot of conjecture, not much more.

Yup, lots of conjecture. Pipeline decision due. Area where tankers will travel protected because it's where whales raise their young. Change classification of animal removing obligation to protect its habitat.

How could anyone possibly think something like that? Well, considering this government's performance when it comes to environmental science, a hell of a lot of people. At least on this side of the Rockies

Edited April 24, 2014 by Wilber

[Bryan]

And the left gets caught lying, AGAIN:

http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Downgrading+protection+humpback+whales+makes+sense+scientist/9764322/story.html

But Andrew Trites, director of marine mammal research at the University of B.C.’s Fisheries Centre, said the public should be pleased because it reflects his committee’s research showing the humpback population is growing strongly.

Trites is a member of the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, known more popularly as COSEWIC. It is an independent scientific body that since 1977 has advised — and sometimes clashed with — successive federal governments.

The government is now removing that designation and accompanying special protection, and listing humpback is a “species of special concern.”

“The research is telling us the humpback whale population is increasing. We’re finding them all over the B.C. coastline,” Trites said.

[Wilber]

And the left gets caught lying, AGAIN:

http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Downgrading+protection+humpback+whales+makes+sense+scientist/9764322/story.html

The population has been increasing because it and its habitat have been protected.

[WestCoastRunner]

If anyone doesn't see a connection between the removal of humpback whales from the list and the ongoing pipeline debates, they must have blinders on.

[Smallc]

If anyone doesn't see a connection between the removal of humpback whales from the list and the ongoing pipeline debates, they must have blinders on.

If anyone doesn't see a connection between an increase in numbers for the population, and the removal of a status that's meant to protect threatened populations....

[Smallc]

The population has been increasing because it and its habitat have been protected.

The whale was protected. The whale is still protected, simply at a lower level reflecting a more healthy population.

[WestCoastRunner]

The whale was protected. The whale is still protected, simply at a lower level reflecting a more healthy population.

And of course, it's perfect timing to remove them now.

[Smallc]

Or it's simply coincidence. Without proof otherwise, and with proof in support, that's exactly what it is.

[WestCoastRunner]

Or it's simply coincidence. Without proof otherwise, and with proof in support, that's exactly what it is.

I'm not here to convince you.

[Smallc]

That's kind of the point of this whole thing, isn't it? Unless you can provide me with evidence that the decision was made because of a pipeline...it wasn't.

[Bob Macadoo]

That's kind of the point of this whole thing, isn't it? Unless you can provide me with evidence that the decision was made because of a pipeline...it wasn't.

No. You aren't the end all and be all. Your discussion may convince or lean other opinions. Thats the point.

[Wilber]

The whale was protected. The whale is still protected, simply at a lower level reflecting a more healthy population.

Protecting habitat is part of protecting a species. Climate change. Meh, why bother with our own habitat.