Saving the Planet


 12-4-2022

Saving the planet..The Southern Ocean is brimming with sea life of various kinds. Two of those are whales of various kinds and toothfish. For many years whales have been protected by international law from being hunted. An exception is for research, supposedly in place to study them to help restore their population throughout the world. 


The number of whales that are allowed to be harvested in this way is strictly limited. This time of year, a couple of countries harvest whales over the limit that ultimately make their way to market because of the high price of whale products. We get involved when patrol planes go out looking for the poachers. The patrols stay in the air for more than 12 hours at a time flying search patterns for the offending ships. 


Another fish is the toothfish. The meat of the toothfish is sold in many countries as Chilean Sea Bass which has been severely over fished in the Pacific. This fish is also protected but poached this time of year. The Monterey Aquarium lists protected fish on their web site and how you can help protect whales and fish throughout the world.

 

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