I don't want to sound ignorant (there is a lot of info on the internet but, I will continue researching and learning). I may be too naive in my thoughts....but I will share my thoughts with you anyway...it just might spark something?

What if the Sea Shepherd was equipped with a sound they can emit under the water to warn the whales?
You all probably know this info, but...
1) whales can hear for long distances
2) research on whale sounds has gained recent info with their in recordings. Perhaps they can help come up with the sounds that might either warn or luer them away from harpooning vessels.
3) If neither is possible, perhaps the Sea Shepherd could emit a sound every time they know harpooning is happening in hopes the whales will associate the sound with danger and flee? Like Pavlov's theory...only run away instead of eating?

http://www.sciencedaily.com/vi...nds_from_the_sea.htm

http://www.sciencedaily.com/re.../05/090521171441.htm

I know whales migrate for feeding and mating. Perhaps we can cut them off the pass, so to speak and protect their journey? Maybe using satellite to "see" whale pods and try to plot a course to get close enough to "warn" them by emitting the sound?

http://www.sciencedaily.com/re.../09/070901084549.htm
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_...5/uoc--twc052109.php

I know that once a whale dies it's too late. I am sure I am not the only one who cried at the last episode. So many whales dead in so little time. I don't care what ridicule you receive from the media and reporters. I agree with you. Each whale born is like one of us being born!

The cruelty humans inflict can be hideous! Years ago, I recall seeing the Alaskans batting baby seals with bats and I was horrified! And recently discovered the French use dogs/cats for live bait?! It's absolutely hellish!

But one small glimmer of hope is that I once saw a documentary on how there are undercover people trying to "buy" whale meat/parts and investigate. I believe they do some sort of dna testing? Which can lead to a crack down of who's marketing. If only we could stop the population of desiring the whale parts. Wishing doesn't help but I just have to share how I feel. I wish we could find some horrible adverse reaction to eating whale, or marketing any part of a whale.

Really, there is no real need for "researching" whale stomach. And as far as their sign that held up "tissue research", that full of BS. They could find a way to collect a specimen without real harm to the animal!
"His ship, the Odyssey, and its crew have travelled across the Pacific Ocean taking tissue samples of sperm whales, whose longevity allow plenty of time for chemicals to accumulate in their fatty tissue. They have collected 1,100 tissue samples so far, and have run preliminary analysis on 30 of them."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4297531.stm
I don't suppose they killed the whales for these samples.

I am but a humble, struggling artist...who loves nature and living creatures. Is there anything I can do to help? How can I offer everyone aboard the Sea Shepherd some encouragement and hope? Although it's not much, I am very appreciative of everything that is being done to help the defenseless whales. My heartfelt thanks goes to all of you...for doing all you can do...Sea Shepherd.

Sincerely,
Teresa H.
Michigan

I agree that whale poaching needs to be cracked down on, they give a bad name to the noble
hardworking brave whalers. The Japanese have been working hard on developing an emitter which
attracts whales to their ships and rumour is they are close to a final product. That would
be good for the whales. They could be lured in and more efficiently harvested without the
stress of the chase. It's a shame we can't communicate to them all the ways their
sacrifice will benefit so many humans.

Teresa, blame the right wing zealots for whale stomach research. They seem intent on finding Jonah's remains. I think it's sick quite frankly. And I'm all for protecting the whales of the world....except for the blood thristy Leviathan that haunts my dreams. I will find him!

I am truely disgusted by this posting. Twisted...you are...truely twisted!

quote:

Originally posted by Harpoonly:
I agree that whale poaching needs to be cracked down on, they give a bad name to the noble
hardworking brave whalers. The Japanese have been working hard on developing an emitter which
attracts whales to their ships and rumour is they are close to a final product. That would
be good for the whales. They could be lured in and more efficiently harvested without the
stress of the chase. It's a shame we can't communicate to them all the ways their
sacrifice will benefit so many humans.

"blood thirsty Leviathan?" would you explain? Thanks...

quote:

Originally posted by CaptainAhab:
Teresa, blame the right wing zealots for whale stomach research. They seem intent on finding Jonah's remains. I think it's sick quite frankly. And I'm all for protecting the whales of the world....except for the blood thristy Leviathan that haunts my dreams. I will find him!

I do not know the legalities of tainting the dead whale meat or food possession of a whaling ship, but as macabre as it may be shoot a dart from a crossbow into the meat of the dead whale containing a toxic substance to humans. Kind of like driving a spike into a tree. Their distribution to japanese consumers of possible toxin should slow whaling, think?

quote:

Originally posted by GivingGiftsMI:
I am truely disgusted by this posting. Twisted...you are...truely twisted!

Disgusted by what? I am simply defending the brave men who are trying to make a living. I support finding
more efficient, less stressful ways of harvesting whales for research. Now that the eco-terrorists are no longer
a factor, next season should go smoothly and the Japanese can return home to their
families sooner.