Mediterranean monk seal on Cres, Croatia, 29.06.2012
Courtesy Blue World
New monk seal sighting on Cres, Croatia
Blue World news release, 2 July 2012
Despite sporadic reports of individual observations in the last few decades, the emergence of the Mediterranean monk seal in the Adriatic has only been confirmed recently. First photographically documented observations were made on the 12 June 2005. […]
Since then, Blue World regularly monitors these types of observations in the northern Adriatic. Given that the Mediterranean monk seal uses a large area it has many places to rest. Occasional observations around Cape of Premantura Kamenjak in Istria and Losinj have been made, yet there are wide areas of the coast in this region with limited accessibility where the seal could rest in peace. On the 24.06.2011 Blue World researchers recorded the movement of an individual under water (video on www.plavi-svijet.org/hr/znanost/vrste/sredozemna_medvjedica/), and subsequent inspection of the terrain we found underwater caves which may be used by the animals to rest. Continue reading “New monk seal sighting on Cres, Croatia”
Notes from the Field
The Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program is posting some fascinating updates and observations on its Facebook page from its latest tour of duty among the far-flung atolls of the North Western Hawaiian Islands. Here is the latest:
Notes from the Field: Update from Laysan Island Monk Seal Team
We have hit the field running on Laysan. For a reunited, returning crew, it has been relatively easy to do just that. With the field camp up and running by the end of offload day, we were able to start surveys our second day on island.
Within the first week, we were able to tag all 21 weaned pups. Tags are placed on the hind flippers to give each seal a unique set of tags used to identify that seal throughout its life. Once these pups were tagged, it was onto the next set of priorities. Continue reading “Notes from the Field”
Making a Killing, free on Amazon on 20 June
Press Release, Iridescent Publishing, 18 June 2012
In a special one-day promotion, the ebook version of William M Johnson’s critically acclaimed end-of-the-world satire, Making a Killing, will be available free on Amazon on Wednesday 20 June.
Those wishing to take advantage of the offer can download the book from https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0088CGHRM
The republication of Making a Killing by Iridescent Publishing marks the 20th anniversary of the Earth Summit (June 20-22), as some 50,000+ dignitaries, bureaucrats, scientists, nature managers, conservationists, business leaders, celebrities, and the world’s press once again descend upon glamorous Rio de Janeiro for the UN’s “Rio+20” Earth Summit II — billed as a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ to save the planet. Continue reading “Making a Killing, free on Amazon on 20 June”
Man slapped with $1000 fine for monk seal harrassment
Media Watch, KITV, 15 June 2012
An Oahu man was sentenced to a $1,000 fine and 80 hours of community service in Kaneohe District Court after being cited by Department of Land and Natural Resources enforcement officers for illegally landing on Manana island.
Manana is also known as Rabbit island. It is a wildlife sanctuary that is closed to the public at all times.
Seals are protected under state and federal endangered species laws and are known to haul out on Manana to rest. Large prominent signs are posted on the island noting it is a sanctuary off-limits to visitors.
Travis Kane, 19, was observed and photographed throwing rocks at a seal on the island on January 14, 2012. [More]
Source: States cites man for harassment of monk seal, KITV, 15 June 2012.
Scientists to strap cameras to Hawaiian seals
Media Watch, Washington Examiner, 15 June 2012
Some fishermen blame the endangered species for stealing their catch. There are unfounded rumors that they devour and deplete fish stocks. And at least four of them have been killed by humans in Hawaii since late last year.
To help correct the misconceptions, government scientists plan to glue submersible cameras onto the seals’ backs, using the footage to prove to fishermen the animals are not harming their way of life. It may even end up on reality TV. [More]
For further information on the project: http://www.monksealfoundation.org/research.aspx
Source: Scientists to strap cameras to Hawaiian seals, Washington Examiner, 15 June 2012.