BlueViews - The BlueVoice Blog

Introduction

July 13, 2006 - Toxic marine mammals and human cancer hot spots
By Hardy Jones

This is the first of a regular series of blogs that will detail the work of BlueVoice.org and report on important ocean issues.

BlueVoice.org has joined Dr. Brian Durie, an internationally recognized specialist in the bone marrow cancer Multiple Myeloma, in conducting research correlating populations of marine mammals burdened by high levels of toxins with human cancer hot spots on adjacent shores. The research is in the very early phases but early results are compelling. It appears the marine mammals, such as the killer whales off Seattle, are sentinels who can warn us of dangerous contamination of the seas. We are currently seeking funding to expand this project.

BlueVoice will join scientists in calling for an end to the slaughter of dolphins in Japan. I will present the damning video of the atrocious slaughters of dolphins at Taiji and Futo before the National Press Club on July 19.

ITEMS ACROSS MY DESK

On July 5 A federal judge ruled that the Navy cannot use sonar in war games in Hawaiian waters because of its potential harm to marine mammals. The Navy and environmental groups have now reached an agreement that lifts the restraining order and allows the Navy to conduct mid-frequency active sonar training during its Rimpac 2006 multinational war games, which are under way around Hawaii and continue throughout July.

The agreement includes restrictions on the sonar use to improve protection of marine mammals and to keep the sonar training out of the new Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument.

According to the journal Science, the variety of species in the world's oceans has declined by as much as 50 percent in the past half century. Too many fishing boats are chasing too few fish and whales.

Scientists at the University of Miami have detected rare malignant tumors in five dolphins from South Florida during a recent two-year period. Their findings raise significant concern because it is highly unusual for dolphins to develop such malignancies and it may signal the emergence of a serious new health risk to marine mammals.

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