What are the main reasons for whales being threatened to the point of extinction? How severely does pullution, and the current problem of plastic rubbish, that is spreading to an unimaginable level, endanger whales? What impact does captivity have on the behaviour of whales? And what can we do to end whale hunting and the cruelty that these animals must face daily?
The aim of this paper is to show how modern-day human behaviour is affecting the lives of many other species on planet earth - especially in our oceans. My work is divided into two main subjects: Firstly, how humans affect nature using the example of whales and, secondly, measures previously and currently taken to protect whales. The first chapter is subdivided into the following areas: threats caused by overfishing, contamination and pollution, subaqueous noise and changes in behaviour in whales held in captivity. The second chapter has been structured into three sections: intensification of regulations relating to whaling, measures that every individual can undertake to support organisations working towards the rescue of the marine environment and, finally, what these organisations actually do to help.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Effects of humans interfering in nature exemplified by the living conditions of whales
2.1 Overfishing
2.2 The danger of contamination of whales’ living environment through toxic materials and plastic rubbish
2.2.1 Plastic pollution
2.2.2 Oil pollution
2.2.3 Chemical pollution
2.2.4 Sewage pollution
2.2.5 Radioactive pollution
2.3 Subaqueous noise
2.4 Changes in behaviour in whales held in captivity
3 Measures taken to protect whales
3.1 Intensification of regulations relating to whaling
3.2 Active help as an individual
3.3 What whale protection organisations do based on the example of WDC – Whale and Dolphin Conservation
4 Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
The objective of this paper is to examine the severe impact of human activities on the marine environment, specifically focusing on the living conditions of whales. It addresses how modern human behavior contributes to the endangerment of these marine mammals and advocates for the necessity of conservation efforts to preserve the oceans.
- The impact of overfishing on marine food chains and whale survival.
- The consequences of marine pollution, including plastic, oil, chemical, and radioactive waste.
- The psychological and physical effects of captivity on orcas and other cetaceans.
- The historical and ongoing challenges regarding international whaling regulations.
- Individual and collective actions that can be taken to support marine conservation organizations like the WDC.
Excerpt from the Book
2.4 Changes in behaviour in whales held in captivity
There is one species of whale that is known to all as the most typical entertainment whale: the killer whale, also known as orca. This specific type of whale was introduced into the entertainment business in 1961 when people began to capture young animals and transport them to marine parks and zoos where they were put into tanks that were much too small and taught tricks and skills which they performed in front of big audiences.
As can be discerned from the statistics below in many countries the majority of marine mammals (especially orcas) in marine parks were born in captivity. In the United States, for example, only 25 out of 529 captive animals were born in their natural habitat.
“Helpless victims of a blatantly commercial experiment which has seen dozens of wild orcas plucked from their families and forced to live in artificial social groupings which bear scant resemblance to their natural order. There are currently a total of 60 orcas held in captivity (27 wild-captured plus 33 captive-born) in at least 14 marine parks in 8 different countries.” (us.whales.org #WDC-in-action #captive-orcas)
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: Provides the motivation for the research and defines the central questions regarding whale endangerment and conservation.
2 Effects of humans interfering in nature exemplified by the living conditions of whales: Analyzes the diverse human-induced threats to whales, including overfishing, various forms of pollution, underwater noise, and the negative consequences of captivity.
3 Measures taken to protect whales: Discusses the history of whaling regulations and highlights how individuals and organizations like the WDC actively work to mitigate threats and promote conservation.
4 Conclusion: Summarizes the key findings, reinforcing the vital importance of whale conservation for the stability of the global marine ecosystem.
Keywords
Whales, Marine conservation, Overfishing, Plastic pollution, Marine ecosystem, Captivity, Orcas, Underwater noise, Whaling regulations, Environmental protection, Biodiversity, WDC, Bycatch, Sustainability, Habitat destruction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this research paper?
The paper examines the negative impact of human activities on the environment, specifically illustrating these effects through the living conditions and endangerment of whales.
What are the primary threats to whales discussed in the work?
The main threats identified are overfishing, different types of marine pollution (plastic, chemical, oil, radioactive, sewage), subaqueous noise, and the practice of keeping whales in captivity.
What is the primary goal of the author?
The goal is to analyze human impact on oceans, confirm the urgency of the environmental crisis facing whales, and highlight the necessity of individual and organizational conservation efforts.
Which scientific methodology was used?
The research relies on data analysis from non-governmental and scientific websites, as well as an information exchange with an expert from the Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) organization.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The main section details the specific ways humans interfere with nature—such as industrial overfishing and noise pollution—and describes the protective measures, such as whaling bans and rehabilitative sanctuaries.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include marine conservation, whale protection, human interference, overfishing, plastic pollution, captivity, and orca welfare.
Why is the "collapsed dorsal fin" a significant issue for captive whales?
It serves as a physical indicator of the health and psychological suffering of captive orcas, resulting from lack of exercise, high-velocity movement, and inadequate space in artificial tanks.
How does subaqueous noise impact whale survival?
Human-generated noise from ships, sonar, and seismic airguns creates acoustic masking, causing whales to lose communication patterns, struggle to find prey, or experience traumatic hearing loss.
Why are "dead zones" mentioned in the context of chemical pollution?
Dead zones, such as those caused by agricultural runoff and eutrophication, represent areas where oxygen levels are depleted, leading to the collapse of local marine ecosystems.
- Quote paper
- Jana Robertson (Author), 2018, Effects of humans interfering in nature exemplified by the living conditions of whales, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/446272
