Brazil took out the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) from the list of endangered species thanks to the rising population of these animals on the coast, where they intersect and generate new puppies.
The species has been reclassified to "near threatened" status that demands continuity of conservation work. The information was released on Thursday (22) by the Ministry of Environment.
According to the MMA and the Humpback Whale Institute, almost three decades ago there were between 500 and 800 animals living only in the Abrolhos region, in southern Bahia (main concentration of these whales). In 2011, when the last aerial count was conducted, 14000 animals were sighted. By the next census, scheduled for this year, the number could jump to 20000.
In the country, they are found on the coast of Espírito Santo and Bahia between July and November, where they remain for procreation. December through June, following to Antarctica, where they feed on krill (shrimp-like invertebrates).
With exemplary that can measure up to 16 meters in length and weigh over 40 tons, the humpbacks were long, target overfishing in Brazil.
Ugo Versillo, of the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio), explains that in the following year, in 1987, Brazil banned hunting. Sergio Cipolotti, biologist and environmental coordinator Humpback Whale Institute, explains that the decline of specimens began in the mid-17th century when they were hunted for oil extraction, used to fuel lamps, responsible for lighting in cities, and meat consumption.
With a population decline of humpbacks and other whales around the world, created the International Whaling Commission (IWC), which had among its main results imposing a moratorium on hunting since 1986.
From this moment, work awareness have been initiated to increase the number of exemplary, as the identification of migration routes, which were the dangers facing these animals and other important details to conservation.
However, according Versillo, there is still nothing to celebrate. The reclassification to "near threatened" status means, in view of the technical ICMBio, there is still danger.
"A major concern is the issue of collision with ships. As increased the number of whales can grow this type of accident. We have to devise strategies to avoid them, including the use of technology," he explains.
Alexandre Zerbini, a Brazilian who works at the National Marine Mammals Laboratory of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), an agency of the United States responsible for the seas and atmosphere, explains that there are several technologies that help to prevent mortality of these animals.
One example is the satellite telemetry, which allows to investigate critical habitats and protect them from human activities. "But there are acoustic methods under development, which can transmit data in real time and avoid areas where whales are, and new methods of observation to minimize collisions with boats," says Alexandre, who also works with NGO’s Aqualie Institute, whales in Brazil that monitors satellite.
The system hopes to limit the number of fatal collisions between whales and vessels, especially large vessels such as cruise ships and freighters. When whales are detected in the area, vessels may slightly change course or slow down. In the U.S., for example, researchers have developed a free app for iPad and iPhone that alerts mariners when they approach an area where whales are met. The app sends the latest data on the directions taken by the whale specimens collected by NOAA.
Sanctuary in the South Atlantic
A major project supported by Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and South Africa, is create a sanctuary in the South Atlantic, which would preserve the humpbacks and other marine animals that make the stretch of ocean between South America and Africa habitat.
Since 2000, the Brazilian government, leading the so-called Group of Buenos Aires, presents the proposed sanctuary and advocates non-lethal use of whales. In addition to taking a conservationist stance, argues that the country-watching tourism is a much more profitable and employment generator than the death of the animal business.
The project, already presented is in scientific analysis, should be voted in September, at the annual meeting of the International Whaling Commission, held in Stockholm, Sweden. "The sanctuary wants to harmonize policies, so that cetaceans are preserved. Conservation is the cheapest activity that you have," he said.
To be approved the sanctuary must have 75% of the votes of 88 members of the CIB. However, countries that support whaling as Japan and Iceland usually jam trading.
Text and images: http://g1.globo.com/natureza/noticia/2014/05/brasil-retira-baleia-jubarte-da-lista-de-especies-ameacadas-de-extincao.html
