Archive for the ‘killer whales’ Category
ROBSON BIGHT UPDATE (AND A LITTLE EXTRA)
In August, I made mention of a fast-growing oil slick in the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve off the northeast coast of Vancouver Island. The protected waterway, which is banned even to kayakers and other recreational activities, was home to a toxic spill that spanned more than 14 kilometres after an overturned barge dumped a gross amount of diesel fuel.
The damage caused by the spill was, undoubtedly, devastating, but just as tragic was the lack of action taken by the Provincial Government to have the spill immediately cleaned up.
Photo courtesy of makeupanid on Flickr
Only now, nearly four months after the spill, is a submersible being lowered into the waters of Robson Bight to evaluate the scope of the destruction. Victoria-based A-Channel news reported on current activities in the Bight:
A manned submersible aboard the Aurora Explorer freight vessel is lowered into the water above five targets that have been identified as possible wreckage. Pilot Jeff Heaton will descend 370 metres and document what’s left of the logging equipment with a high-definition camera…and hopefully provide answers.
Jim Borrowman, a volunteer Warden of the reserve believes the best possible scenario is the fuel truck at the bottom of the ocean is empty now, with no diesel left in it to do any more damage. On the other hand, points out Dorthea Hangaard of the Living Oceans Society, if there is still a substantial amount of fuel involved, it could also be sucked out without lifting the equipment to the surface.
Hopefully this will initiate a more thorough and formal investigation into what actually happened in the killer whale sanctuary. I will keep you updated if and when more information becomes available.
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Looking for a way to get into the Christmas spirit and do something charitable?
Play Santa for the animals!
Photo courtesy of ChromaticRat on Flickr
“Shelter animals are prone to depression from loneliness and boredom. Toys very much help stimulate the mind and provide moments of joy and comfort,” said Rhonda Sherwood, volunteer co-ordinator for the Vancouver shelter.
Sherwood acknowledges that while toys may seem like a luxury for shelter animals, they offer necessary enrichment, without which behavioural problems could develop.”
The wish list is a full one, with a need for balls, squeaky toys, Frisbees, blankets, towels, food, treats and whatever else may encourage healthy growth in needy animals.
If you’d like to help out and donate, please visit the Vancouver shelter this Sunday, December 16, 2007 between noon and 4:00 p.m. The shelter is located at 1205 East 7th Avenue. [Map]
Please be reminded that shelters around British Columbia house and care for injured, neglected, lost or abandoned animals 365 days a year, so feel free to help out whenever you can.
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And on a light end-note, my hunt for a new and fantastic mascara has come to an end. I’ve long been a user of Maybelline’s Full N’ Soft mascara, but it has of late been M.I.A. from the shelves at my local Shopper’s Drug Mart.
Last night I bit the bullet and shelled out for a pricier mascara, and after using it for the first time this morning, I’ve got to say that Smashbox’s Focal Point mascara is well worth the dough. Formulated with a special blend of waxes and polymers, it coats each lash individually, not as clumps. Yay!
Update: Robson Bight Oil Slick
Last week I reported that an overturned barge had dumped thousands of litres of diesel fuel into the protected waters of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve near the north end of Vancouver Island. Movement to get clean-up underway got off to a slow start, and local First Nation residents are expressing upset at how the spill was handled.
“We have a lot of knowledge of the area,” Chief Bill Cranmer said. “We’d also like to know what’s happening and what could be improved.”
The ‘Namgis First Nation are currently in treaty negotiations which specify that Robson Bight is at the south end of their claim.
Photos courtesy of CTV News.
Island News: Traveling Barge Not So Slick
The Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, located on the northeast coast of Vancouver Island just south of Telegraph Cove, is a sanctuary dedicated to protecting, monitoring and studying the local killer whale habitat. It’s an area that’s completely closed to the public, including all non-destructive recreationalists.
Approximately 24 hours ago, a pod of 14 killer whales was spotted within the reserve swimming through an oil slick at an area estimated to be about two kilometres long at the time. Since then, the threat to the area has grown to an estimated 14 kilometres and is still growing. It’s thought that the cause of the toxic spill is that of an overturned barge which was carrying vehicular cargo near the area. It’s not yet been determined how the accident happened, but speculation has already begun that the barge itself was traveling through protected waters.
To hear stories like this enrages me to no end. I am so thankful that I’ve been blessed enough with the ability to appreciate the land, habitat and oceans that we as British Columbians have been endowed with. I can’t for the life of me understand why something like this can even happen, and it’s heartbreaking to think that anyone could possibly have such disregard for a precious commodity. If anything, instances such as this one should only serve the purpose of teaching us that we are the only ones responsible for protecting what we have. And that, I believe, begins with education. To learn more about this story, the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve or how you can help preserve British Columbia’s killer whale population, please follow the links below.
“Whales Spotted Swimming Through Oil Slick Off Vancouver Island“ - CBC News
Robson Bight Ecological Reserve
British Columbia Wild Killer Whale Adoption Program
Photo courtesy of makeupanid on Flickr.
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My friend Kyle and I met many, many years ago through his older brother Ryan. Kyle has long been fascinated with art, painting and drawing and his talent has never been lost on anyone. Recently Kyle lost a good friend of his in a tragic 4×4 quad accident. As a fitting tribute to his friend and the community they were all involved in, Kyle and a friend created the video below to honour and remember Keith Dickenson. If you have a minute, check it out. It’s a beautiful acknowledgment and, as always, Kyle’s skill blows me away. He’s the one in the plaid shirt and jaunty little cap.
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This weekend my “baby” brother turns 23. Exciting, isn’t it? I managed to order his custom, one-of-a-kind birthday present today. He’d better like it too or I’ll have to kick him in the shins. It means I’ll be making the trek home yet again this Friday, the third time this month. Truth be told, I don’t mind one bit.
Speaking of truths, I’ve been feeling terribly anti-social lately. Nothing excites me more than my TV and pajamas. Except maybe sleep. Sleep is really exciting!
P.S. Mom, don’t you think that adopting a killer whale would make a great birthday present for someone special other than Trevor? I do.