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Scientists Encouraged by Response of Wayward Whales to Water Streams - JIC Press Release 5/27/07

Scientists Encouraged by Response of Wayward Whales to Water Streams
Effort to Assess Health Scheduled to Continue Throughout Weekend

RIO VISTA, Calif. - Scientists were encouraged by the response of the two wayward whales 
to an experiment this morning involving streams of water projected from a fire boat. The 
whales, a mother and her calf, have been meandering through the Sacramento Delta since 
May 13, and scientists have become increasingly concerned about their health. Both have 
suspected boat strike injuries.

Dr. Frances Gulland, the lead veterinarian of the rescue operation, reported that the 
whales seemed to be deterred by the streams of water from a Vallejo Fire Department 
boat. The method was tested a total of five times before researchers stopped the effort 
to prevent the whales from becoming accustomed to the activity. 

An intense herding operation is planned for Tuesday, which will incorporate this new 
approach. Scientists plan to use 3-5 fire boats from local agencies and 20 other vessels 
to urge the whales out to the Pacific. 

The operation will not be conducted until Tuesday due to concerns about safety to the 
public and the whales from the large number of boats that will be on the water over the 
Memorial Day weekend.

The 500-yard safety zone around the whales will still be strictly enforced over the 
holiday weekend. Both civil and criminal penalties may be assessed.  Fines for 
violations can reach up to $20,000 under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and $50,000 
under the Endangered Species Act. 

On Saturday, veterinarians and marine biologists will continue to conduct health 
assessment activities on the whales, which may involve sampling the skin and breath.  
The team is also continuing to pursue the formulations and delivery methods for 
administering antibiotics to the whales.

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