News

October-November 2001

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
To download a pdf copy of the magazine click here: > DOWNLOAD

Wavelength's 10th Anniversary

WaveLength held a 10th Anniversary gathering, August 11-12 on Gabriola Island for staff, columnists, distributors and those who've played a role over the years. Lots of laughter ensued as we shared stories of memorable past events-like the time we cooked Thanksgiving dinner for 70 people at Blackberry Point! Sunday morning we held a strategic planning session to help us grow into the second decade.

(ACA) Free Hull Insurance

The American Canoe Association (ACA) is offering $15,000 in free hull insurance coverage to clubs participating in the association's Paddle America program. The insurance covers losses due to theft or damage, including damage while boats are in transit. 800-929-5162 or www.acanet.org

Paddled from Newfoundland to Ireland

Beter Bray, 44, is believed to be the first person to paddle from Newfoundland to Ireland, across the North Atlantic. He left Canada on June 23, and arrived in Ireland in early September in a 7.3 metre kayak with a waterproof cabin.

Raindrops in Maclean's

Berry Wijdeven, WaveLength's cartoonist, had one of his 'Raindrops' cartoons published in a July issue of Canada's national magazine, Maclean's, proving once again, he says, that dubious drawing skills do not necessarily preclude a career in cartooning!


BC Cetacean Sightings Network

The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, are calling on the public to participate in the BC Cetacean Sightings Network by reporting all whale, dolphin, and porpoise sightings in BC Waters. More than 17 species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises can be seen off the BC coast. Sightings can be contributed via mail, fax or on-line at www.wildwhales.org. For those that work on the water in a professional capacity, a logbook to record sightings can also be obtained from the Aquarium, and returned when completed. Sightings will then be entered into a database that will be used for future analysis of key questions pertaining to the cetaceans of British Columbia. For information: Angela Nielsen Ph: 604-659-3516 or Nancy Fowler Ph: 604-666-0646.

Humpback Dies Near Glacier Bay

A humpback whale found dead near Glacier Bay in July was likely hit by a cruise ship, according to an expert hired by the US Park Service. An autopsy Sunday indicated the whale was pregnant and suffered a severe head injury. Park Service officials are interviewing crews to pinpoint which ship may have hit the whale.


Whale-Watching Tours Contribute to Orca Population Decline

There appears to be a growing body of evidence that whale-watching tours are contributing to Orca population decline. Studies of outboard motor noise on whale behaviour seem to indicate that the 100 metre limit for approach may be far too small. There is also some evidence that paddlers could have impacts on Orca behaviour. Mark Spalding, a professor at UCSD with extensive experience in whale watching issues worldwide, says "There is no question there are short-term impacts on whales of whale watching, including behavioral changes, dives, breathing, and flight. And until we have proven that there is no long-term impact, we should exercise caution. Orca do exhibit behavioral changes when chased by boats. It is only common sense not to pursue, or encircle, the whales."

Cockroaches of the Sea

'Cockroaches of the sea', that's how the Japanese government describes minke whales. Fisheries Agency counselor Masayuki Komatsu made the comment in an interview with Australian Broadcasting Corp. as he denounced efforts to curb Japan's whaling industry. For the second year in a row, meanwhile, the International Whaling Commission rejected pleas to create new whale sanctuaries in the South Pacific and South Atlantic. Japan came under fire for "vote buying"-essentially bribing impoverished Caribbean nations with aid money so they will vote against protections for our vanishing whales. Japan slaughters hundreds of whales every year in defiance of international law. Japanese whalers claim they kill whales for "scientific research," but the whale meat ends up on dinner plates in Tokyo's finest restaurants.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are recognized by scientists around the world as an important tool in conserving marine biological diversity and developing sustainable fisheries. However, despite commitments of Canadian, American, and Mexican governments to establish MPAs, progress is slow and the health of our oceans remains in jeopardy. In response, the Living Oceans Society, a BC conservation group, is hosting the MPA Power Tools Conference October 19-21 in White Rock, BC. The goal is to empower individuals from the west coast of North America to become part of the movement to establish MPAs. The conference features speakers from Canada, the USA, and Mexico. Scientists and GIS experts will share innovative tools available to identify MPAs, First Nations leaders will teach ways to work on MPA initiatives while respecting native culture and legal issues, and commercial fishermen will outline ways to work collaboratively on MPA
projects. Groups from around North America will discuss their MPA projects, providing the opportunity for building partnerships and sharing ideas.
For details or to register: www.livingoceans.org or 250-973-6580.

Massive Fish Kill

A massive fish kill at a salmon farm in Bedwell Sound has alarmed First Nations' leadership. The weight of a reported 25 foot deep layer of dead fish, lying at the bottom of a huge net pen, damaged the structure of the net cage. The fish had died from an algae bloom, which may have been caused by waste from the farm itself. Fungus covered carcasses floating to the surface created an unbearable stench at the site. The Ahousaht people had earlier protested when the fish farm company wanted to move their net cages there, but government allowed this site to go ahead, ignoring protests.

Leggatt Inquiry into Salmon Farming

The BC salmon aquaculture industry is being investigated by a Citizens' Inquiry beginning October 1. The Leggatt Inquiry into Salmon Farming in BC is headed by former BC Supreme Court justice Stuart Leggatt. Public hearings are taking place in several communities to October 12. The federal Fisheries department is
refusing to participate. Written public submissions are encouraged. The report is due out mid-November. Ph: 604-721-1536.
Web: www.leggattinquiry.com.

Coral Reefs May be Dead within 50 Years

The world's coral reefs may be dead within 50 years because of global warming. Microscopic algae that support the coral polyps cannot live in the warmer water, and the polyps, the tiny creatures who actually create the reefs, die off within weeks. Scientists agree the world's oceans are now warming at a rate of between one and two degrees Celsius every 100 years due to the increased amounts of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. But even if we stopped pumping out greenhouse gases tomorrow, it would still be too late to save the reefs, given a 50-year time lag between carbon dioxide emissions and the effect on ocean temperature. The implications stretch far beyond the death of the colorful coral structures themselves. The weird and wonderful eels and fish which inhabit the nooks and crannies will become homeless, and many species will die out. Humans will also suffer directly as the dead reefs are eroded and shorelines that have been protected for the last 10,000 years face the wrath of the oceans without their natural defenses. The only cause for optimism is that new coral reefs could start to emerge in colder waters such as the north Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.

Thriving Centuries Old Thicket of Cold-Water Coral

A recent discovery of deep-sea coral off Nova Scotia's coast is fuelling a debate over the importance of such areas as fish habitat. A diving expedition went 500 metres down this summer and found a thriving, centuries-old thicket of cold-water coral, never before seen. Anna Metaxas, the lead scientist on the expedition says, "What we hope to be able to do is provide some idea of how these systems work to help policy makers to make decisions about how much an area should be protected." But environmental activists say science is taking too long, and researchers already know that the home coral provides for juvenile groundfish is threatened by certain fishing practices. The Ecology Action Centre in Nova Scotia says the government is aware that trawlers with weighted nets are scouring the
ocean floor, destroying everything in their path, including coral. The group is taking the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to court over its decision to re-open Georges Bank off Nova Scotia to dragger boats again this year.

Johnson Outdoors Inc.

Johnson Outdoors Inc. announced in late August that it will consolidate the manufacturing of Necky Kayaks (winner of Manufacturer of the Year in 2001) into its Ocean Kayak facilities based in Ferndale, Washington. The Necky brand will continue along with its sales, marketing and new product development functions. Patrick'Brien, President and CEO, emphasized, "We are pleased that the Necky brand will continue to maintain its own infrastructure in support of marketing, sales and new product development. There is a lot of heritage surrounding this brand and we greatly respect that. This move was made to leverage our manufacturing and logistics management." Johnson Outdoors Inc. is a global company engaged in the design, manufacture and marketing of many well-known branded outdoor recreation products. Visit Johnson Outdoors online at www.JohnsonOutdoors.com.

Outdoors Retailers Summer Market

WaveLength's Diane Coussens attended the Outdoor Retailers Summer Market in Salt Lake City this August and reports it was a wonderful event. She enjoyed several days of rubbing shoulders with the manufacturers and retailers of the outdoor industry. This years show included more exhibitors and brands than ever before. Total attendance was 18,792 with 948 exhibiting companies and 3,284 retail stores represented by 6,261 buyers, up in every capacity from last
year. The show kicked off with the Open Air Demo held at Little Dell Lake where retailers had the opportunity to try out the latest outdoor products of 50 companies. While admitting she might be biased, Diane reports that she found the Paddlesports area of the event the most fun and friendly. Throughout each day there were demonstrations by some of the worlds' best paddlers in the pool. Manufacturers were enthusiastic in showing all the new developments development in kayaks, paddles, clothing and accessories. At press time, Diane has just returned from the TAPS' West Coast Kayak Symposium in Port Townsend which she reports as another big success, although the mood was dampened by the recent terrorist attacks. "Paddlefests", she says, "help build camaraderie and excellence in
the industry. They are a great opportunities to learn about new developments, try new products, meet new people and bump into old friends."

Trailpeak.com

Trailpeak.com has recently launched a trails database for kayaking, cycling, hiking, and skiing. They have 10 kayak routes, including 2 from Baja. They allow anyone to upload pictures, descriptions, route stats, GPS data, and often create 3D maps. All maps and listings are free. Contact Kurt Turchan at 604-689-9667.