Question: My name is Patrick. I am 8 years old. I'm in the third grade. I
live in San Francisco, California. I would like to know if there are more
than 300 whales in the Pacific Ocean. I wanted to be a kid hero and help
save the whales from getting hit by boats or ships needlessly. What can I do
to help save the whales?
Reply:
Dear Patrick,
Several different species of large whale live in the Pacific Ocean,
including the bowhead whale, pacific gray whale, and humpback whale. They
are believed to be about 7500 bowhead whales, over 20,000 gray whales, and
around 2,000 humpback whales. Not all whale species contain this number of
whales. It is believed that there are only about 300 to 350 Northern Right
Whales left in the North Atlantic Ocean, and they are showing few signs of
increasing. Although some of the populations in the Pacific are increasing,
they still face many threats. There are also orcas (killer whales), many
species of dolphins (small whales) etc. Patrick, if you want to help
protect our oceans, whales, other marine animals from the threats of ship
strikes you must learn as much as you can about the whales, Pollution is
another major threat to whales. The following is a list of some things that
can be done that will help keep whales safer:
1. REDUCE, REUSE, RECYLCE
2. Always pick up litter
3. Rinse and reuse plastic bags and containers
4. Buy dolphin-safe tuna
5. Buy products with less packaging
6. Buy recycled products
7. Compost food scraps
8. Cut plastic six-pack rings
9. Don't release balloons into the outdoors
10. Give eco-friendly gifts
11. Go on a whale watch or nature hike
12. Grow your own vegetables
13. Help your parents recycle paper, plastic, glass, aluminum, and tin.
In your area there may even be more things you can recycle
14. Investigate new products that are environmentally safe, like cars
that emit less pollution, or try to walk or take the bus to close places
instead of driving
15. Look for and try to buy environmentally conscious products, like
biodegradable soap
16. Make toys out of scrap pieces of wood, cloth, or other materials
that might otherwise be thrown away
17. Organize a beach cleanup
18. Certain paints, batteries, cleaners are poisonous. Use non-toxic
alternatives - make your own cleaners using borax, vinegar etc.
19. Plant trees because trees absorb carbon dioxide and reduce the
amounts that can hurt the atmosphere
20. Read books, watch documentaries etc. to stay informed
21. Replace gas powered equipment with solar or battery powered
components - will reduce air and noise pollution
22. Turn down heat in winter
23. Turn off AC in summer
24. Turn off lights when leaving a room
25. Use both sides of the paper
26. Use canvas bags at grocery stores
27. Use less water when you shower, brush your teeth, and wash clothes
and dishes. This helps the environment by reducing the amount of energy
used to move the water to your house.
28. Use recycled, non-bleached paper for your schoolwork and for
drawing
29. Write to your local politicians and ask them to vote for policies
that will help the environment. If you know about something that is hurting
the environment, write a letter to your representative and get all your
classmates to sign a form saying that they agree with your concerns. Try to
think of a feasible solution to the problem.
30. Last but not least, keep learning more about whales and the
environment through organizations like Whale Conservation Institute and
through your local school and public libraries!
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b30 : Sun Dec 22 2002 - 08:06:53 EST