Section 7 of the Endangered
Species Act requires a reduction in the number of human-induced
injuries to right whales. It also requires that an Early Warning System
be developed which would alert mariners to the presence of right whales
to diminish the number of collisions with ships. This act also requires
Maine fishermen to modify their fishing gear in areas where whales are
common as part of an overall management plan for the reduction of right
whale entanglements.
You are part of a team
of specialists whose mission is to aid right whale conservation efforts
by devising a method to reduce whale mortality from either entanglement
or ship collisions. Your team will explore the feeding behavior, migration
patterns and geographical distribution of Northern right whales. In
addition, one member of the team will research the sensory biology of
whales to determine how they "see" and "hear" in
their environment. Another specialist will examine current research
and technology involving sonar and echolocation. Specific issues associated
with whale entanglements and collisions will also be explored.
Based on what you learn
about the sensory biology of right whales your team will devise innovative
technology that will reduce whale mortalities and potentially save this
species from extinction. You have been asked by a national funding agency
to travel to Washington, D.C. to present your idea to a panel of governmental
scientists. Several teams of specialists are competing for limited funding.
The team with the most innovative and feasible idea will have their
project funded. The funding agency requires a short, written proposal
(1-2 pages) and a PowerPoint presentation.
Good luck!
