Live-capture fisheries for cetaceans in USA and Canadian waters, 1973-1982
Reeves, R.R.; Leatherwood, S. (1984). Live-capture fisheries for cetaceans in USA and Canadian waters, 1973-1982. Rep. Int. Whal. Commn. 34(SC/35/SM4): 497-507
In: Report of the International Whaling Commission. International Whaling Commission: Cambridge. ISSN 0143-8700, more
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| Authors | | Top |
- Reeves, R.R.
- Leatherwood, S.
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| Abstract |
Live-capture fisheries for cetaceans in waters off the United States and Canada are reviewed by period and by geographic area. Records are more complete for the USA after l January 1973. when permits for live-capture became a legal requirement under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. but there is substantial published documentation for catches made before 1973 as well. For Canada, where many fewer species are involved, there is no regular system of listing catches. but a licensing system has been in operation for the capture of killer whales (Orcinus orca) since 1965. white whales (Delphinapterus leucas) since 1962, narwhals (Monodon monoceros) since 1971, and all other cetaceans since July 1982. Prior to 1973, individuals of at least 28 cetacean species were maintained alive in the USA or Canada for display, research, or education. Nineteen species were live-captured in territorial waters of these two countries: nine more species were removed from beaches where they had live-stranded or from fishing gear in which they had been caught unintentionally; and at least seven species were imported. Between 1 January l973 and 31 December 1982, twelve species were live-captured, six more species were removed from beaches or fishing gear, and one species was imported. In addition to supplying domestic needs, North American and Hawaiian stocks have supplied institutions abroad, principally with bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the southeastern USA and Hawaii, white whales from the St Lawrence River and Hudson Bay, spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) from Hawaii, short-finned pilot whales ( Globicephala macrorhynchus) and Pacific white-sided dolphins ( Lagenorhynchus obliquidens) from southem California, and killer whales from Washington State and British Columbia. About 65% of the animals captured since 1973 have been females (US data only). |
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