News of Ships, Sailors, and the Sea
May-June, 2008
www.benersonlittle.com
Marine Mammals
2008 Japanese Whale Hunt Ends. Japanese whalers took only 551 of an 850 quota of minke whales as the annual season, marked by protests and violence, ended. Japanese whaling officials blamed the failure to meet the quota on "sabotage" by anti-whaling activists, whom they have also referred to as terrorists. The self-determined quota has been increased significantly in the last two years, resulting in a significant increase in reasonably successful anti-whaling activism, although activists believe that still too many whales are being killed. (Source: BBC)
Whale Meat Exports. Companies in Iceland and Norway have begun exporting fin whale meat from the 2006 whaling season to Japan. Both countries are using exceptions to the international ban on commercial whaling in order to continue taking whales for commercial purpose. The fin whale is listed by International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as threatened; however, Iceland's position is that the small number of fin whales taken by Icelandic whalers does not threaten the whale population. Iceland, which has no domestic market for whale meat, had not shipped any to Japan in the previous twenty years. Observers accuse Iceland of hunting fin whales, as opposed to minke whales, solely because the price for fin whale is higher in Japan. Iceland's foreign minister has warned that whaling may hurt Iceland's "long term interests." (Source: BBC) See also http://cms.iucn.org/ and http://www.iucnredlist.org/.
Pilot Whales. Scientists have observed short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) sprinting after prey at depths of half a mile or more, contrary to previous notions that whales moved slowly at depth. The whales sprinted at speeds up to 20 mph and for distances of over 200 yards. (Source: BBC)
Polar Bears. The Bush administration, after long opposition to the measure, agreed in May to designate the polar bear as an endangered species. Critics, however, fear that the designation will do little to protect the bears, given that it does nothing to protect their environment from global warming or oil and gas drilling. (Source: NY Times)
Sea Lions. In early May, three elephant seals were found shot to death in central California, and six sea lions (four California sea lions and two Stellar sea lions) appeared to have been shot to death on the Columbia River. (Source: AP)
Protest Ship Seized. In mid-April, Royal Canadian Mounties seized and arrested the
Farley Mowat "at gun point" in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The vessel is owned by the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, an aggressive maritime and marine life conservation organization. At the time of its arrest, it was engaged in protests against the annual Canadian "seal cull" in which more than 300,000 harp seal pups may be killed. Most protesters were soon released, due to their arrest having taken place in international waters. However, the vessel's captain and first officer remained in custody, accused of twice ramming or "grazing" a Canadian coast guard vessel. Under Canadian law, it is unlawful to "watch, photograph, or video tape the death of a seal" without government permission. Proponents of the seal cull say it is necessary to control the population, is an important source of income, is humane, and that the rules against observing the cull are intended for the hunters' safety. The Farley Mowat has sailed under several different flags, and at one point sailed without being flagged. (Source: Lloyd's, BBC, ABC News Australia, et al)
Fish and Fishing
Threatened Sharks. In May the IUCN (http://cms.iucn.org/ and http://www.iucnredlist.org/) added the thresher shark, silky shark, shortfin mako shark, and giant devil ray to its "red list" of threatened species. The great white shark is also on the list. Sharks are increasingly being overfished, and ecologists worldwide fear for the survival of these ancient predators. (Sources: Huntsville Times, author's)
Manta Ray. Zeus, a half-ton, thirteen feet wide black ray, was released into the sea after spending three years at a Bahamian resort as a tourist attraction and the subject of research. The ray, in a welded frame, was carefully lowered from a helicopter into his wild home. (Source: Huntsville Times)
Squid's Eye. Scientists dissecting a rare specimen of a colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) note its exceptional ability to gather light at Antarctic depths. The squid's eye is the size of a soccer ball, with a pupi three inches in diameter. The colossal squid is larger even than the famed giant squid (Architeuthis dux). (Source: BBC)
Embryonic Cuttlefish Intelligence. The BBC reports that scientists have discovered that a species of cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) is capable of learning while still in its egg, and of acting upon this learning after they hatch. The cuttlefish, whose egg sack becomes clear during embryonic development, learned to identify crabs, a food source. Scientists are aware that some species are known to learn from chemical and auditory cues before birth, but this is the first time any species has been proved to learn from visual clues prior to birth. (Source: BBC)
Salmon Fishery. As noted in a previous newsletter, salmon numbers have dwindled significantly off the Oregon and California coasts, with far fewer salmon spawning in the Sacramento River than ever before. Salmon fishermen are being forced by necessity to switch to other catches, including prawns, black cod, tuna, and crab. Some intend to headed north to Alaskan waters. High fuel prices are exacerbating the crisis, and many fishermen may go out of business. (Source: NY Times.)
Fishermen Protest. For the past several weeks French fishermen have been on strike, protesting high fuel prices, and at one point blockading several French ports. Recently, fishermen from Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Portugal have joined their ranks, protesting and blockading various European ports. On June 4, protesting European fishermen fought with riot police outside of the European Union headquarters in Brussels. (Source: BBC)
Pollution, Global Warming, and the Health of the Seas
The Next Decade. An article in the prestigious journal Nature reports that the next decade may see no warming, due to cooling caused by the natural ocean cycles. Temperatures are expected to begin rising rapidly around 2020. (Source: BBC)
Ballast Water Hitchhikers. Invasive species, both plant and animal, carried in the ballast water of international commerical vessels is considered one of the four greatest threats to the marine environment. Ballast water is critical to commercial shipping, permitting vessels to maintain their stability as they load and unload their cargo. An estimated 5 billion tons of ballast water is moved annually around the world, and much of it contains species that threaten destination ecosystems. However, a team of US scientists believe that a microwave system could be tied into the ballast water exit valve, killing organisms as the vessel pumps ballast water out. (Source: BBC)
Storms
Cyclone Nargis. The cyclone struck Myanmar (formerly Burma) on May 3, killing an estimated 134,000 people and leaving many more homeless and helpless. Myanmar's government largely refused international aid, or imposed conditions so stringent as to leave aid donors concerned that the food and other supplies would not get to those who need them. Four US warships loaded with relief supplies left the Myanmar coast after fifteen requests to provide disaster relief were denied. (Sources: NY Times, AP, et al)
Shipwrecks and Groundings
Cruise Ship Aground. The Latvian coast guard rescued more than 650 passengers and crew from the cruise ship
Mona Lisa after she ran aground on a sand bank in the Baltic Sea. (Source: Huntsville Times)
Sunken Vessels and Treasure
Spanish Treasure. Spain has formally laid claim to the treasure salvaged by the
Odyssey Explorer of the company Odyssey Marine Exploration, identifying the treasure's origin as the cargo of the
Nuestra Senora de las Mercedes y las Animas, a 36 gun Spanish frigate lost in 1804 during an engagement with a British squadron. The frigate was returning to Spain from Peru, its hold filled with gold and silver. Odyssey Marine has not confirmed the treasure's source, but did suggest that if the treasure were found to be the property of Spain, the company should receive a significant salvage fee. The treasure has an estimated value of 500 million dollars. Most nations do not relinquish their right to ownership of their warships and associated material and cargo, even when lost at sea. (Source: Le Figaro)
Diving
André Galerne. Noted commercial and salvage diver André Galerne died May 6 in Scottsdale, Arizona, at the age of eighty-one. Mr. Galerne founded the underwater construction company International Underwater Contractors, which worked primarily on oil rigs around the world. He held a patent for an industry standard hyperbaric transport system, and was noted internationally for his significant contributions to diving safety. (Source: NY Times)
Survival at Sea
Shark Attacks. Retired veterinarian Dave Martin was killed by a shark while swimming with a group of triathletes off San Diego's Tide Beach in late April. The shark is believed to have been a great white twelve to seventeen feet long. Authorities briefly closed an eight mile stretch of shoreline and patrolled it for the next two days. Most swimmers in Southern California waters never see a shark, even over the course of many years. Scientists believe that great whites often confuse the profile of a surfer or swimmer for that of a sea lion. Taking a bite, the shark realizes its error, releases its victim, and goes on its way. Unfortunately, the trauma of the single bite of a great white is usually mortal.
Recently, two surfers were killed and another was injured within a month in separate shark atttacks near Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Mexico. In response, scientists are outfitting some sharks along Mexico's Pacific coast with transmitters in order to discover why they are swimming so close to shore. In early June, fourteen year old Wellington dos Santos lost his right hand to a shark along the coast of northern Brazil. Shark attacks continue to make headlines, although shark attacks are actually quite rare when compared to the number of times people enter the seas and other shark territories annually. Only seventy-one shark attacks were reported worldwide in 2007, with but one fatality (Florida), for example. A person is far more likely to be injured or die from a variety of other causes in and around the sea. (Sources: AP, Huntsville Times, author's)
Modern Piracy
Anti-Pirate Strategy. By unanimous vote on June 3, the United Nations Security Council authorized warships to pursue Somali pirates into Somali territorial waters. Previously, foreign navies were prohibited by international law from attacking pirates in Somali waters, even in hot pursuit. The authorization is a necessary tool in the fight against Somali piracy. In support of the UN, the Maritime Information Bureau (MIB) is calling for "Malacca Strait-style naval patrols off Somalia." The patrols have been highly successful in reducing Malacca Strait piracy to its lowest level in decades. (Sources: Lloyd's, author's)
Private Piracy Patrol. Secopex CSA, a private French security firm founded by former French special operations member (third infantry naval parachutist regiment) Pierre Marziali has been awarded a three-year "cooperation agreement" to "improve maritime security along Somalia's coast." The firm will also provide support for the creation of a coastal intelligence unit and the training of the Somalian presidential guard. General Jean-Pierre Perez is also a senior member of the firm, and was formerly an Africa advisor to the French military. One source suggests that finding funding to support necessary operations may be difficult. (Sources: Lloyd's, Hiiraan Online/Indian Ocean Newsletter)
Dutch Anti-Piracy Measures. The government of The Netherlands stated its intention to launch an anti-piracy campaign, to include guaranteed assistance to Dutch vessels attacked by pirates. The measure has yet to be debated by the Dutch Cabinet. (Source: Lloyd's)
Russian Anti-Piracy Measures. The Russian government is calling for joint naval operations against Somali pirates. Four Russians are aboard the Amiya Scan, captured by Somali pirates. The pirates threatened to kill the hostage crew after the Somali government indicated it was prepared to use force. (Source: ONI, allafrica.com)
Sweden Considering Anti-Piracy Force. The Swedish government has stated that is prepared to deploy its International Corvette Force (IKS) in the seas off Kenya and Somalia. (Source: www.thelocal.se)
Canadian Frigate Foils Pirates. On June 2, the
HMCS Calgary (FFH-335, a multi-role patrol frigate), conducting anti-terrorism operations off Somalia, forced pirates to break up an attack on a commercial vessel. The vessel had radioed for help, reporting that it was under fire from pirates. (Source: Canadian Press)
Two More Ships Captured by Pirates. On May 29, the head of the East Africa Seafarers Assistance Program reported that two more vessels, the
MV Lehman Timber and the
MV Arean. (Forwarded by Shaun Chittick)
Italian Warship Foils Pirates. In late April, the Italian offshore patrol vessel C
omandante Borsini and the supply ship
Etna came to the aid of the bulk carrier
Africa Ibis, which was being pursued by five small craft. The pirates broke off their pursuit. (Source: Lloyd's)
Basque Fishing Boat Captured. Somali pirates attacking with RPGs captured the Spanish flagged fishing trawler
Playa de Bakio in April and held its 26 crew members hostage. In late April the pirates released the hostages. According to Spanish authorities, the release was due to "cooperation and diplomacy"--in other words, ransom was paid. The Bakio was escorted from the region by the Spanish frigate
Mendez Nunez. The Basque region of Spain has an ancient sea-going tradition, and has contributed significantly to Spain's maritime heritage. (Sources: AP, author's)
Somali Forces Storm Ship. In late April Somali forces attacked the pirate-held Dubai-flagged cargo ship
al-Khaleej, capturing seven pirates and rescuing the crew. The pirates had lured the
al-Khaleej to their location by pretending to be fishermen desperately in need of drinking water. (Sources: Reuters, Times Online, International Herald Tribune)
Maritime Security in General
Warning Shots. In May a US flagged ship under contract to the US Department of Defense fired warning shots at two unidentified approaching boats in the Persian Gulf. Oil prices rose sharply, if briefly, in response, then continued their steady upward climb. (Source: AP)
India's Maritime Role. India is stepping up its strategic maritime role in the Indian Ocean, including the establishment of a monitoring facilty in northern Madagascar to "track pirate, terrorist and other illicit activity along East Africa’s waterways." (Source: Lloyd's)
Modern Naval Warfare
Tamil Tigers Sink Ship. On May 9 at 0215 local, the Tamil Tigers sank a 213 foot Sri Lankan cargo ship loaded with munitions. A Sri Lankan Navy spokesman indicated that the sinking was likely due to a suicide swimmer. A Tamil Tiger spokesman stated that the ship was sunk by "Sea Tiger underwater naval commandos." Details have not been released, but demand the attention of navies around the world. Small man-portable mines can temporarily put a ship out of commission, but a larger amount of explosive is usually required to sink most vessels of this tonnage and greater, unless watertight integrity is poor. Swimmers, however, can tow fairly large explosive charges on the surface. (Source: BBC, author's)
Missile Downed in Test. The
USS Lake Erie (CG-70) fired two missiles at a "Scud-like missile" in the Pacific on June 4, destroying it in the last moments of its flight. The test was designed to demonstrate the ability to shoot down short-range missiles in the last stage of flight. The warship, an Aegis guided missile cruiser, was part of a flotilla that successfully destroyed a long-range missile in a test earlier this year. (Source: AP)
USS Kitty Hawk. The
USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), the oldest aircraft carrier in the US fleet, will be decommissioned this year at Bremerton, Washington. The carrier was commissioned in 1961, and is the last conventionally powered aircraft carrier in the US Navy. In April the
Kitty Hawk, along with a cruiser and three destroyers, visited Hong Kong, long a traditional port of call for the US Pacific Fleet. Five months earlier the carrier had been denied entry. During the Vietnam War there was a friendly rivalry between the
"Kitty" and her sister ship the
"Connie" (
USS Constellation). (Source: AP, author's)
Fourth Fleet. The US Navy is re-establishing the Fourth Fleet on July 1, 2008, to be homeported at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Florida. The Fleet will be responsible for the Caribbean and Central and South America naval operations. Rear Adm. Joseph D. Kernan, a Navy SEAL and current commander of the Naval Special Warfare Command, will head it, and will be the first Navy SEAL admiral to be named to command a numbered fleet. (Sources: various)
Great White Fleet. On May 20, Seattle and the US Navy celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Great White Fleet's visit to the Puget Sound during a world tour ordered by President Theodore Roosevelt. The Puget Sound is home to the Navy naval station and shipyard at Bremerton and the submarine base at Bangor, both of which have been recently merged and redesignated as Naval Station Kitsap. (Sources: Military.com, author's)
Chinese Underground Sub Base. The London Daily Telegraph reports that the Chinese Navy has underground tunnels on Hainan Island intended to house ballistic missile submarines. However, some analysts point out that China has had various underground facilities for some time, and that tunnel entrances and exits are subject to destruction in time of war, trapping submarines inside. (Sources: Defensetech.org, Daily Telegraph)
Monument to the Pacific Theater. The Bush administration is considering a monument to the World War II Pacific theater, to include Pearl Harbor and associated Pacific war sites. Many of the monument's elements would not be contiguous, making the monument unique among historical preservation areas. Among US forces alone in World War Two, roughly 17,000 Marines and 34,000 Navy personnel were killed in action or listed as missing, the majority of them in the Pacific. (Sources: NY Times, history.navy.mil)
Naval Special Warfare
SOCOM Commander. Admiral Eric T. Olson, a Navy SEAL commanding the US Special Operations Command, has dropped a Rumsfeld strategy which had given SOCOM the authority to govern the greater part of special operations missions worldwide. Instead, Olson's "primary focus is to ensure these plans are fused into a broader strategy for defeating extremist ideologies." The previous policy had caused significant friction with the commanders of conventional forces. (Source: AP)
Commando Keiffer. The Commando Keiffer was recently commissioned as part of the French commandos marines (naval commandos), joining the Commandos Jaubert, Trepel, De Penfentenyo, De Montfort, and Hubert. Each commando is named after a famous French naval commando, and the Commando Keiffer, which will operate in the area of "transmissions, information, electronic warfare, drones," and so forth, is named after French naval officer Philippe Keiffer, who organized the famous fusiliers-marines commandos (naval infantry commandos) during World War Two. The other commandos are likewise specialized. The Commando Hubert, for example, is expert in combat swimming and other underwater combat operations. Given their association with the World War Two British commando units, the French commandos marines still wear an "English beret," and is the only French military unit to cock its berets to the right, as the English do. Most recently, the commandos marines were involved in the capture of several of pirates who had captured the yacht Le Ponant. (Source: Le Figaro)
Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism
Prison Ships? The US has denied that any US Navy ships or vessels have been used as "floating prisons," although they indicated that they have occasionally been used to hold terrorism suspects for a short time. The allegation was made by Reprieve, a British human rights organization. (Source: AP)