Dead Whale

[ccx2]

Whale is a pretty cool thing and i hate to see one die as it did , i would love to have a small fillet of that one to see how it taste.

[leapedisc]

If I seem to disagree with my fellow fishermen it is because I do! It is just wrong to not take the utmost care while we are on the water to protect and defend the future of all of our resources as we continue to to enjoy the bounty of our catches, don't we want our children to enjoy the same, or are we so self absorbed that we can't see past our own macho existence? I am a whale lover...

[CaptNemo]

why do we put certain species on a pedestal of nobility? OK the thing died from an accident, its one freakin whale, you can't go offshore with out dodging zillions of whales and dolphins, there are plenty of them...

[tenchi_the_fish]

Sei whales are on the endangered species list. That is why they are doing a necropsy. They think it died before getting hit by a cargo ship though. Dont worry about the cost of the necropsy because it is paid by the research team for Virginia Marine group that is funded by donations and not our tax dollars. I would hate to hit that thing with my little 20ft boat. You might find me and my boat washed ashore.

[home cookin']

why do we put certain species on a pedestal of nobility? OK the thing died from an accident, its one freakin whale, you can't go offshore with out dodging zillions of whales and dolphins, there are plenty of them...

The term is "charismatic megafauna." The large, photogenic, cute, fluffy animals stir up those who are not conservationists, scientists, or those with knowledge and experience about nature. Plankton or shrimp may be more important to the Arctic ecosystem, but it's the polar bear that sells calendars and brings in donations. We had to make up the name "mahi-mahi" for dolphin due to the TV show "flipper" and sea world-type exhibits.

The movie "Bambi" substantially reduced deer hunting for years. That's called "anthropomorphism." Now we can't manage the pests. Some people really think porpoises are smiling and snakes are evil. (however, the greenhead fly IS evil). Any animal that becomes subject of a cartoon suddenly is regarded as almost human.

But be careful. The people motivated not by critical thinking but by Bambi, Flipper and Savethewhales vote, and donate millions. The key is to motivate them to donate to CCA instead of World Wildlife, and to vote against the menhaden rape instead of beach access.
We just need to know who our "enemies" are and not aggravate them, but rather, turn them our way as much as we can.

So while I don't share CaptainNemo's complete disdain and disregard for whales and other sea life, his view has some logic. I wouldn't go to his extreme, and I think all wildlife is worthy if respect and our stewardship (except the greenhead) especially the ones we pursue for sport and food. They are here for our use. I enjoy watching the ones I'm not after, and will work to be sure my children can, too.

[red.snapper]

Tenchi_the Fish and Leapedisc, Thank you for your remarks. Apparently a few of our fellow fishermen don't understand the concept of being a responsible steward of the sea. Self centered individuals, and ignorant remarks like those CaptNemo and Fishboy put on here do great damage by spreading an irresponsible sentiment or attitude that is the root of many problems that we now experience in our rivers, bays and oceans. And where some people got the idea that if you care about our oceans and sealife, then you are a "tree hugger," I don't know. You folks are extemely misguided. Your attitude is much more like Omega's than most of the people on this board. You must have missed something along the way. For some, the water is just a means to an end. I grew up on the water, surfing, fishing, crabbing, windsurfing, etc., and I respect it, and whats in it, and there is great beauty in the waters and, yes, a whale is a beautiful thing, and its too bad to see this one died.

[ovidg]

I agree with most everyone on here, it is sad to the wale dead. It's been joyful this season seeing the wale activity.

And yes, there are those on here who posted that are just butt heads!

[coveredup]

during summer months in the canyons, dead whales are the ultimate fish magnet and the full circle of life. the absolute best thing to find out there- if it has been dead for a while......and they smell worse than aweful.
tragedy, but i hope they find a beneficial use out of it.

[NachoLibre]

I agree with CaptNemo. Yes, it's sad to see any living creature die--except when it's my gaff that kills it . It's human to be sympathetic and we as fishermen should appreciate how majestic a whale is. However, that is part of life. Things die--especially out on the water. No one is celebrating this whale's death here. Some people just arent' acting like it's a horrific tragedy since it happens every day. Should we grieve every time we see a deer, racoon, or fox carcasses on the side of the road? Are they less important creatures because they're smaller and walk around?

[CaptNemo]

I agree with CaptNemo. Yes, it's sad to see any living creature die--except when it's my gaff that kills it . It's human to be sympathetic and we as fishermen should appreciate how majestic a whale is. However, that is part of life. Things die--especially out on the water. No one is celebrating this whale's death here. Some people just arent' acting like it's a horrific tragedy since it happens every day. Should we grieve every time we see a deer, racoon, or fox carcasses on the side of the road? Are they less important creatures because they're smaller and walk around?

took the words right out of my finger tips, The whale lovers on here had better never post a picture of a dead fish, because that would make you a complete Hippocrate, if your a vegan that has never swatted a fly, then come talk to me, if you pick and choose which creatures meet your own self approval for slaughter then you have nothing logical to add. It was an accident a whale died, move on with your lives, how many soldiers died in Afghanistan on the same day that did not make the papers??? How many rock fish and tuna did the fleet catch on the same day ??? didn't seem them on the front page either,