Whale Conservation and Threats

Celia Ackerman, a naturalist, discusses her work with marine mammals, focusing on the return of species like humpback whales, dolphins, and seals to local waters. She explains the importance of clean water and plankton in marine ecosystems. The video covers whale identification methods, historical and current threats to whale populations, and conservation efforts to protect these species. The goal is to improve the environment and increase biodiversity.

What is the primary focus of Celia Ackerman's work with marine mammals?

• Investigating the diet of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins

• Researching the effects of climate change on coral reefs

• Documenting the return of humpback whales and other marine mammals

• Studying the migration patterns of sea turtles

Why is plankton crucial to the ocean's food chain?

• It provides shelter for small fish

• It cleans the ocean water

• It is a primary food source for many marine species

• It helps in the decomposition of organic matter

How are individual whales identified in the catalog?

• By their swimming speed

• By the sound of their calls

• By their size and weight

• By the unique pattern on their flukes

What were the two major factors that led to the decline of whale populations?

• Habitat loss and disease

• Hunting and pollution

• Climate change and overfishing

• Invasive species and noise pollution

Which international body declared a moratorium on whale hunting in 1985?

• United Nations

• International Whaling Commission

• Greenpeace

• World Wildlife Fund

Which countries still engage in commercial whaling?

• United States, Canada, and Mexico

• Japan, Iceland, and Norway

• Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa

• Brazil, Argentina, and Chile

What act protects whales in the United States?

• The Clean Water Act

• The Marine Mammal Protection Act

• The Endangered Species Act

• The National Environmental Policy Act

What are some current threats to whale populations?

• Noise pollution and ocean acidification

• Oil spills and plastic pollution

• Overfishing and coral bleaching

• Ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear

What is the hope for the future regarding marine environments?

• To expand commercial fishing operations

• To continue improving the environment and biodiversity

• To build more ports and harbors

• To increase tourism in marine areas

What is the significance of the New York-New Jersey harbor in the context of whale conservation?

• It is a site for whale-watching tours

• It is a major breeding ground for whales

• It is one of the busiest ports, posing threats to whales

• It is a protected marine sanctuary