Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Being the change we want to see in the world: Robin Winkler Interview

Robin Winkler in front of the Wuchi Power Plant, the world's dirtiest coal-fired power plant.


Today's Taipei Times carries an interview with Robin Winkler, founding director of Wild at Heart Legal Defense Association. Robin has been a long-serving Taiwan-based environmentalist and Wild is secretariat for the Matsu's Fish Conservation Union.

Click Being the change we want to see in the world to read the interview.

Friday, August 15, 2008

MFCU Press Release:- Matsu’s Fish seizes “Critically Endangered” title, winning international glory for Taiwan

Note: The following is the press release/petition delivered by Matsu's Fish Conservation Union, Green Party Taiwan, the Congressional Office of Legislator Tian Chiu-chin and Taiwan Friends of the Global Greens on 13 August 2008 during a press conference held in front of the Council of Agriculture in response to the listing of Taiwan's humpback dolphins as "Critically Endangered" by the IUCN in its 2008 update of the Cetacean Red List.

Photo: A make-shift President Ma presents the Critically Endangered award to a humpback dolphin.


The Matsu's Fish Conservation Union, established in January 2007, is a coalition of the following Taiwanese conservation groups: Taiwan Academy of Ecology, Taiwan Sustainable Union, Wild at Heart Legal Defense Association, Taiwan Environmental Protection Union, Wild Bird Society of Yunlin, Changhua Coast Conservation Action and FormosaCetus Research and Conservation Group.


PRESS RELEASE:
13 August 2008, Taipei,
Petition at Council of Agriculture

Due to being isolated from other populations of the same species, Taiwan’s “Matsu’s Fish” (Sousa chinensis), also known as the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin or Chinese white dolphin, has evolved in a way that distinguishes it from other populations. It is now recognized by the international cetacean science community that Taiwan’s Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins constitute a unique population.

Because of the serious level of threat to this population, local and international experts formed the Eastern Taiwan Strait Sousa Technical Advisory Working Group (ETSSTAWG) on 8 January 2008. The following day, Taiwanese environmental groups presented a petition to the Executive Yuan, requesting the government to draft a conservation plan within two months. Regrettably, after half a year of efforts by those environmental groups, the government has still not proposed a conservation plan, instead expressing plans to open up the coastal waters within three nautical miles of the shore to drag-net fishing, which will thoroughly destroy the near-shore ecology.

While the government continues to evade its responsibility to protect the environment, the threat to the survival of Taiwan’s Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins is, however, receiving increasing international recognition. On 12 August (GMT), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which comprises 70 countries, over 1000 societies and over 10 000 scientists, has assessed Taiwan’s Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins to be Critically Endangered (CR), the highest level of threat to a species or population.

In response to the IUCN announcing Taiwan’s Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins as Critically Endangered, Taiwanese environmental groups are holding a press conference to raise the attention of the government and public to the fact that the conservation of Taiwan’s Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins has already become the focus of attention of international conservation organizations, and is a responsibility that the government has no choice but to face. Today, the groups presenting this petition are also visiting the Competent Authority for wildlife conservation – the Council of Agriculture – to ask that the government take urgent conservation action. We have three requests:

1. Set up an interdepartmental Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin conservation committee, which should work with ETSSTAWG to produce a conservation strategy.
2. Implement marine conservation laws, announce this dolphin population’s important habitat, and prevent the development of near-shore drag-net fishing.
3. Stop the large-scale, pollution-intensive development within areas which affect the dolphins until it is certain that these projects will have no impact on the dolphins.

Groups presenting this petition:
Taiwan Sustainable Union, Taiwan Academy of Ecology, Green Party Taiwan, Taiwan Environmental Protection Union, Wild at Heart Legal Defense Association, Congressional Office of Legislator Tian Chiu-chin, Taiwan Friends of the Global Greens, Wild Bird Society of Yunlin, Changhua Coast Conservation Action and FormosaCetus Research and Conservation Group.

Time: 13 August 2008 (Wednesday), 9.30am
Venue: Council of Agriculture (37 Nanhai Road, Chongcheng District, Taipei)


2008 Introduction to Matsu’s Fish (Sousa chinensis, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, Chinese white dolphin)

The Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis), otherwise known as the Chinese white dolphin and in Taiwan as Matsu’s Fish, is grey when born, forms grey spots during its youth and becomes white or pink when mature (hence another of its names – the pink dolphin). It is believed that the name “Matsu’s Fish”, given by fishermen, is due to the fact that they are easier to see around the time of Matsu’s birthday in the third month of the lunar calendar, when the sea becomes calmer. This species is distributed in the temperate and tropical zones of the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific region, and prefers near shore waters and estuaries. Research by FormosaCetus Research and Conservation Group has shown that the coloration of the Taiwanese population is different to that of other studied populations, and is likely an independent population. The entire population is now facing risk of extinction.

Current knowledge of the biology and ecology of Taiwan’s Matsu’s Fish is as follows: 1. Their important habitat is along Taiwan’s central west coast from Miaoli to Yunlin and possibly Chiayi and Tainan Counties, within 5km of the shore, and in waters of not more than 25-30m deep. 2. Under natural circumstances they can live to probably 30-40 years old. 3. They have a low reproductive rate and population growth rate, and a nursing period of about 3 years. 4. Currently, over 30% of the dolphins show signs of external injury, and malnourished dolphins are often seen. 5. According to the results of photo identification work by researchers, the entire Taiwanese population does not exceed 100 and is likely to be lower than 100.

Because they live all year round in shallow, near-shore waters, they are extremely vulnerable to human-caused impacts. In Taiwan they face the following threats: loss of habitat due to land reclamation along Taiwan’s west coast, serious water pollution, entanglement and bycatch in fishing gear, e.g. gill nets (drift nets, trammel nets, bottom-set gill nets) and drag nets, direct collisions with vessels, and impacts on their sonar systems due to underwater noise. In China, the baiji or Yangtze River Dolphin, also known as the Goddess of the Yangtze, was recently driven to extinction due to similar, multiple threats. Now Matsu’s Fish is facing a survival crisis, as there are no more than 100 dolphins left in the population and the threats remain.

The dolphins’ survival can also be seen as an indicator of the sustainability (or lack thereof) of Taiwan’s development. Great challenges lie ahead for the conservation of the population.

Click diagram to enlarge.
Source: IUCN Species Survival Commission.


Other photos from the petition:









Also see:
Critically Endangered - It's Official !

Press Release: Taiwan’s unique population of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins is on the brink of extinction

Matsu’s Fish seizes “Critically Endangered” title, winning international glory for Taiwan

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Dolphins Critically Endangered - Media coverage




Yesterday's announcement by the Eastern Taiwan Strait Sousa Technical Advisory Working Group (ETSSTAWG) that the Taiwan humpback dolphins had been placed on the IUCN's Red Data List as Critically Endangered (CR) and "will likely be driven to extinction if effective conservation measures are not taken quickly" was covered by all three of Taiwan's English newspapers today (It appeared in all the leading Chinese-language newspapers):

Taipei Times, Groups call for action to save endangered dolphins ,
China Post, Protection sought for endangered dolphin and,
Taiwan News, Environmentalists seek to save endangered indigenous dolphins.


All three newspaper articles contain misquotes and several errors but they give one an idea of what is being said in the media. We will be addressing the errors in the articles sometime soon. We refer readers to the ETSSTAWG press release for correct and accurate information on the announcement.

The announcement made news in South Africa and Reuters also ran it. The story has appeared in articles from the USA to Dubai.

Also see:
Critically Endangered - It's Official !

Press Release: Taiwan’s unique population of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins is on the brink of extinction

Matsu’s Fish seizes “Critically Endangered” title, winning international glory for Taiwan

MFCU Press Release:- Matsu’s Fish seizes “Critically Endangered” title, winning international glory for Taiwan.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

ETSSTAWG Press Release: Taiwan’s unique population of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins is on the brink of extinction

Taiwan Humpback Dolphin: Photo courtesy of FormosaCetus Research & Conservation Group.



PRESS RELEASE 13 August 2008

Taiwan’s unique population of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins is on the brink of extinction

Dr. Peter S. Ross, Chair of the Eastern Taiwan Strait Sousa Technical Advisory Working Group (ETSSTAWG), released the following statement today:


Vancouver (12 August 2008) – Today, the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) released the 2008 list of threatened species of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises). In this updated list, the western Taiwan (= eastern Taiwan Strait) population of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis, also known locally as “Matsu’s Fish” or “Chinese white dolphin”) was listed as “Critically Endangered” (CR) - the most serious category of threat to a species or population.

The chair of the IUCN’s Cetacean Red List Authority, Dr. William Perrin, says, “Taiwan’s humpback dolphins have been listed as Critically Endangered because this distinct, isolated population is already dangerously small (less than 100), faces multiple serious threats, and will likely be driven to extinction if effective conservation measures are not taken quickly.”

Studies have shown that the dolphins’main distribution is the narrow stretch of coastal waters of central western Taiwan from Miaoli County to Yunlin County, but that they may also range as far south as Chiayi and Tainan Counties.

The main threats to the population have been identified as:
- reduced river flow into estuaries;
- habitat loss (e.g. through land reclamation);
- entanglement in fishing gear;
- industrial, agricultural and municipal pollutant discharges; and
- underwater noise.

A Conservation Action Plan was drafted by Taiwanese and international scientists andstakeholders in September 2007 in hopes of improving habitat protection measures in Taiwan.

On 8 January 2008, the ETSSTAWG was formed, consisting of 17 national and international researchers, including many of the world’s leading cetacean scientists, to provide expert scientific advice to parties interested in conserving the endangered population for future generations of Taiwanese. In a letter to President Ma Ying-jeou on 1st August 2008, the ETSSTAWG invited Taiwan’s new government to take measures to protect the population from anthropogenic threats.

Today’s announcement, by the world’s most authoritative body on the conservation status of species, reinforces concern expressed by the ETSSTAWG about the prospects for survival of Taiwan’s Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin population. Said Dr. Peter S. Ross, Chair of the ETSSTAWG, “Time is running out for the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin in Taiwan. We hope that recent advances in our understanding of the habitat needs of this charismatic creature will identify a path forward that allows it to recover and thrive.”

For further information contact:
Dr. Peter S. Ross, Peter.S.Ross@dfo-mpo.gc.ca, +1 250 363 6806.


Also see:
Critically Endangered - It's Official !

Matsu’s Fish seizes “Critically Endangered” title, winning international glory for Taiwan

Dolphins Critically Endangered - Media coverage

MFCU Press Release:- Matsu’s Fish seizes “Critically Endangered” title, winning international glory for Taiwan.

Matsu’s Fish seizes “Critically Endangered” title, winning international glory for Taiwan

13 August, Petition at Council of Agriculture – notice to the press

International Glory for Taiwan

As Taiwanese representatives work hard to win glory for Taiwan at the Olympics, Taiwan’s Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis, also known locally as Matsu’s Fish or Chinese white dolphin) are the first to win international recognition. On 12 August 2008 in the UK, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), in its 2008 Red List of endangered species, officially listed Taiwan’s humpback dolphins as Critically Endangered (CR).

On the 13th Taiwanese environmental groups will respond to the IUCN announcement by presenting a petition at the Council of Agriculture, calling upon Taiwan’s government to take conservation action immediately, to prevent this population of dolphins from reaching “Extinct” status.

Time: 13 August 2008 (Wednesday), 9.30am
Location: Council of Agriculture (37 Nanhai Road, Chongcheng District, Taipei)
Agenda for press conference:

09:30~09:40 Introduction to the groups presenting the petition and to the event
09:40~09:50 Perform “Matu’s Fish wins glory for Taiwan, President Ma Ying-jeou commends them on their performance”
09:50~10:00 Screening of humpback dolphin video footage and photographs
10:00~10:30 Discussion with Council of Agriculture

Contact person:
(English) Christina MacFarquhar, Wild at Heart Legal Defense Association
0938 643 410;02-2382-5789, chrisgagele@gmail.com
(Taiwanese, Chinese) Funder Chen, Wild at Heart Legal Defense Association 0917-237-786;02-2382-5789.

Groups presenting the petition:
Taiwan Academy of Ecology, Taiwan Sustainable Union, Wild at Heart Legal Defense Association, Taiwan Environmental Protection Union, Wild Bird Society of Yunlin, Changhua Coast Conservation Action, FormosaCetus Research and Conservation Group, Green Party Taiwan, Taiwan Friends of the Global Greens.


Also see:
MFCU Press Release:- Matsu’s Fish seizes “Critically Endangered” title, winning international glory for Taiwan.

Critically Endangered - It's Official !

Press Release: Taiwan’s unique population of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins is on the brink of extinction

Dolphins Critically Endangered - Media coverage

Critically Endangered - It's Official !




Yes, it's official! The Eastern Taiwan Strait population of humpback dolphin [aka Taiwan pink dolphin, Taiwan white dolphin or Matsu's Fish] has been officially classified as Critically Endangered (CR) on the Cetacean update of the 2008 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has recognised the overwhelming threat to these animals and have classified them as Critically Endangered, the highest category of threat-level on the Red List for wild animals before becoming extinct. What this means is that unless drastic steps are taken to protect this species, they will go extinct.

The IUCN refers to the Taiwan pink dolphins as the Eastern Taiwan Strait humpback dolphin Sousa chinensis and classifies them as a sub-population.

There can be no doubt now over the threat these dolphins face and the need for something drastic to be done to save these unique animals and pull them back from the brink of extinction. The time has come for the Taiwan government to stop dodging the issue of meaningfully protecting these dolphins and to do something concrete to save them. The writing is on the wall now and any failure of the authorities to act will be nothing short of signing the death warrant of this unique population of Taiwanese dolphin.

Our appreciation to the Cetacean Specialist Group of the IUCN Species Survival Commission for their work in this and our thanks to all at the MFCU and our supporters who have helped bring this about both here in Taiwan and abroad. We eagerly await the government's response to this and trust that they will make a genuine meaningful effort in saving these unique and rare citizens of Taiwan.

See the official IUCN listing for the
critically endangered Taiwan pink dolphins

Also see:
Press Release: Taiwan’s unique population of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins is on the brink of extinction

Matsu’s Fish seizes “Critically Endangered” title, winning international glory for Taiwan

Dolphins Critically Endangered - Media coverage

MFCU Press Release:- Matsu’s Fish seizes “Critically Endangered” title, winning international glory for Taiwan.

Monday, August 11, 2008

A few more Taiwan Pink Dolphin Survey Photos

A few more Taiwan Pink Dolphin survey photos taken by MFCU's Bing-heng Chen at the Dadu River Estuary (Taichung) during a survey on Tuesday morning, 5 August 2008.























More survey photos here and here.


All photos courtesy and copyright of Bing-heng Chen.


Volunteers are still needed for this summer's humpback dolphin surveys. See Summer Dolphin Observation & Surveys - volunteers needed.

Saturday, August 9, 2008

More Taiwan Pink Dolphin Survey Photos

Some more Taiwan Pink Dolphins survey photos taken by MFCU's Bing-heng Chen at the Dadu River Estuary (Taichung) during a survey on Tuesday morning, 5 August 2008.






















Also see:
Taiwan Humpback Dolphin Photos
A few more Taiwan Humpback Dolphin Survey Photos.

Volunteers are still needed for this summer's pink dolphin surveys. See Summer Dolphin Observation & Surveys - volunteers needed.


All photos courtesy and copyright of Bing-heng Chen.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Taiwan Pink Dolphin Photos

Some photos of Taiwan Pink Dolphins taken by MFCU's Bing-heng Chen at the Dadu River Estuary (Taichung) during a survey on Tuesday morning, 5 August 2008. Volunteers are still needed for this summer's pink dolphin surveys. See Summer Dolphin Observation & Surveys - volunteers needed.



















More survey photos here and here.

All photos courtesy and copyright of Bing-heng Chen.