A few months ago NRDC submitted a petition to win endangered species status for Hawaii’s nearshore false killer whales, and more than 9500 BioGems Defenders wrote in support.
Our petition is pending, but the whales are in bad straits. The population has dwindled since the late 1980s from roughly 400 to 120 animals, and each year yet more of them are caught and killed in fishing gear around the islands. The whales are also threatened by overfishing, toxics, and noise.
Recently a group of 7th and 8th graders on the Big Island started an online petition to make the false killer whale the official Hawaiian State Whale. It’s a beautiful idea that can bring more attention to the plight of these wonderful animals.
The students are hoping to net 1,000 online signatures for their petition; this morning they were up to 285, and they could use some help to reach their goal. Please take a few seconds to sign up at www.thepetitionsite.com/1/save-the-pseudorca, and please spread the word to one or two friends!
Mahalo.