. The Canadian field-naturalist. 1990 HOUSTON: Status of the Stejneger's Beaked Whale 133 160 laO 120 '00 80 60 40 20 0. Figure 2. Distribution of Stejneger's Beaked Whale. distribution and apparent rarity may serve to offer some protection from human exploitation. Apparently, animals have been taken occasionally by Japanese whalers in coastal fisheries (Nishiwaki and Kamiyu 1959). The species does not appear to have been commercially exploited and the occasional removal of a few individuals is unhkely to affect the population(s). Commercial exploita- tion is not likely, but would probably ser
. The Canadian field-naturalist. 1990 HOUSTON: Status of the Stejneger's Beaked Whale 133 160 laO 120 '00 80 60 40 20 0. Figure 2. Distribution of Stejneger's Beaked Whale. distribution and apparent rarity may serve to offer some protection from human exploitation. Apparently, animals have been taken occasionally by Japanese whalers in coastal fisheries (Nishiwaki and Kamiyu 1959). The species does not appear to have been commercially exploited and the occasional removal of a few individuals is unhkely to affect the population(s). Commercial exploita- tion is not likely, but would probably seriously affect existing populations. Special Significance of the Species The population is generally too small and individuals too scarce to be of commercial interest, although some species of Mesoplodon may have been fished in the 19th Century, or earlier, by American and other whalers (Mitchell 1974). The blubber and flesh of the species is thought to cause diarrhoea (Mitchell 1975; Mead et al. 1982). It is improbable that parts or derivatives of the species would be involved in international trade. The species has not been held in captivity and such an event would only come about by chance. Evaluation Little information is available for assessment of population status. Although small groups have been observed chasing schools of salmon in the Sea of Japan (Nishimura and Nishiwaki 1964). Sightings in Canadian waters are few. However, the species was known to the Makah Indians of Washington who were said to have talked of seeing these whales in twos or threes one-half to one mile offshore {see Mitchell 1975). Based on the above observations, Mitchell (1975) felt the numbers may not be small. It is probably rare, at least in Canadian waters, but there are no imminent threats to its survival here. The species need not be considered for COSEWIC status at this time. Acknowledgments The support of the Deparment of Fisheries and Oceans, the Canadian Wildlife Service, and World Wildlif
Size: 2037px × 1226px
Photo credit: © Book Worm / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., bookauthorottawafi, bookcentury1900, bookdecade1910, bookyear1919
