There are few creatures on Earth as majestic as the marine mammal. And, like many who study Cetaceans full-time, I believe them to be sentient: a belief supported by a considerable mountain of evidence.
Having to admit that these creatures/beings are aware and should be granted the same freedoms we have denies the moneychangers their profits. It also then enters the realm of the personal freedoms we have fought for as a race as well as deep-rooted ethical questions.
But the best proof is a recent video, submitted by the Whale Conservancy. Here is video documentation that we are dealing with far more than many of us are willing to accept – that there are other beings existing on our planet that who are due the same freedoms we enjoy!
Following their 2010 conference on Cetacean Rights, the Helsinki Group put together a Declaration of Rights for Cetaceans (which includes all whales, dolphins, and porpoises). Their ten point declaration goes like this:
Based on the principle of the equal treatment of all persons; Recognizing that scientific research gives us deeper insights into the complexities of cetacean minds, societies and cultures; Noting that the progressive development of international law manifests an entitlement to life by cetaceans; We affirm that all cetaceans as persons have the right to life, liberty and wellbeing. We conclude that:
Every individual cetacean has the right to life.
No cetacean should be held in captivity or servitude; be subject to cruel treatment; or be removed from their natural environment.
All cetaceans have the right to freedom of movement and residence within their natural environment.
No cetacean is the property of any State, corporation, human group or individual.
Cetaceans have the right to the protection of their natural environment.
Cetaceans have the right not to be subject to the disruption of their cultures.
The rights, freedoms and norms set forth in this Declaration should be protected under international and domestic law.
Cetaceans are entitled to an international order in which these rights, freedoms and norms can be fully realized.
No State, corporation, human group or individual should engage in any activity that undermines these rights, freedoms and norms.
Nothing in this Declaration shall prevent a State from enacting stricter provisions for the protection of cetacean rights.
I support and agree with this declaration.
Having said that, you should be aware that the operation of the Navy's underwater sound system in the Hawaiian Islands, the California and Atlantic Coasts, and the Gulf of Mexico is killing Cetaceans and deafening more.
Hi—I wanted to make sure you saw my petition the other day.
According to the U.S. Navy's own estimates, the use of high-frequency underwater sound for testing will deafen 15,900 whales and dolphins and kill 1,800 more over the next five years.
Whales and dolphins depend on sound to navigate and live. The Navy is required to include comments from the public on their Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), so your signature and comment on my SignOn.org petition could help stop this naval program and save the lives of these ocean creatures.
My petition says:
Stop the killing of 1,800 whales and dolphins and the deafening of 15,900 more by ceasing the operation of the Navy's underwater sound system in the Hawaiian Islands, the California and Atlantic Coasts, and the Gulf of Mexico.
Will you sign the petition? Click here to add your name, and then pass it along to your friends.
Thanks for your help.
–Lyndia Storey
PS: The comments must be in by July 10, 2012, so please sign today.
You do not have long to act.
The Navy is required to include comments on their Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) re: the use of high frequency underwater sound for testing in Hawaii, the California and Atlantic Coasts, and the Gulf of Mexico. According to their estimates it will deafen more than 15,900 whales and dolphins and kill 1,800 more over the next 5 years. Whales and dolphins depend on sound to navigate and live. Your signature and comment will have to be included in the EIS and could stop this Naval program, potentially saving the lives of these ocean creatures. The comments must be in by July 10, 2012.
I strongly support the work of both Greenpeace and the
Sea Shepherd Society in protecting Cetaceans from Japanese murderers. I will also do what I can to protect these stately creatures from our own Navy.
I hope you will too.
(h/t:Laughing Planet)
UPDATE: Also, please contact the Navy directly with your comments and concerns. This would be at LEAST as effective as signing the petition, if not more so. Cedwyn gives the contact information here.