CALIFORNIA DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION (SACL09.06)

CALIFORNIA DEMOCRATIC PARTY - SENATOR JOHN BARTON (RET.), CHAIRMAN

In Support Of California Gray Whale Study And Protection

WHEREAS, the California Gray Whale is a specialist feeder and highly vulnerable to climate change and resultant impacts to the species’ primary arctic feeding grounds – critical habitats now covered by oil and gas leases; and

WHEREAS, there have been inconsistencies in population estimates and a failure of the Bush Administration to adequately fund comprehensive California Gray Whale studies and counts over the past eight years; 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the California Democratic Party supports the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice Science and Related Agencies direction to National Marine and Fisheries Service to contract with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study to determine if the California Gray Whale should be determined under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to be an endangered or threatened species.

Sponsored by Gail Slocum, AD 21
Endorsed by the CDP Environmental Caucus

Adopted by the Executive Board
Of the California Democratic Party
At its Executive Board Meeting
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Burlingame
July 19, 2009.

The CALIFORNIA GRAY WHALE COALITION is dedicated to protecting the most ancient Baleen Whale on Planet Earth.

SIGN THE PETITION

"I request that the new US Congress take all necessary steps to fund a comprehensive review of all the major threats facing the California Gray Whale."

PLEASE NOTE: From time to time we will send you action alerts asking for your assistance with important campaigns. The action alerts may request that you write letters, inform your friends or ask for donations. To view past action alerts please go HERE. At the base of each action alert sent to the email you provide, you'll find an option to unsubscribe. Thanks to all our Petition Members for your continued support.

"A growing number of Gray Whales in the sub Arctic waters are contaminated. As bottom feeders, these whales are vulnerable to toxic pollution.  Recent data from our worldwide sampling of sperm whale blubber - The Voyage of the Odyssey - show that many whales are polluted to levels that make their meat unsafe for human consumption-a sufficient cause to discontinue whaling."

DR ROGER PAYNE

"The California Gray Whale is an indicator species of the sub Arctic and Arctic Oceans.   With major changes taking place in the polar marine ecosystems, ensuring ongoing research into the major threats facing these majestic whales is critical.  In the light of these changes, Gray Whales deserve the highest legal protection."

DR SLVIA EARLE




"Gray whales face many pressures, such as lack of food, coastal development and increasing ocean noise.  They need better protection."

JEAN-MICHEL COUSTEAU

"And God created the great whales
there in Laguna San Ignacio"

HOMERO ARIDJIS

"the possibility that we might drive these magnificent creatures into extinction is unimaginable and unacceptable."

DARYL HANNAH

"Life began in the sea.  So goes the whale...so goes mankind.  An effort to save the whales benefits us all."

BEAU BRIDGES

"Thanks for leading the fight to save
the Gray Whales"

ED BEGLEY JNR




"The Gray Whale is the marine mammal symbol of California.  It deserves to be protected and honored.  I support the creation of a "Whale of a Day" tribute to this magnificent animal."

PRINCE FREDERIC VON ANHALT

"The Gray Whale faces a myriad of threats from climate change to sonar testing and oil exploration. They need our help and the California Gray Whale Coalition is a leading advocate for this important keystone species."

PEDRO NAVA

"When we fully understand and begin to meet the threats to the California Gray Whale, we will be addressing the problems that face North America's entire Pacific coastal ecosystem."

LYNN WOOLSEY

"Saving the Gray Whales from extinction is an absolute must.  This magnificent, intelligent species cannot be allowed to perish from this earth.  If we ignore their plight we ignore the eventual impact on all species, including our own, of the rapacious practices of mankind."

SARA WAN

"Gray whales need our immediate attention! Due to climate change, their Arctic food supply is diminishing and the numbers of mother-calf pairs on the long migration are the lowest in years."

DICK RUSSELL

Grateful thanks to Baja Eco Tours for these images.