• Local Produce
  • Buy Local
  • Local Seafood
  • Local Food
  • Local Music
  • Local Art
  • Local Churches

CAPE CHARLES MIRROR

Reflections on Cape Charles and the Eastern Shore

  • Local Services
  • Local Rentals
  • Local Employment
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Classifieds
  • Pets
  • Contact Us
  • Rant and Rave
  • Asses&Villains
You are here: Home / Archives for Animal Activism

Pet of the Week: Meet Pumpkin

January 29, 2023 by Leave a Comment

Meet Pumpkin!

I am a lover of all people big and small, young and old. I enjoy squeaking toys and getting my belly rubbed. In fact, if you’re loving on me, it doesn’t take long for me to roll over for some wonderful belly-rubbing action.

I cannot be around cats at all, but other dogs and children are fine. I am affectionate and playful. I am spayed and up to date on my vaccines.

If you think you may be interested in adopting Pumpkin, you can access an application through several avenues. You can print out an application on our website (www.shorespca.com). You can stop by and do a kennel walk through Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and grab an application on your visit. You can also email us at shorespca@gmail.com and ask that one be attached and emailed back to you.

Pumpkin

You can call the shelter at 757-787-7385 Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. with any questions,

Filed Under: Animal Activism, Bottom, News, Pets

NOAA FAQs: Whales and Wind Farms

January 22, 2023 by 1 Comment

What is the current status of the humpback whale population in the North Atlantic?
There are different populations of humpback whales around the world, some of which are listed as “threatened” or “endangered” under the Endangered Species Act. The population of humpback whales in the North Atlantic (also known as the West Indies Distinct Population Segment) is not listed as threatened or endangered. However, all humpback whales are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. More information about the status of humpback whale stocks in U.S. waters can be found in NOAA Fisheries Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Reports.

What does NOAA Fisheries do to minimize the impact of offshore wind development on whales?
NOAA Fisheries is a science agency, and like our marine mammal stranding network partners, we value marine life and strive to conserve these species. We are dedicated to minimizing risks to protected resources, habitats, and managed fisheries throughout the life cycle of offshore wind energy projects. We are responsible for several regulatory processes that help reduce impacts to marine animals and their habitats from human activities, including during offshore wind development.

Is U.S. offshore wind development linked to any whale deaths?
No. At NOAA Fisheries, we work with our partners to analyze and understand the causes of death when we are able, following the science and data. At this point, there is no evidence to support speculation that noise resulting from wind development-related site characterization surveys could potentially cause mortality of whales. There are no specific links between recent large whale mortalities and currently ongoing surveys. We will continue to gather data to help us determine the cause of death for these mortality events. We will also continue to explore how sound, vessel, and other human activities in the marine environment impact whales and other marine mammals.

Does NOAA Fisheries authorize the injury of whales as it relates to offshore wind development?
No, NOAA Fisheries has not authorized—or proposed to authorize—mortality or serious injury of whales for any wind-related action. Offshore wind developers have not applied for, and NOAA Fisheries has not approved, authorization to kill any marine mammals incidental to any offshore wind activities.

What is NOAA Fisheries doing to minimize the effects of offshore wind development on endangered North Atlantic right whales?
NOAA Fisheries is heavily invested in the conservation and recovery of endangered North Atlantic right whales. NOAA Fisheries recently proposed a rule to modify existing vessel speed restrictions that would apply to many offshore wind-related vessels. In our permits and authorizations, we also require mitigation measures to avoid and minimize impacts from offshore wind development.

Finally, NOAA Fisheries and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management recently released a joint draft strategy to protect and promote the recovery of North Atlantic right whales while responsibly developing offshore wind energy. This strategy is part of NOAA Fisheries’ comprehensive Road to Recovery for North Atlantic right whales.

If offshore wind development isn’t the cause of recent whale deaths off New York and New Jersey, what is the cause?
Since January 2016, NOAA Fisheries has been monitoring an Unusual Mortality Event for humpback whales with elevated strandings along the entire East Coast. To date, there are 178 humpback whale mortalities included in the UME. Partial or full necropsy examinations were conducted on approximately half of the whales. Of the whales examined, about 40 percent had evidence of human interaction, either ship strike or entanglement. Vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing gear are the greatest human threats to large whales.

Why is there currently a high number of large whales in the waters off New Jersey? Is it related to offshore wind?
As the humpback whale population has grown, they have been seen more often in the Mid-Atlantic. Along the New Jersey shore, these whales may be following their prey (small fish) which are reportedly close to shore this winter. These prey also attract fish that are of interest to recreational and commercial fishermen. This increases the number of boats in these areas. More whales in the water in areas traveled by boats of all sizes increases the risk of vessel strikes. As such, we advise boaters to go slowly (less than 10 knots) and keep a lookout for whales.

There is currently a voluntary slow zone in effect for the waters off New York and New Jersey due to recent detections of endangered North Atlantic right whales. There are also active Seasonal Management Areas (where all vessels 65 feet or longer must travel at 10 knots or less) off the ports of New York/New Jersey and Delaware Bay due to known seasonal distribution of endangered North Atlantic right whales.

Is climate change a factor in the number of whales we’re seeing close to shore?
We know that our climate is changing, and one of those key changes is the warming of our oceans. In response to this, we are seeing populations of many marine species adapting by moving into new areas where conditions are more favorable.

Changing distributions of prey impact larger marine species that depend on them, and result in changing distribution of whales and other marine life. This can lead to increased interactions with humans as some whales move closer to near shore habitats. Work is ongoing to investigate the increase in humpback whale deaths beginning in 2016, and certainly this most recent string of devastating losses.

The impacts of changing species distributions reach far beyond the individual species experiencing the shift, to affect entire ecosystems, as well as fisheries interactions, and coastal economies.

What can I do to help whales in distress?
If you see a dead or injured marine mammal or sea turtle, please call the NOAA Greater Atlantic Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Hotline at (866) 755-6622 to be directed to a trained responder. The best way to assist these animals, and keep them and yourself safe, is by calling trained responders and maintaining a distance of 150 feet.

Please remember that all marine mammals are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which makes touching, feeding, or otherwise harming these animals illegal. It is also illegal to take any marine mammal part from live or dead animals including bones and teeth.

If you are a boater, download the Whale Alert app for real time updates on management areas and whale sightings on digital nautical charts. When you are boating in these areas, slow down and keep a watchful eye on the water.

Additional Information on Harassment Authorizations
What does “harassment” mean under the Marine Mammal and Protection Act?
Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, harassment is statutorily defined as:

Level A Harassment, which has the potential to injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild (i.e. non-serious injury)
Level B Harassment, which has the potential to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild by causing disruption of behavioral patterns, including migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering but which does not have the potential to injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild (i.e. behavioral disturbance).
How do I find more information about marine mammal incidental harassment authorizations?
We track all active and in-progress incidental take authorizations, including those related to offshore wind. There are 12 active IHAs authorizing the take, by Level B (i.e. behavioral) harassment only, of marine mammals incidental to offshore wind site characterization surveys in the Atlantic Ocean from southern New England to the Carolinas.

General information about the MMPA take authorization process

There are two active IHAs for offshore wind construction activities that authorize take of marine mammals by both Level A and Level B harassment. Level A harassment includes non-serious injury—in this case, in the form of auditory injury resulting from exposure to noise from pile driving. NOAA Fisheries carefully considers possible impacts to marine mammal species. These details and mitigations are included in the relevant documents for each active IHA.

Additional Information on Necropsies
What are NOAA Fisheries and its partners doing to determine the cause(s) of recent whale deaths?
The local stranding network partner is responsible for leading the examination, but large whale responses generally involve multiple agencies from across the network working together. These stranding network partners responded to each of the recent cases to document and examine the carcasses. At a minimum, each carcass was documented with photos, measurements, and an external examination. Since the cause of death is not always clear at first examination, biologists took samples from these whales, and will work with laboratory partners to review them in the coming months. Decomposition can limit our ability to determine a definitive cause of death.

Why aren’t all large whales necropsied?
Large whale necropsies are very complicated, requiring many people and typically heavy equipment (front loaders, etc.). Some whales are found dead floating offshore, and need to be towed to land for an examination. There can be limitations on the location where the whale stranded, including protected lands (parks or concerns for other endangered species) and accessibility (remote areas, tides that prevent access at times of day). Also, necropsies are the most informative when the animal died relatively recently. Some whales are not found until they are already decomposed, which limits the amount of information that can be obtained. Finally, funding is limited, and varies by location and stranding network partner.

Who are NOAA Fisheries’ marine mammal stranding network partners?
Our marine mammal stranding network partners in New England and the Mid Atlantic include:

Allied Whale (Maine)
Marine Mammals of Maine (Maine)
Seacoast Science Center (New Hampshire/North Shore Massachusetts)
International Fund for Animal Welfare (Cape Cod, Massachusetts)
Center for Coastal Studies (Cape Cod, Massachusetts)
Marine Mammal Alliance Nantucket (Nantucket, Massachusetts)
Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah (Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts)
Whale and Dolphin Conservation (South Shore, Massachusetts)
Marine Mammal Stranding Center (New Jersey)
Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (New York)
New York Marine Rescue Center (New York)
Mystic Aquarium (Connecticut/Rhode Island)
MERR Institute (Delaware)
Maryland Department of Natural Resources (Maryland)
National Aquarium (Maryland)
Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center (Virginia)

Filed Under: Animal Activism, Bottom, Environment, Environmental Activism, News

8 Dead Whales: Time to Stop Windfarm Development

January 22, 2023 by 3 Comments

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — Environmentalists and opponents of offshore wind stood on a beach where the marine mammal lay buried and called for a federal probe into a spate of whale deaths in New Jersey and New York. Groups from the two states wrote President Joe Biden requesting a probe of the deaths of six whales that washed ashore over the last 33 days in areas being prepared for large-scale offshore wind farms. They also are asking for a halt to site work until the causes are determined.

The death total has now reached 8, with another dead whale floating near Virginia Beach.

Last Thursday a 20- to 25-foot-long (6- to 7.6-meter-long) humpback whale washed up on the Jersey Shore. Its remains washed ashore in Brigantine, just north of Atlantic City, which itself has seen two dead whales on its beaches in recent weeks.

“We should suspend all work related to offshore wind development until we can determine the cause of death of these whales, some of which are endangered,” said New Jersey state Sen. Vince Polistina, a Republican who represents the area. “The work related to offshore wind projects is the primary difference in our waters, and it’s hard to believe that the death of (seven) whales on our beaches is just a coincidence.”

The Clean Ocean Action environmental group notes that wind farm site work typically involves exploring the ocean floor using focused pulses of low-frequency sound in the same frequency that whales hear and communicate, which could potentially harm or disorient the animals.

Brigantine’s mayor, Vince Sera, joined in the call for a temporary halt to offshore wind site prep, as did U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, a Republican congressman representing southern New Jersey.

At a news conference Monday in Atlantic City, the groups calling on Biden to probe the deaths said offshore wind developers have applied for authorization to harass or harm as many as 157,000 marine mammals off the two states.

Of course, Climate Change grifters tried to use the fake ‘climate crisis’ to push for wind farm development, even as the work is killing off endangered species. For Clean Water Action, Environment New Jersey, the Sierra Club, New Jersey Audubon, NY/NJ Baykeeper, and others, the end (the money grift) always justifies the means.

“The climate crisis demands that we quickly develop renewable energy, and offshore wind is critically important for New Jersey to reach the state’s economic development and environmental justice goals,” the groups said in a statement.

Filed Under: Activism, Animal Activism, Bottom, Environment, Environmental Activism, News

Many Animals Still a Need Home

January 15, 2023 by Leave a Comment

Eastern Shore Regional Animal Control Facility currently has many animals ready for adoption. Here is the link to the Adoption Application: https://www.co.accomack.va.us/…/15486/637799339495470000

You can print it, fill it out, and drop it off at the facility if you’re interested in one of our lovely cats or dogs that are looking for their FURever Home!

Address: 28167 Beacon Rd Melfa, VA 23410

(757) 787-7091 or email: accomackanimalcontrol@gmail.com

Filed Under: Animal Activism, Bottom, News, Pets

Pet of the Week: Meet Solstice

January 8, 2023 by Leave a Comment

Have you ever seen a cuter little bully mix? Meet Solstice. She is dog and cat friendly here at the Eastern Shore Regional Animal facility, and is estimated to be about 2 years old, about 20lbs and she needs a home.

Give us a call to set up an appointment to meet this sweet girl.

The address is: 28167 Beacon Rd in Melfa. (757) 787-7091

Follow the link to fill out an adoption application!

https://www.co.accomack.va.us/…/15486/637799339495470000

Filed Under: Animal Activism, Bottom, News

Students and Volunteers Help ES SPCA this Christmas Season

December 25, 2022 by Leave a Comment

This season, many folks came together to help out our local SPCA.

The ES SPCA sends out a Thank you to the students, teachers and parents of Broadwater Academy for your kind holiday donations for our fur babies!

Merry Christmas & thank you Benjamin B. for the beautiful Christmas card you made for everyone here at the SPCA. Woof, woof & meow!!

They would also like to thank and send out a Merry Christmas to these wonderful children and their lovely teacher who are at the top of Santa’s nice list!

Thank you so much to this dedicated teacher, Miss Burkhead, and her sweet students from Kegotank kindergarten class for their holiday donations from our wishlist to our SPCA fur kids!

ES SPCA were given written permission to share this photo that was taken in the classroom.

the lovely ladies from The Eastern Shore Sewing Guild, who brought some supplies as well as lovely blankets they hand crafted for our cats and dogs! Thank you, for all you have done for our fur kids waiting for a loving home!!

Filed Under: Animal Activism, Bottom, News

Order your 2023 Chicken Run Rescue Calendar

December 11, 2022 by Leave a Comment

The theme this year: Happy Together

People are often surprised to learn that chickens have rich emotional lives and enduring relationships. They are even more amazed that chickens can still have those needs satisfied despite physical limitations. CRR residents and caregivers live under the same roof and allow for these intimate insights. Our photos uplift and inspire – what a great gift for the new year.

Twelve unforgettable stories of birds who found companionship against all odds. Includes guest photos of residents at United Poultry Concerns and a poem by Karen Davis.

Purchase your calendar here

ABOUT CHICKEN RUN RESCUE

Founded in 2001, Chicken Run Rescue has fostered an evolution in critical thought about who is food and who is friend through rescue, rehabilitation, sanctuary and education.

Help all animals by adopting an animal free diet. Help individual chickens by adopting them as companions. Sustainable agriculture grows gardens not victims.

Filed Under: Animal Activism, Bottom, News

Kayakers Needed to Help Diamondback Terrapins

December 4, 2022 by Leave a Comment

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources recently launched a new volunteer opportunity to directly help the imperiled diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) of Virginia. These unique turtles inhabit brackish water habitats. They are considered keystone predators of herbivorous crabs and snails in salt marsh ecosystems, a key role in the maintenance of overall marsh health.

Sign Up Here

The project will launch in Spring 2023 using volunteers doing standardized ‘headcounts’ from canoes and kayaks in search of terrapins along Virginia tidal tributaries throughout the coastal region. The data collected will identify waterways that are of high value to terrapins. CCRM is providing suitable habitat range maps for this charismatic species, in addition to ongoing research about terrapins being harmed by derelict crab pots.

Filed Under: Animal Activism, Bottom, Environment, Environmental Activism, News

Pet of the week: Meet Carter

November 20, 2022 by Leave a Comment

Hi I am Carter. I am a very happy go lucky kind of guy. I weigh in at just around 60 lbs and am a Lab mix. I am very young and am in the 1-2 year age range. I am an absolute lovebug.

I could possibly get along with other dogs as I don’t seem to mind visiting next to the smaller dogs here, and puppies.

I have just been neutered and am up to date on my vaccines.

I really enjoy being with people. I try to be gentle, but can use a little help with my walking on a leash. It is unknown how I may do in a home with cats.

I am fairly clean in my kennel, so may need some patient relearning of house training. I am an all around friendly guy.

If you think you may be interested in adoption you can stop by the shelter Tuesday-Saturday 10a.m.-2:30p.m. to walk through our kennel and pick up an application.

You can also print one out on our website at

www.shorespca.com. You can send an email to us at shorespca@gmail.com and request an application be sent to you or call with any questions at 757-787-7385

Filed Under: Animal Activism, Bottom, News, Pets

Yes, we know, dolphins are in the Bay

November 13, 2022 by Leave a Comment

WTOP – Reasearchers at Chesapeake Dolphin Watch are confirming what most of us already know about dolphins. The researchers say the bottlenose dolphins normally live in coastal ocean waters, but they do come into the Chesapeake Bay.

“We’ve seen evidence of them foraging and feeding, we’ve seen evidence of them rearing their young and nursing their young, giving birth and mating behaviors,” said Chesapeake DolphinWatch project coordinator Jamie Testa.

You can share your dolphin sightings with the researchers.

“We might find dolphin year-round in the lower part of the bay, closer to the ocean,” even in rivers and creeks near the lower and middle bay, she said.

When to comes to dolphin sightings in the middle and upper portions of the Chesapeake Bay, “May to September is your window. June to July is the peak — the best opportunity,” she said.

Fortunately for humans, when it comes to the dolphins’ eating habits, “We don’t have any evidence that dolphins are eating crabs in the bay.” They mainly enjoy smaller fish, such as juvenile bunkers.

Filed Under: Animal Activism, Bottom, News

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 22
  • Next Page »

Search

Join the Conversation!

Send letters, opinion, goings on or photos to capecharlesmirror@gmail.com

Mirrors

Recent Comments

  • Come Here To Stay on Has Real Estate Investment Ruined the Shore?
  • Boy on Has Real Estate Investment Ruined the Shore?
  • Paul Plante on Op-Ed: Madness and Insanity in a Time of Joe Biden
  • Paul Plante on Timeline of Obama/Biden Corruption in Ukraine
  • BRAND on Has Real Estate Investment Ruined the Shore?
  • Paul Plante on Op-Ed: Biden’s GREEN Body Count 
  • Come Here To Stay on Has Real Estate Investment Ruined the Shore?
  • Chuck Heffen on Giant Megalodon tooth discovered in Chesapeake Bay by 9-year-old
  • Joseph Smitten on Captain of Ever Forward gives up pilot license
  • Paul Plante on Timeline of Obama/Biden Corruption in Ukraine
  • Blue Hoss on Has Real Estate Investment Ruined the Shore?
  • Stuart Bell on Has Real Estate Investment Ruined the Shore?
  • Boy on Has Real Estate Investment Ruined the Shore?
  • Paul Plante on Op-Ed: Madness and Insanity in a Time of Joe Biden
  • Stuart Bell on Has Real Estate Investment Ruined the Shore?
  • Paul Plante on Timeline of Obama/Biden Corruption in Ukraine
  • A Come Here to stay on Has Real Estate Investment Ruined the Shore?
  • Paul Plante on Biden depletes Strategic Petroleum Reserve
  • BRAND on Has Real Estate Investment Ruined the Shore?
  • Paul Plante on Timeline of Obama/Biden Corruption in Ukraine

Trending Now

  • Has Real Estate Investment Ruined the Shore?
  • Untangling the Mystery of the Little Farm: Part 1
  • Eastern Shore of Virginia Decoy Show Feb 4th
  • Special Meeting: Banning Short-Term Rentals
  • Op-Ed: Compare George Orwell's 1984 to Society Today
  • Timeline of Obama/Biden Corruption in Ukraine
  • Giant Megalodon tooth discovered in Chesapeake Bay by 9-year-old
  • Classifieds
  • Op-Ed: Biden's GREEN Body Count 
  • Follow the Money: Influence of the National Association of Realtors

Copyright © 2023 · News Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

 

Loading Comments...