Leading Scientists to Announce New Global Effort To Save Whales, Dolphins; Experts to Ask Ocean Comm. to Prioritize Bycatch Problems

7/22/2002

From: Jan Vertefeuille, 202-744-7205 or Martha Wilson, 202-778-9517, both of the World Wildlife Fund; Tony LaCasse of the New England Aquarium, 617-973-5213 Web site: www.worldwildlife.org

News Advisory:

A recent summit of the world's leading marine mammal scientists concluded that the biggest threat facing whales and dolphins worldwide is entanglement and accidental drowning in fishing gear. As the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy opens its public hearing in Boston, world-renowned scientists will announce the launch of a global rapid response team to address the problem, working cooperatively with fishermen in regions with species in crisis.

What: Press conference to offer solutions to dolphin and whale bycatch problem, from 25 leading experts. Scientists will also call on the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy to include the issue as a priority for future U.S. marine policy.

When: Tuesday, July 23, 10:15 a.m.

Where: New England Aquarium conference center Central Wharf, Boston

Who: -- William Reilly, EPA administrator under President George H.W. Bush and chairman of the board, World Wildlife Fund

-- Scott Kraus, Ph.D., director of research, New England Aquarium

-- Andy Rosenberg, Ph.D., member of Ocean Commission; dean of Life Sciences College, UNH; former deputy director of National Marine Fisheries Service

-- Andy Read, Ph.D., assistant professor of marine conservation biology, Duke University Marine Laboratory; chair of the International Whaling Commission Small Cetacean Subcommittee

--- Photo Opportunity: Sample fishing gear and maps will be featured and B-roll provided.