tursiops.org - Endangered whale at risk as oil nears Miami, orca group says. FL, USA

lauricedeephd writes "Oil from the Gulf disaster is washing closer to the Miami Seaquarium, increasing fears that it could contaminate water in the tank that plays home to Lolita, the killer whale.

There is an estimated 80 per cent chance the oil will hit Miami next month, meaning captive dolphins, seals, sea lions, sea turtles and manatees at the aquarium are also under threat, since the Seaquarium uses water straight from Biscayne Bay, on Florida’s southeast coast.

Lolita, the only surviving captured member of the endangered southern residents, an orca pod, was captured in Penn Cove, Wash., in 1970. Her ongoing captivity in the smallest killer-whale tank in the U.S. has sparked years of protests and pleas for her release.

Now, says the Washington-based Orca Network, her life is again being threatened — not only by oil, but by dispersant being used by BP to break down the oil.

“Any contact (with dispersant) can be fatal,” said Howard Garrett, who has contacted officials with the U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. They have assured him they are well aware of the situation. “I hope they understand the urgency.”

Seaquarium general manager Andrew Hertz said this week that staff are putting together contingency plans to protect the animals, although the plan depends on the level of oil in the water.

“As a short-term solution, we have the ability to operate on a closed system without taking in any new water from the bay,” he said.

Hertz said plans will be submitted to the Florida Governor’s Office, and possibly the U.S federal government, for assessment. However, it could cost up to $5 million to create a closed-water system at the park, he said.

“It is certain that we will need assistance on the front end, for, if the oil hits, it would be too late for our animals,” he said.

Garrett said it’s unlikely that a closed-water system could be built in time and he believes the animals may have to be moved.

“They should be training Lolita to go into a sling to get comfortable with her part of the process. They need a full plan in place,” he said.

The only small silver lining is the hope Miami Seaquarium will consider retiring Lolita to a sea pen off San Juan Island, where she could interact with her family, Garrett said.

“This, as horrible a calamity as it is, could be the issue that forces her removal,” he said.

However, Garrett conceded, the Seaquarium could also look at shipping her to another aquarium.

In the past, Hertz has said releasing Lolita is not an option.

Ironically, the oil is predicted to hit Miami around the 40th anniversary of Lolita’s capture, Garrett said, on Aug. 8.

Source: http://www.vancouversun.com/technology"