Conservation in a larger sense is also served by increasing our knowledge of spinner dolphins. Spinners are one of the two major species which die by the millions in the tuna purse seine nets. Most people are unaware that Congress has just legalized importing tuna caught by killing dolphins. There is no question that the tuna-porpoise slaughter, in terms of numbers killed, is the most dangerous problem to cetaceans today.

Are Humans Harmful?

The interaction of humans with wild dolphins is a special gift – one that should be valued and protected. The current trend towards environmental awareness is accompanied by people seeking ways to change their relationship with nature. In Hawaii this has been demonstrated in recent years by the increasing numbers of people who have discovered the accessibility of the exuberant Hawaiian spinner dolphins, and avidly pursue trying to swim with them. As this type of “ecotourism” becomes more popular, it may become critical to the welfare of these dolphins to define guidelines for appropriate behavior for humans seeking to observe dolphin life. Earthtrust’s research constitutes the baseline scientific study which is necessary to evaluate impacts like this and others on the dolphins, and to secure protection for them if and when they need it.

Getting To Know You

Scientific data is critical and necessary for conservation. In order to best determine how to manage these animals, we must understand their way of life and their needs. We need to know as much as we can about who they are and what their lives are like.

The birth of this baby was an exciting event for us, as we have known the mother, Heart, for three years, and were looking forward to following the growth of her offspring. Sadly, the baby disappeared within two weeks of taking this photo. Heart was seen in the spring of 1998, looking full in the belly, and we have hopes that she has given birth to a healthy new baby

We are presently focusing on a group of spinner dolphins off the coast of Oahu. These dolphins forage for food in the deep ocean at night but rest in shallow coastal waters during the day, making it easy for us to unobtrusively observe them. Identification of the dolphins, which enables us to build an accurate profile of their population, is a critical component of the study, and is achieved through underwater photography and video. Slides and video data are analyzed for identity and then catalogued and archived. IDs are determined primarily by using distinct scars and coloration patterns on the dolphins’ bodies. Data is recorded on the dates each animal is seen, as well as any dolphin associations observed. Each “new” dolphin is compared against the extensive ID collection (to date over 2000 slides of over 130 dolphins, out of an estimated 200 to 300 near the study site).

Example of Photo ID being utilized to identify individual dolphins. Characteristic scars–such as the “V” notches in this dolphin’s dorsal fin, are permanent “fingerprints” of individual dolphins.

The Spinner Study also explores the concepts of long-term site fidelity as well as whether there is any inter-island migration of the spinners. It is not known whether the Hawaiian spinners travel to other islands. There has been extensive research on spinner dolphins on the Big Island of Hawaii, and to an extent on the spinners near the island of Lanai. In 1997 we began a photo ID archive of spinners on the northeast coast of Kauai. By comparing our data with that of researchers from other islands, we may soon be able to answer this question.

In 1995 we analyzed a collection of ID slides of Oahu spinners, taken by researcher Ed Shallenburger in 1978 – and we instantly recognized one of our “regulars,” Double Decker. Named because of two unmistakable chunks missing from his dorsal fin, and pictured here in the foreground, Double Decker is a large adult male who frequently visits the research area – and because of the Spinner Study we now have proof he has been doing so for at least 20 years.

Spinners On TV

Unique underwater video footage we obtained during the summer 1997 field season was used extensively in an award-winning documentary which appeared on the Discovery Channel in March, 1998. “Ocean Acrobats: The Spinner Dolphin” featured interviews with Earthtrust researchers Suchi Psarakos and Dr. Ken Marten, and highlighted the important work they are doing with the spinners in Hawaii.

Shore-Based Data Collection

Earthtrust’s research also measures aspects of the spinners’ behavior, such as their apparent preference for special swimming and rest areas. During peak tourist months of 1995, 1996, and 1997, an intensive daily observation period was conducted. Collecting this data is critical for determining whether the dolphins’ use of these bays is being adversely affected by humans. Both swimmers and dolphins were observed and pertinent data on the behavior of each was noted and recorded. The data set included such parameters as the number and location of dolphins and swimmers, and number of seconds between a given dolphin surfacing for air, as well as number of spins, leaps, and slaps on the surface that the dolphins made. Aerial behavior, so magnificent in spinners, is a good general indicator of behavior level. Organization and analysis of this large and complex data set is underway, and Earthtrust will be publishing the results for the environmental and scientific communities.

Already Making A Difference

In the fall of 1997, the beach adjoining the dolphins’ resting site was nearly used as an amphibious landing training area by the Marines. Earthtrust wrote a letter to Hawaii’s governor, the Commander in Chief of the Pacific, and the Marine official in charge of environmental assessment, protesting the use of the area and advocating it as a critical habitat for the spinners. Due in part to Earthtrust’s letter-writing efforts, the governor ultimately relocated the training to an alternate beach. On the morning of the day that the landing had been proposed, we observed 35-45 spinner dolphins, 25-35 spotted dolphins, many babies, and several instances of mating. It clearly was fortunate that this training event did not take place at the beach, and we are pleased that the existence of our data on spinner dolphin use of the area, the only data set of its kind, was at least partially responsible for the governor’s decision. It is a clear sign of the critical necessity of studies such as ours, and the success that these studies can have in helping to protect the dolphins’ habitat.

Working Towards Our Goals

As with Earthtrust’s Project Delphis, the purpose of the Spinner Study is twofold: science and conservation. The study can teach us about how spinner dolphins use our coastlines, and what it means to have humans trying to interact with them. Pragmatically, defining the dolphin populations will allow them to be considered in the case of yet-unforeseen human impacts on them or their habitats. Earthtrust’s research will contribute to the critical and timely task of evaluating the most unobtrusive and respectful ways to observe marine mammals in ways that do not interfere with the delicate balance of their social systems. We hope to demonstrate that the local spinner dolphins are a thriving collection of unique individuals and complex societies. Presenting dolphins to people in this personal, intimate way will, we hope, encourage them to treat the oceans with sensitivity, respect, and a desire to protect.

The nature of this study requires that it be long-term. Our current National Marine Fisheries Service permit allows us to continue our research until the year 2000. The Earthtrust Spinner Study research team will work into the next century to find new ways to teach people about dolphins, and to keep wild dolphins wild.

The resource tapped by Earthtrust is the individual excellence of large numbers of professional people outside the conservation movement who strongly desire to work for wildlife conservation as part of their life goals. These people are trained and organized and set upon projects which, if successfully completed, will positively change the situation or educate a large number of people.

The organizational concept of Earthtrust is high tech rather than high overhead. To provide representation from environmental crisis areas around the world, Earthtrust is connected via telephone, computer, fax, and other methods of electronic communication, forming a global network. This makes it possible for projects to be undertaken on much smaller budgets with quicker response, and eliminates the need for a network of large offices.

The general program philosophy of Earthtrust is to involve small groups of highly capable people in positive, innovative projects aimed at resolving wildlife crisis situations. These projects are centrally planned by the Earthtrust Board, with a global overview; to educate the world public and to set in motion events which can defuse the crisis. These often include actively intervening on behalf of threatened species. Earthtrust’s sophisticated use of video and photographic images allows this world public to bear witness to such wildlife crises.

Earthtrust believes that any long-term protection of wildlife must realistically deal with business economics on an international level. When possible, Earthtrust sets up programs which allow corporations to aid the work of protecting wildlife.

As a truly international organization, Earthtrust is non-political; working with many nations and governments to encourage long-term political solutions to help protect the earth and its species.

What are Driftnets?

Because of its well documented history of destruction of marine fisheries and wildlife populations, driftnetting is now widely considered to be the most destructive fishing technology ever devised by humankind. Combined mortalities to dolphins and other small cetaceans impacted by these nets were measured in the early 1990′s to be in excess of several hundred thousand each year. In addition, millions of seabirds, tens of thousands of seals, thousands of sea turtles and great whales, and huge quantities of non-target fish species were killed in these nets each year. Pirate driftnetters–though less numerous than their formerly “legal” counterparts, continue these destructive practices.

Driftnet fishing is clearly unsustainable and causes indiscriminate mortalities to wildlife and non-target species. Stopping pirate driftnetting–as commercial driftnetting has been stopped–would preserve marine resources and wildlife populations and offer much needed protection to the majority of fishermen who use viable economic and environmentally sustainable methods of fishing. It would also end the destruction caused by the loss of thousands of miles of net each year. Lost nets, also called “ghost” nets, continue to ‘fish’ as they float at sea until sinking under the weight of their victims or washing ashore where they entangle seals and seabirds.

Earthtrust and Driftnets Earthtrust’s involvement in successfully curtailing the early excesses of driftnetting goes back to 1983. The document Earthtrust and Driftnets: A Capsule History sums up Earthtrust’s activities coordinating the international issue over the years, which climaxed in a United Nations moratorium on driftnet use on the high seas (i.e. those ocean waters outside the 200 mile Exclusive Economic Zones of individual nations) starting in 1993. Pirate driftnetting, however, continues. Even at its current level it may be the largest killer of sperm whales and many other kinds of animals in the world. Earthtrust is seeking funding to expand the DriftNetwork program through 2003 and beyond.

“As far as I know, the only mechanism now proposed which may credibly provide the information necessary to implement the full Moratorium is the concept of the DriftNetwork planned by Earthtrust.”

The ecosystem damages brought on by driftnetting are extensively documented in Earthtrust’s extensive white paper, titled High Seas Driftnetting: The Plunder of the Global Commons, by international wildlife law expert Linda Paul.

The moratorium on deep-sea driftnets is not only Earthtrust’s largest vistory, it is possibly the largest environmental victory in history. In terms of biomass, species, fish populations, and number of creatures saved which would have been wastefully destroyed, the numbers are almost incomprehensible.

Ironically, though, this huge but partial victory brought a certain complacency to the issue. Even though illegal driftnetting is still going on, and “legal” driftnetting is occuring within the 200-mile limits of some nations, contributions and effort to end activities in the Pacific and Indian oceans have virtually dried up. It is estimated that each Taiwanese driftnet boat fishing the Indian Ocean kills roughly 50 sperm whales per season, making this the largest such whale kill in the world today; yet conventional wisdom seems to be that the issue is solved.

Earthtrust is dedicated to continuing the work on what is STILL one of the premier dangers to the marine ecosystem, whales, dolphins, seabirds, turtles, and other creatures. Contributions made to Earthtrust’s DriftNetwork Campaign will be designated exclusively for that use.

Pirate driftnetters are still operating! Earthtrust–a small organization with minimal resources–has documented their operations on several occassions. The well-publicized incident, in which Earthtrust was closely involved, is summarized here in an excerpt from Earthtrust’s December 1995 “President’s Letter”.

The Manager of Earthtrust’s DriftNetwork Program is Sue White, a long-time veteran of critical wildlife conservation efforts.

Project Delphis is a conservation effort to save wild dolphins, as well as an international dolphin behavior and cognition research project. Its purpose is threefold:
1. to save dolphins in the ocean from the holocaust they currently experience. By learning all we can about the intelligence of dolphins, and sharing these findings with the global public in an effort to raise people’s awareness about these animals, it is hoped this information will further dolphin conservation efforts worldwide.

2. to conduct scientific research on the behavior and cognition of dolphins and learn more about their minds, and contribute these findings to the scientific literature;

3. to enrich the environment of these dolphins by offering a vehicle for their recreation.
Construction of the first Project Delphis underwater viewing laboratory was completed in July 1990 in Waimanalo, Hawaii. Research on perception and self-consciousness began immediately. That lab functioned until late 2002, building up a huge archive of recorded data and preparing the Delphis program for its next steps.
[50K GIF Schematic of Underwater Lab]
Research At Project Delphis
Our research methodology is unique for scientific work with dolphins: all work is done purely on the dolphins’ own motivation, with no food reward.
Do Dolphins Perceive Television As Reality, Or Just Fancy Lights?
A central goal of Project Delphis is to devise and perfect flexible interfaces betweenfor u dolphins and computers se in multiple labs and situations worldwide. As a first step, a basic method of operation in the Delphis program is to interact with the dolphins and explore their mental abilities and characteristics using a computer and TV monitor. [83K GIF Photo of Interior of Lab] The dolphins were shown a videotape of a trainer feeding them. It was anticipated that if the dolphins viewed TV as reality, they would swim to their feeding area. These dolphins first tried to catch the fish they saw being thrown on the screen, and then swam off to their regular feeding location. This response indicated a positive reality test: the dolphins accepted the small TV image as a representation of reality.
Self-Awareness Research
Experimental psychologists have measured self-awareness by observing an animal’s reaction to its mirror image: if it uses the mirror for self-examination, it implies a mental concept of self. This cognitive ability is only seen in the most advanced minds. Self-awareness has been demonstrated in the apes and man by anesthetizing the subject, marking his forehead, and watching his reaction when he wakes up: when he sees the mark in a mirror, does he investigate it by touching himself or the mirror? By these measures, a primate touching itself indicates self-awareness, whereas touching the mirror, a social response, suggests the subject is investigating what it perceives as another individual.

We conducted this “mark test” on five bottlenose dolphins by putting a harmless sunscreen cream on their sides and videotaping their behavior through a one-way mirror. Indeed they came to the mirror and twisted and turned as if they were looking at their mark. To test whether their postures were self-aware rather than social, we conducted control experiments: (1) we compared marked to unmarked behavior; (2) we compared mirror behavior to behavior with a real stranger through an underwater barred gate; and (3) we let the dolphins watch themselves on TV, both real-time and playback, and compared the two. The results of the mark tests and all control experiments strongly suggest self-awareness in the bottlenose dolphin. Our work has subsequently been repeated by independent labs with the same result.

If true, this is a profound result: previously, no animals except a few of the great apes – man and his nearest kin – have shown this trait. Finding self-awareness in a creature whose evolutionary history is separated from ours by 60 million years may say something fundamental about the evolution of intelligence in mammals, and perhaps the evolution of intelligence in this universe.

Scientific treatment of the self-awareness research appears as a chapter in the book Self-Awareness in Animals and Humans: Developmental Perspectives (Eds. Parker, S., Mitchell, R., and Boccia, M., Cambridge University Press, 1995). This entire chapter, including figures and photos, is available here. Extensive treatment has also been carried in the international science journal Consciousness and Cognition (Volume 4, Number 2, June 1995). Included in this journal is our paper outlining our research results, followed by commentary articles from a range of other animal awareness researchers. This commentary is followed, in turn, by our rebuttal to various comments presented by the other authors.
Underwater Touch Screen For The Dolphins
Since dolphins cannot interact with computers using traditional means, we have searched for alternate methods which will allow them to interact with their Mac computer. We tried to teach the dolphins to use an acoustic joystick, a way of controlling a computer cursor with sounds. They did not show sustained interest in the concept, and in the early 90′s the logistics of programming the computer to recognize their complex sound was problematic. However during initial tests using a TV display device which responds to sound with light patterns, the dolphins controlled the display by squeaking their rostrums against the underwater windows in their tank. This suggested the design of an underwater touchscreen. During 1992 and 1993 we worked with Carroll Touch, (now Elo TouchSystems) in Texas, one of the country’s major touchscreen manufacturers. Their design is dolphin safe: infrared beam production and sensing electronics are in the lab, and a “reflector frame” on the dolphin side of the underwater window bends the beams 90 degrees so they run parallel to the window surface. Control of the computer through touch allows the dolphins to run programs that to make choices in various experiments devised to explore their mental abilities and preferences. Carroll Touch has a special page on their web site devoted to the dolphin touch screen.

Dolphin interacting with touchscreen at Project Delphis. The inset is what the dolphin sees on the screen, which he/she can manipulate to produce different effects, e.g. music, sounds, visuals, etc.
Underwater Bubble Sculpture
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN READERS: Click here for additional photos of dolphin bubble ring sculpture. Email or phone EarthTrust to get involved or make a donation to the next-generation research. Please also see Dr. Ken Marten’s testimony to Congress on the “Dolphin Death Bill” which altered the definition of ‘dolphin safe’ tuna in the USA.

A physicist would marvel at some of the play behavior observed in young dolphins at the Project Delphis laboratory. They blow underwater bubble rings

It is significant that dolphin-sold-as-whale constitutes mislabeling, and there are a number of reasons – including risks of heavy-metal poisoning – that Japanese citizens may be expected to want to see this practice cease. It is important not just to identify products as coming from small cetaceans, but to identify WHICH small cetaceans, from which oceans, are being sold as whalemeat.

This practice is a significant danger to dolphins and must be addressed. DNA identification of these dolphins in the marketplace can provide an effective way of halting or greatly curtailing the practice… and may be in time to prevent significant international trade from developing.
Conclusion

A gap has developed: there is a need for DNA reality-checking of the trade in endangered wildlife products (such as whales ) , and the technology is now available to collect this information. But who is going to do it?

Whaling on “protected” whales is continuing, despite being banned by international conservation conventions. However, due to inherent constraints on treaty conventions, governments and scientists, it is difficult for them to monitor illegal trade in the marketplaces of other nations and this has not occurred.

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) like Earthtrust, however, are not hindered by such constraints, and are in fact in an excellent position to utilize DNA analysis to police the trade in endangered wildlife products throughout the world.

Earthtrust is taking the initiative to bring more scientists and NGO’s together to conduct these studies because this is a strategy which can save the whales. It can also set a precedent to establish real international conservation of wildlife species in a quantifiable, enforceable way. DNA is becoming widely accepted as a standard of truth by the people of the world, and the chance to take and hold this high ground is one we must seize.

Japan has conducted an international campaign to attempt to discredit the initial Earthtrust work, and is now doing its own. Japan called for our DNA information to not be used at the 1995 IWC meeting –and then presented its own study. (Fortunately, Earthtrust and its allies presented a second-generation study of whalemeat in Korea, keeping conservationists momentum going). Japan is also taking the position that it interdicts most illegal whalemeat. This may only be effectively countered by initiatives from the NGO conservation community to investigate and define the channels of illegal whalemeat flowing into Japan and the content of its whalemeat markets.

The relatively new tool of DNA analysis has now demonstrated itself as an extremely powerful means of tracking and exposing the underground whalemeat industry. By building on this success and implementing the tactics described here, it is conceivable that whaling could be ended by the turn of the century.

This a bold project. It seeks nothing less than the immediate global reform of illegal whaling. To accomplish this end, it enlists internationally-renowned scientists utilizing biotechnology on the cutting edge of what is possible. It “marries” these scientists and research institutions to a professionally-conducted program of “unannounced” international intelligence-gathering which is conducted by skilled investigators. The scientists go “on-site” in the country where the samples were obtained. They use state of the art miniaturized DNA-cloning equipment, to do polymerase chain reaction duplicates of the DNA. The results are analyzed using double-blind checking techniques which establish species identity using two different advanced mathematical models on separate parts of the DNA molecule.

A stepwise strategy of using DNA analysis to see whether the sale of “research whale meat” is masking the poaching of endangered species, was conceived of and developed by Earthtrust and is described in detail below. It involves bringing together a network of non-governmental organizations, research institutions, government representatives, and biotechnology manufacturing firms in a precedent-setting program. This strategy and these techniques have been endorsed by a broad spectrum of conservation experts and organizations. (see document “What the Experts Are Saying” )

This project, endorsed by so many, may well be the only strategy that can truly assure a future for whales. It has already revolutionized the international oversight of whaling infractions, and the IWC itself. In the following pages, we will try to explain how this strategy is meant to affect this complex issue – and why we believe it can work.

Tooth whales use sound not only to communicate, but also to “see”. Similar to bats they send out sounds and listen to the echo that comes back from objects (like fish or rocks). This kind of SONAR (SOund NAvigation Ranging) works very well. Even in complete darkness they can find their way through the ocean and also find their food.

When you listen to the sounds you will usually hear two kinds of sounds. One that sounds like whistling (high pitched sounds) and one that sounds like a rattle or clicking. In general the whistles are for communication and the clicks is the SONAR.

All sounds are copyright by Espaco Talassa. You can download them for private use only. None of the sounds may be used on other web pages and may not be distributed in any way. Commercial use is prohibited. Please don’t use them on your web page or put them on other servers or online services and also don’t use them for your business.

Our Structured Dolphin Swims are hands-on dolphin encounters, during which each individual will participate in a variety of trained behaviors (e.g. belly rubs, kisses, and dorsal tows) with our dolphins. These interactions are mediated by an experienced dolphin trainer.

During our Natural Dolphin Swims, individuals will enter the water with mask, fins and snorkel to participate in an open swimming with dolphins session (no direct contact). We are the only facility in the country that offers this exceptional, truly unique dolphin swim experience, which simulates swimming with dolphins in the wild.

Our Sea Lion Encounter is similar to that of the Structured Dolphin Swim, in which individuals will enter the water and participate in a variety of hands-on encounters with our sea lion, Wono.

All participants must understand the English language and should be comfortable in deep water in which they will be unable to stand. Please bring sunscreen, towels, and a change of clothes. Dolphins Plus provides all additional, necessary equipment at no additional charge.

The Journal of Applied Horticulture (JAH)  is an official publication of  the Society for the Advancement of Horticulture, founded in 1999. JAH is a biannual publication, publishes papers of original work (or results),  rapid communications and reviews on all aspects Horticultural Science in English which can contribute to fundamental and applied research on horticultural plants and their related products. The essential contents of manuscripts must not have been published in other refereed publications. Submission of a manuscript to the Journal implies no concurrent submission elsewhere.

Global Response
The Society for Advancement of Horticulture has been making efforts for the last few years to popularize the Journal and attract leading scientists and professionals to share their work and opinions with the community. The progress in this area has been very heartening. The Journal now boasts of an impressive list of contributors from around the world (more than 20 countries including USA, South Africa, Spain, Japan, West Indies, Israel, India, Finland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Malaysia, Egypt, Turkey, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Jordan), who have written on various research areas of horticulture.

Diverse Area of Horticultural Research
An analysis of the profile of contributors and the areas covered show that papers have been published on improvement and genetic resources (23.03%), production technology  (30.90%), postharvest studies and processing (21.81%), diseases and pests (10.90%), biotechnology and tissue culture (11.51%) and economics (1.81%) of horticultural crops. Papers contributed in JAH are on wide variety of crops (78 species), which includes ornamental crops (10.90%), medicinal and aromatic (3.63%), fruits (65.45%) and vegetables (20.00%).

The Journal has evoked overwhelming response from the fraternity. The number of subscribers continues to climb on a daily basis. The subscribers include leading universities and research organizations from around the globe as well as eminent personalities from the field of horticulture.

Review Policy and Procedure
All manuscripts must be submitted in English. Submitted manuscripts that do not conform to the JAH will be returned to authors for correction. A manuscript number is assigned to each manuscript, which will be sent to the corresponding author.  Always refer to the manuscript number in all correspondence thereafter.

Manuscripts submitted for publication are reviewed by two peer reviewers. Reviewed manuscripts are sent back to the corresponding author along with comments from reviewers. Some revision is usually necessary after the reviews, and final acceptance generally depends on extent of revision. In submitting revised manuscripts, authors are requested to submit explanations on how the revisions were made and the reason why they do not agree with the reviewers for those points on which they have no revision. The corresponding authors will be notified for acceptance.
Procedure after Acceptance: Accepted manuscripts must be submitted on computer diskettes or via e-mail as an attachment file(s) to . Preparation of manuscripts with Microsoft Word/ PageMaker is preferable. Pre-printing  proof (PDF) is mailed to the corresponding author. Authors must read proof carefully, correct if necessary, and return to the JAH as soon as possible.

Rapid Publication
JAH promotes the rapid publication of research papers. During last one year the total time take for peer-reviewing, copyediting, and publishing  has reduced drastically. For quick evaluation, authors can submit their manuscripts through email Editor@horticultureworld.net also. Our objective is to inform authors of the decision on their manuscript at the earliest. Following acceptance, a paper will normally be published in the next available issue.

Abstraction and indexing
Research papers published in JAH are abstracted in leading abstracting journals. Papers on various aspects pertaining to horticultural crops have been abstracted in following abstracts: