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AR-NEWS Digest 373
Topics covered in this issue include:
1) Fwd: [US] Proposed Herring Gold Rush in Gloucester Could
Threaten Fish Sto
by David J Knowles
2) Man cannot do with nature as he pleases
by vadivu
3) (HK) Hunter turned birdwatcher
by vadivu
4) (MY) Register pets
by vadivu
5) (MY) Documentary on life underwater
by vadivu
6) Donkey Basketball-Calls Needed
by Debbie Leahy
7) Subscription Options--Admin Note
by allen schubert
8) (US) Bug Zappers May Do More Harm
by allen schubert
9) Fwd: Protesters Roar at Lion Dinner
by LMANHEIM@aol.com
10) Fwd: Sea World Of Florida Guests 'Wading' To Meet Dolphins
by LMANHEIM@aol.com
11) Japanese Embassy in Ontario
by BHGazette@aol.com
12) Ohio Police Officer needs help
by Vegetarian Resource Center
Date: Fri, 11 Apr 1997 21:27:26 -0700 (PDT)
>From: David J Knowles
To: ar-news@envirolink.org
Subject: Fwd: [US] Proposed Herring Gold Rush in Gloucester Could
Threaten Fish Sto
Message-ID: <1.5.4.16.19970411212803.094f8b46@dowco.com>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Forwarded from Greenpeace's press release server
>Comments: Authenticated sender is
>From: "Greenbase"
>Organization: Greenpeace
>To: press-releases@xs2.greenpeace.org
>Date: Fri, 11 Apr 1997 11:51:27 -8
>Subject: Proposed Herring Gold Rush in Gloucester Could Threaten Fish Sto
>Sender: owner-press-releases@xs2.greenpeace.org
>Reply-To: nobody@xs2.greenpeace.org
>
>PROPOSED HERRING GOLD RUSH IN GLOUCESTER
> COULD THREATEN FISH STOCKS
>
>
>WHAT: Gloucester Fishery Commission Meeting - Discussion of
>herring expansion plants
>
>WHO: Gloucester Fishery Commission, Gloucester Initiatives,
>Greenpeace
>
>
>WHEN: Thursday, April 10 - 7:00PM
>
>WHERE: Sawyer Free Library, Gloucester, Massachusetts
>
>
>GLOUCESTER, MA - The Gloucester Fisheries Commission is holding
>their monthly meeting during which they will discuss the proposed
>$10 million herring and mackerel processing plant on the state fish
>pier and the former incinerator vessel that is being retrofitted to
>become a factory trawler to fish on the East Coast. A business
>group called the Gloucester Herring Corporation wants to build the
>50,000 square foot plant and put into operation, at minimum, a 369
>foot factory trawler to catch and process the herring. A Dutch
>fishing company called Parlevliet & Van Der Plas would fund the
>venture. Last December Greenpeace blocked a Parlevliet & Van Der
>Plas trawler, the Helen Mary, in the English Channel while it was
>fishing for herring roe. The Greenpeace protest was sparked
>because the European Union reduced fishing in that region by 50% as
>a means of saving the stocks.
>
>
>Greenpeace and other local groups will attend the meeting to
>address the concerns of the fishermen in Gloucester and throughout
>New England and to alert residents to the negative environmental
>effects that this type of fishing will have on ensuring the healthy
>biomass of the Northwest Atlantic waters. "The presence of this
>factory trawler, with an 11,000 HP engine, invites similar vessels
>looking for a fishery," said Niaz Dorry, Greenpeace Fisheries
>Campaigner. "The North Pacific factory trawl fleet is already on
>the record expressing interest."
>
> Even with a healthy stock, many fishermen and others in the
>fishing communities experienced the negative impact of the factory
>trawl fleet on many fish stocks including herring, haddock, and
>cod in the 1960s and 1970s. Not only did the factory trawlers
>play a major role in the overfishing of commercial stocks, their
>presence played havoc on Georges Bank's ecosystem. Currently,
>there is no federal fishery management plan for herring. There
>are some efforts to use the current preliminary management plans
>as a platform on which to build a federal plan, but the Atlantic
>States Marine Fisheries Commission is only just starting this
>process.
>
>The plant, which would be the biggest of its kind in New England,
>would pack and freeze more than 20,000 tons of herring each year
>and ship it overseas, according to Frank Elliott, owner of a
>Gloucester shipping company and president of Gloucester Herring
>Corp. Approval of this project would mark the return of factory
>trawling to New England waters. The project is currently backed by
>Gloucester Mayor Bruce Tobey and Vito Colomo of the towns
>fisheries commission.
>
>Greenpeace and other concerned groups are demanding that this
>almost completed factory trawler and other factory trawlers be
>stopped from entering the Northwest Atlantic waters. The fishing
>communities and the fish stock have suffered enough.
>
>FOR MORE INFORMATION:
>Niaz Dorry - Greenpeace Fisheries Campaigner (508)283-5893
>Terri Johnson - Greenpeace Press Officer, Washington, DC
>(202)319-2542
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
Date: Sat, 12 Apr 1997 14:33:35 +0800 (SST)
>From: vadivu
To: ar-news@envirolink.org
Subject: Man cannot do with nature as he pleases
Message-ID: <199704120633.OAA12889@eastgate.cyberway.com.sg>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>Daily News - Features Section (Sri Lankan newspaper)
Saturday 12, April 1997
Man cannot do with nature as he pleases
By Peter Montague
I would like to be wrong about this. I hope I am. But it seems to me
there's a pattern of perpetual trouble ahead. It's avoidable, but only
with major effort.
It seems as if the entire `developed' world is depending on rapid
industrial innovation to pull its chestnuts out of the fire. The People
who run the permanent government (they're not elected) seem stuck on the
idea that tremendous growth will be required to solve the problems of
poverty, well-being, and pollution within the US and throughout the
world.
Even the Brundtland Commission - the prestigious group that coined
the phrase `sustainable development' back in 1987 - argued that the
world's total economic activity would have to increase five-fold to 10-
fold to lift all humans out of poverty. The need for growth has become
an axiom of modern industrial/economic/political life.
A corollary to this axiom says that rapid technical innovation is
the way to achieve growth. Therefore `sustainable development' requires
rapid growth, which in turn requires rapid technical innovation,
according to the people who think of themselves as managing the planet.
Obviously, this view creates an imperative to deploy new
technologies - an imperative that is particularly visible, these days,
in the fields of genetic engineering and materials science. (Materials
science is the systematic effort to create materials that nature never
made, from which to construct next year's automobiles, airplanes,
rockets, medical machinery, sky scrapers, foodstuffs, space stations,
pesticides, communications and entertainment platforms, armaments and so
on.)
It seems worth mentioning that, in the recent past, mad dashes
toward new technologies have usually created serious trouble:
** Our oil-based civilisation seemed like it was giving us a
wonderful life until it started warming the planet: in 1995-96 the
world's community of meteorologists reached consensus that our devotion
to petroleum has ominous implications for the kind of world we will
leave to our children.
** For 50 years, new uses of mercury proved to be very productive in
scientific instrument, silent light switches, latex paints, pesticides,
and more. But now we find that the mercury content of the world's
atmosphere has nearly doubled and consequently the fish in most of our
fresh waters have become poisonous from a build-up of toxic mercury in
their tissues.
** Lead is a superb pesticide, gasoline additive, paint supplement,
and glaze for pottery, but now we find that, millions - literally
millions - of children in the US and aboard are having their
intellectual capacity permanently diminished by lead poisoning.
** The invention of DDT made it possible to control malaria-bearing
mosquitoes without understanding anything about the life-cycle of the
mosquitoes - so easy that we forgot how to employ knowledge of mosquito
ecology to control malaria, relying instead on the heavy hand of DDT.
Now that the side-effects of DDT have become apparent - disrupting the
hormones of wildlife and contaminating humans on a global scale - DDT is
being phased out and malaria (the number one Killer, worldwide) is
resurgent. Other infectious diseases are spreading as well, because of
environmental dislocations caused by human technologies.
** Learning how to `fix" nitrogen from the atmosphere was a
marvellous innovation, leading to artificial fertilisers, increased per-
acre agricultural yields, and green lawns. But now `environmental
disruption caused by a planetary overload of nitrogen is emerging as a
new global concern' (William K Stevens, `Too Much of a Good Thing Makes
Benign Nitrogen a Triple Threat',`New York Times', 10/12/96) - a triple
threat, warming the Earth, contributing to the destruction of the ozone
layer, and diminishing valuable biodiversity.
** Nuclear energy was sold to taxpayers with the promise of
electricity `too cheap to meter' and nuclear weapons so horrific that
they would make war unthinkable. Nuclear electricity turned out to be
expensive, and today war is hardly unthinkable. Furthermore, in late
1996, the US Secretary of Energy declared, `The arms race is over. Our
struggle now is to get rid of this sea of plutonium.`The world's
several-hundred-ton stockpile of plutonium (a substance described by its
discoverer, Glenn Seaborg, as `fiendishly toxic') has created what the
`New York Times' calls `one of the most intractable problems of the
post-Cold-War era'.
This list could readily be extended, but the point is probably
clear.
Now, driven by the perceived need for rapid innovation to promote
economic growth, we find that `We are in the midst of a second
industrial revolution, one in which new high-tech materials are entering
the workplace at an almost overwhelming rate,'says Tai Chan, programme
manger of occupational health and safety research for General Motors. Of
course, after they enter the workplace, high-tech material enter
commerce and eventually enter the general environment.
A recent article in `Environmental Health Perspectives'(a US
government scientific journal) says, `Seeking an elusive combination of
high strength and light weight has driven engineers to develop a
staggering variety of new fibers and particles.'And:`Unfortunately, many
of the most desirable manmade fibers have many of the least desirable
health-related characteristics.'
And: `Typically composed of various combinations of ceramics,
polymers, and metals, these composites can pose a health risk to workers
who inhale fibers and particulate, and may present health hazards as
serous as those of asbestos.' And: `In fact,... researchers don't have a
good understanding of the mechanisms that may contribute to the toxicity
of ultrafine materials.' In other words, here we go again.
Carroll Pursell, a technology historian at Case Western Reserve
University, says, `Technology should be about the exercise of prudence.
But economic considerations usually push new developments forward.'
This is certainly the case with genetic engineering. The genetic
engineering industry hit its stride in 1995-96 when US regulators (Food
and Drug Administration, and Environmental Protection Agency) approved
the commercialisation of half a dozen new genetically engineered crop
species, which are now being dispersed into the environment by farmers
on a large scale. Soon these species will be sold abroad.
For the first three billion years of life on earth, genes could only
be shared among species that were similar enough to mate and reproduce.
There was no way dog genes could get into cats, or corn genes into
wheat. The gene pool of the mating species limited the genetic
information that any species could contain. Natural genetic variations
have always occurred, and those that promote survival may endure and
eventually cause a species to evolve, but the process up until now has
been glacially slow.
What's new about genetic engineering is that it allows genes to be
shared among completely unrelated species. And quickly. Genes from a
trout can be put into a tomato, for example, to give the tomato some
desirable characteristic that only the trout used to have. Species
created in this way are called `transgenic species' or `living modified
organisms' (LMOs). Now, literally, for $68 any microbiology graduate
student can purchase a gene splicing kit and start transplanting tobacco
genes into mosquitoes, or shark genes into lady bugs to see what will
happen.
In 1996, the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) published a book
urging caution as transgenic species are released into the environment.
The book basically asks, `What will it mean to have a steady stream of
animal and microbial genes entering the gene pools of plants in wild
ecosystems?' Based on principles of ecology (principles derived from
observing the way nature works) UCS warns of the following scenarios:
** Gene flow, in which new genes from insect-, disease-, or
herbicide-resistant species flow to wild plant relatives and weeds,
causing agricultural and ecological havoc unless effective controls are
available and affordable:
** Harms to non-target species arising, for example, from new gene
products with toxic qualities being ingested by birds and other feeders
in the regions where LMOs are cultivated:
**Cascading effects on an ecosystem triggered by the introduction of
LMOs, such as pests developing resistance to Bt in transgenic plants of
being diverted to other food sources:
** Loss of biological diversity arising when LMOs displace other
species, a particularly acute problem in Third World nations that
possess great crop diversity but lack the infrastructure and expertise
to prevent losses.
Yes indeed, here we go again.
We must ask, why do we create such similar problems again and again?
Why do we never seem to learn?
1) Most fundamentally because we believe we are the master species,
and that the rest of creation exists for our benefit. We are free to do
with it as we please. This completely wrong ideas, this suicidal
fantasy, is explored with wit and wisdom in Daniel Quinn's philosophical
novel, `Ishmael'(Bantam, 1995). As Quinn sees it, either we will get rid
of this deep-seated idea, or this idea will get rid of us.
2) Because we have set up our rules so that the people who
perpetrate new technological mistakes profit from them in the short
term, leaving the long-term costs to be borne by others.
What could do differently? We could put the burden of proof on those
who want to deploy new technologies, similar to the way we put the
burden of proof on people who want to sell new pharmaceutical drugs.
An elegant, conservative scheme for shifting the burden of proof has
been proposed by economist Robert Costanza. He calls it the
`precautionary polluter pays principle'. Basically, it would require
technical innovators to post a performance bond up front, to cover the
worst-case costs of what they're about to unleash on the world. Would it
slow the pace of technical innovation? Surely it would. Do we need such
a slowing? Only if we desire a future for humans. -(Third World Network
Features)
Peter Montague is director of the Environmental Research Foundation
in Annapolis, Maryland, USA. This article first appeared in `Rachel's
Environment & Health Weekly,' of which he is editor.
Date: Sat, 12 Apr 1997 14:33:05 +0800 (SST)
>From: vadivu
To: ar-news@envirolink.org
Subject: (HK) Hunter turned birdwatcher
Message-ID: <199704120633.OAA12042@eastgate.cyberway.com.sg>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>Hong Kong Standard, 12 Apr 97
Feature article
Bird's-eye view
By Priscilla Cheung
ORNITHOLOGIST Wang Tian-hou admits he loved hunting birds.
``The kids in my neighbourhood and I used to roam around the forest
shooting down birds with a Y-bow,'' Mr Wang, who hails from Shanghai,
says.
``If we got six or seven birds, we'd be sad.
``We wanted at least 20 or 30 birds _ now that's a victory.''
But now Mr Wang, a keen birdwatcher and a training officer at the
World Wide Fund for Nature Hong Kong (WWF), hunts down birds in quite
a different way.
``The idea of birdwatching is similar to hunting. Instead of a gun,
you take a camera, binoculars or even a telescope and try to ``shoot''
a bird,'' Mr Wang says.
``The effect is quite different _ it's just as exciting but you don't
kill the species.''
Mr Wang now works at the WWF centre on the Mai Po Nature Reserve and
persuades people to drop their guns and start protecting our birds and
the environment.
``We let people understand that the habitats of the birds are being
threatened, and that is threatening our bird population in Hong
Kong.''
Mr Wang started working for the Hong Kong WWF two years ago after
studying biology, ornithology and environmental sciences in Shanghai
and Brisbane, Australia.
He began his career as a bird expert by default _ his adviser in
Shanghai was a bird expert and he was coerced into writing a thesis on
birds.
``There are so many unsolved mysteries,'' he says.
For example, nobody quite knows how birds choose their stops in the
migration routes, or how they sustain the tedious sojourn that could
last for days.
Mr Wang lives in Mai Po in near solitude.
``It doesn't bother me. I'm so close to nature. On one side I can see
the buildings (in Shenzhen) and on the other side, I can see the
ponds, the hills, the birds and marshes _ it's so peaceful.''
Living in the rural land is a homecoming of sorts to Mr Wang _ he grew
up in his grandmother's house in the countryside near Shanghai until
he moved to Shanghai at the age of seven.
``It was the most free time in my life _ she used to encourage us to
run around, fish and even shoot the birds.
``There's always a best time in a person's life, and (the days in the
village) were mine.''
Mr Wang now runs about 10 training programs for visiting
conservationists and government officials from the Asia Pacific region
and the mainland.
``Many people think that wetlands are wastelands. But they come here,
see Mai Po, and come to understand that the wetlands are one of
China's most important resources.'' Many former trainees have returned
to their provinces and set up reserves and education centres, Mr Wang
says.
``Hunting is still a serious problem (on the mainland). That's why we
try to co-ordinate with people from China to learn about loving
birds,'' he says.
Mr Wang will participate in this weekend's Big Bird Race, a WWF fund
raiser. WWF hopes to raise $2.5 million.
Mr Wang will lead a group of mainland birdwatchers on a trip around
Hong Kong taking pictures of as many bird species as possible.
Mr Wang's team identified 167 species out of the 400-odd species in
Hong Kong last year. The team placed sixth among a dozen teams.
After the race, Mr Wang will go to Shanghai and Shandong and trace the
birds' migration patterns.
``Birds are our friends. They never harm people . . . I don't know why
people harm them.''
WWF organises frequent Mai Po boardwalk visits. It is also
recruiting volunteers to work at the nature reserve. Call the reserve
at 2471 6206.
Date: Sat, 12 Apr 1997 14:33:42 +0800 (SST)
>From: vadivu
To: ar-news@envirolink.org
Subject: (MY) Register pets
Message-ID: <199704120633.OAA12219@eastgate.cyberway.com.sg>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>The Straits Times, 12 Apr 97
Malaysia File
REGISTER PETS: To reduce road accidents caused by stray
animals, Malacca's veterinary services department will, from next
year,impose fines of M$1,000 per animal on livestock owners who
fail to register their animals.
State rural develop-
ment and agriculture committee chairman Datuk Noordin Yaani
said the Livestock Registration Bill, was being drafted. -- NST.
Date: Sat, 12 Apr 1997 14:33:48 +0800 (SST)
>From: vadivu
To: ar-news@envirolink.org
Subject: (MY) Documentary on life underwater
Message-ID: <199704120633.OAA11865@eastgate.cyberway.com.sg>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>The Star (11-Apr-97) Uncovering life underwater
By Ng Wai Meng
WARISAN Samudera which
explores exotic islands and seas in Malaysia, taking viewers on
an enlightening journey beneath the waters, made its debut on
Astro's Ria channel on March 13.
The high-budget documentary, an all-Malaysian
production by Novista Communications, also zooms in on our country's
marine plants and creatures.
The series covers a host of intriguing subjects
ranging from awesome hunting techniques of unusual marine plants
and animals to their extraordinary mating and feeding habits.
"Warisan"is
presented in five segments - "Fakta Samudera", "Siar Samudera",
"Rahsia Samudera", "Adat Samudera" and "Nota Samudera".
In each episode, "Fakta" introduces a unique marine lifeform,
"Siar" explores a specific dive or marine location, "Rahsia"
"unravels some of the ocean's sea secrets, "Adat" discusses
some dos and don'ts about the sea and "Nota" highlights some
important facts about underwater life.
The programme will showcase some rare footage
- be sure to look out for sharks queuing up to be cleaned by a
fish known as the cleaner wrasse, the deadly crown-of-thorns starfish
spawning on the coral reef, close-ups of turtles mating in the
surf, the vicious lionfish stalking its prey at night and the
octopus changing shapes and colour to communicate with its mate.
"Malaysians will be exposed to our rich
marine heritage through "Warisan". I want to prove that ours
is just as interesting as those of other countries' that we see
in foreign documentaries," said Harun Rahman, the managing director
of Novista.
The stunning underwater visuals are works
of Novista's team of skilful videographers, led by Harun, who
also produces and directs "Warisan".
Since the its establishment in 1992, the
company has been producing documentaries for WWF (Malaysia), the
Fisheries Department and other organisations.
According to Harun, this is its first major
project: "This is the first time we've had the chance to produce
a series. We've already completed 13 episodes and the second season
of "Warisan" is currently in the works."
Harun, who holds a degree in film production,
was trained for six years in the United States. "I've been diving
for several years and I can't recall a time when I didn't have
a camera with me whenever I dived.
"I guess the underwater world is just too
captivating for me to miss anything so I have to record everything
I see."
Novista's executive director, Chin Kek Mien (right),
who shares the same fascination for the sea, is also part of the
script-and-research team.
An experienced diver himself, Chin explains
that filming a documentary underwater is not an easy task. "We
need a big budget. Sometimes we need a helicopter to fly our equipment
when filming takes place in a remote area, which makes the production
so expensive.
"Also, it consumes a lot of time and effort
because we sometimes end up waiting for hours in vain when our
'subjects don't turn up.' "
"Another thing is," adds Harun, "constraints
such as air, diving and safety requirements dictate that we can
only be underwater for an hour at a time - if weather and sea
conditions permit, that is."
Looking for crew members was tough. "It's
very difficult to find experienced underwater crew members. One
must be well-trained in videography and diving. Plus, one has
to be physically fit and used to a vigorous lifestyle, like Harun,"
says Chin.
Post-production work is equally challenging.
It took the team more than two years of hard work and painstaking
research to come up with the programme.
Harun adds, "We constantly refer to our
panel of consultants for verification.
"At times they can't confirm some very rare
species which we have captured on film so there is always the
possibility that there are some (species) in Malaysia which are
not found elsewhere."
"Warisan" is
not only about sea creatures and their habitats, it also aims
at creating an awareness among Malaysians.
"We also discuss important issues on conservation
and protection as a reminder that our underwater heritage may
be destroyed due to human ignorance," says Harun, who has been
the president of the Malaysian Society of Marine Sciences for
two years now.
"Warisan" is
narrated in Bahasa Malaysia by Ariffah Kamarul who also dives
with the crew. There are plans to dub the series in English and
other languages for the international market.
Since "Warisan"is a world-class documentary
(and may even put Malaysia on the map), it would be great if RTM
would screen it for those who can't afford Astro.
'Warisan Samudera' is aired over the Ria
channel on Wednesday (2.30pm), Thursday (10.30pm) and Friday (9pm).
Date: Sat, 12 Apr 1997 10:37:17 -0400 (EDT)
>From: Debbie Leahy
To: ar-news@envirolink.org
Subject: Donkey Basketball-Calls Needed
Message-ID: <01IHM5GUKWTE9BWP8L@delphi.com>
MIME-version: 1.0
Content-type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII
CALLS NEEDED TO PROTEST DONKEY BASKETBALL
Rock Island High School in Illinois has a Bob Crosby donkey
basketball game scheduled for Thursday, April 17. Two humane
investigators just met with school officials in an attempt to have
the activity canceled. The school, already plagued with controversy
due to violent acts committed by students, has ignored all appeals
and refuses to be influenced by "outsiders."
Please call superintendent William Mitchell at 309/793-5906 and urge
him to demonstrate to the students a lesson in responsibility and
compassion by canceling this cruel "sport."
Mention:
Donkey ball has resulted in many injuries to both donkey and
participants. Hooved animals combined with slippery floors, loud
noises, unfamiliar surroundings, and unskilled riders who may hit and
kick the animals creates a formula for disaster.
Dozens of other schools have already responded to the public's
concerns by discontinuing donkey ball--just recently Woodstock High
School in Illinois and ten Minnesota schools.
The donkeys spend much of their lives being shipped across the
country in cramped, dreary trailers. To prevent accidents, food and
water is often withheld prior to appearances.
--------------------------------------
Illinois Animal Action
P.O. Box 507
Warrenville, IL 60555
630/393-2935
Date: Sun, 13 Apr 1997 11:44:59 -0400
>From: allen schubert
To: ar-news@envirolink.org
Subject: Subscription Options--Admin Note
Message-ID: <3.0.32.19970413114454.006c79f4@clark.net>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Just another reminder.......
Here are some items of general information (found in the "welcome letter"
sent when people subscribe--but often lose!)...included: how to post and
how to change your subscription status (useful if you are going on
vacation--either by "unsubscribe" or "postpone").
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********
"We are either part of the problem or part of the solution. Walk your talk
and no one will be in doubt of where you stand."
-- Howard F. Lyman
Date: Sun, 13 Apr 1997 12:03:32 -0400
>From: allen schubert
To: ar-news@envirolink.org
Subject: (US) Bug Zappers May Do More Harm
Message-ID: <3.0.32.19970413120330.006e38d0@clark.net>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
from AP Wire page:
------------------------------
04/12/1997 11:02 EST
Bug Zappers May Do More Harm
By JOHN D. McCLAIN
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Spring has arrived and daylight savings time is here,
so can
the mosquitoes be far behind? For many Americans, it's time to get out the
electric
bug zapper.
The continuous snap, crackle and pop coming from a zapper on a summer evening
has convinced many homeowners the traps are effective in ridding porches and
patios of marauding mosquitoes and no-see-ums.
But wait, say some scientists who study insects. Too often, they believe,
bug zappers
not only are ineffective against biting bugs, but do more harm than good.
For instance, a study by the University of Delaware at Newark analyzed 13,789
insects zapped by electric traps and found only 31 -- less than one-fourth
of 1
percent -- were biting bugs ``seeking blood meals at the expense of
homeowners.''
Nearly half were non-biting aquatic insects such as caddis flies and
midges that
feed fish, frogs, birds and bats, the study found. And another 14 percent
were insects
that actually attack pests, such as wasps, ground beetles and ladybugs.
``The heavy toll on nontarget insects and the near absence of biting flies
in catches
suggest that electric insect traps are worthless for biting fly
reduction,'' concluded
Douglas W. Tallamy and Timothy B. Frick, who conducted the study.
Tallamy, an entomologist, said insects have been described as the glue of the
ecosystem.
``They are such an important component of the food chain that, if removed,
the
ecosystem would fall apart,'' he said in an interview. ``If you remove the
source of
food for birds and fish, you don't have birds and fish anymore. A number of
mammals also depend on insects.''
Sal DeYoreo, president of Flowtron Outdoor Products, a manufacturer of
electric
traps in Melrose, Mass., disputed the Delaware study.
``The findings and numbers in the study are inconsistent with those of the
owners of
the bug killers,'' he said.
DeYoreo also contended that zappers ``are a safe alternative to chemical
insecticides, which when sprayed, kill all in their path,'' including
breeding sites. And
insecticides have the added danger of affecting the bird food chain by
poisoning
insects, he said.
The Delaware study estimated that about 1 million zappers are sold in the
United
States each year. The traps used in the project had been operating for an
average of
seven years.
Through the 40 nights of the study, the seasonal mean catch per night was 445
insects per trap.
That means that if, in any given year, 4 million traps are used for 40
nights during the
summer, then 71,200,000,000 -- more than 71 billion nontarget insects -- are
needlessly destroyed in the U.S. each year, the study concluded.
Some entomologists say the study suggested that since so many predators and
parasites were killed, the traps may actually be protecting mosquitoes and
other
pests.
Electric traps typically use ultraviolet light to lure flying insects to
an electrified metal
grid, which Tallamy said does not attract mosquitoes and explains why so
few were
found in the traps.
But he said one of the most important reasons for the traps' failure is that
mosquitoes are far more attracted to the carbon dioxide exhaled by people.
DeYoreo said newer, state-of-the-art traps use lures similar to cows'
breath that are
more attractive to biting bugs.
But if you have a problem in killing insects, what's the alternative?
``I personally have no trouble using standard insect sprays,'' said
Tallamy, the
entomologist. ``Another thing is modifying your behavior, staying away
from where
mosquitoes are. Citronella works somewhat. Campfire smoke does too.''
Tallamy and Frick, then a university student, conducted the study during
the summer
of 1994 in lowland, wooded areas near aquatic breeding habitats in suburban
Newark, Del. Their findings were published in Entomological News by the
American
Entomological Society in Philadelphia.
Date: Sat, 12 Apr 1997 13:33:56 -0400 (EDT)
>From: LMANHEIM@aol.com
To: ar-news@envirolink.org
Subject: Fwd: Protesters Roar at Lion Dinner
Message-ID: <970412133355_-966455475@emout20.mail.aol.com>
Just when you think you've heard it all...!!
In a message dated 97-04-12 03:25:44 EDT, AOLNewsProfiles@aol.net writes:
<< Subj:Protesters Roar at Lion Dinner
Date:97-04-12 03:25:44 EDT
From:AOLNewsProfiles@aol.net
.c The Associated Press
SAN DIEGO (AP) - A restaurant that held a South African-themed
dinner featuring the king of the jungle as the main course drew
protesters who waved placards that read, ``Lions belong in the
wild, not on your plate.''
Sixty guests wearing tuxedos and formal dresses braved the wrath
of about 150 protesters Tuesday to enter the Top O' the Cove
restaurant in upscale La Jolla for its $100-a-plate dinner.
``We think it's really sad that something as magnificent as a
lion should be reduced to just another dinner entree to a bunch of
jaded elitists who have nothing better to spend 100 bucks on,'' San
Diego Animal Advocates spokeswoman Linda Kelson said.
The lion, which was raised in the Midwest for human consumption,
was served during ``Le Big Smoke Dinner IX,'' one of the
restaurant's special quarterly dinners. Lion meat reportedly tastes
like sweet pork.
The meal also featured six wines and courses of Kenyan haricots
verts (green beans), wild baby greens with sunflower oil dressing,
and alligator cake with violet mustard sauce. Guests were also
offered three types of cigars.
Restaurant owner Ron Zappardino said he doesn't understand why
serving American-farm raised African lion meat has people upset. In
the past, his restaurant has offered such exotic meats as ostrich,
elk and venison.
At least one protester was dressed in a lion costume and another
raised a toy stuffed lion on a platter over his head like a waiter.
As the protest grew, it drew honks of support from passing cars. >>
---------------------
Forwarded message:
>From:AOLNewsProfiles@aol.net
Date: 97-04-12 03:25:44 EDT
.c The Associated Press
SAN DIEGO (AP) - A restaurant that held a South African-themed
dinner featuring the king of the jungle as the main course drew
protesters who waved placards that read, ``Lions belong in the
wild, not on your plate.''
Sixty guests wearing tuxedos and formal dresses braved the wrath
of about 150 protesters Tuesday to enter the Top O' the Cove
restaurant in upscale La Jolla for its $100-a-plate dinner.
``We think it's really sad that something as magnificent as a
lion should be reduced to just another dinner entree to a bunch of
jaded elitists who have nothing better to spend 100 bucks on,'' San
Diego Animal Advocates spokeswoman Linda Kelson said.
The lion, which was raised in the Midwest for human consumption,
was served during ``Le Big Smoke Dinner IX,'' one of the
restaurant's special quarterly dinners. Lion meat reportedly tastes
like sweet pork.
The meal also featured six wines and courses of Kenyan haricots
verts (green beans), wild baby greens with sunflower oil dressing,
and alligator cake with violet mustard sauce. Guests were also
offered three types of cigars.
Restaurant owner Ron Zappardino said he doesn't understand why
serving American-farm raised African lion meat has people upset. In
the past, his restaurant has offered such exotic meats as ostrich,
elk and venison.
At least one protester was dressed in a lion costume and another
raised a toy stuffed lion on a platter over his head like a waiter.
As the protest grew, it drew honks of support from passing cars.
AP-NY-04-09-97 0840EDT
To edit your profile, go to keyword NewsProfiles.
For all of today's news, go to keyword News.
Date: Sat, 12 Apr 1997 13:44:22 -0400 (EDT)
>From: LMANHEIM@aol.com
To: ar-news@envirolink.org
Subject: Fwd: Sea World Of Florida Guests 'Wading' To Meet Dolphins
Message-ID: <970412134420_-2071414056@emout05.mail.aol.com>
More exploitation...
In a message dated 97-04-12 07:37:43 EDT, AOLNewsProfiles@aol.net writes:
<< Subj:Sea World Of Florida Guests 'Wading' To Meet Dolphins
Date:97-04-12 07:37:43 EDT
From:AOLNewsProfiles@aol.net
New Interaction Program Unites Dolphins and
Guests for Face-to-Face Experiences
ORLANDO, Fla., April 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Sea World of Florida
officially
premieres its Dolphin Interaction Program (DIP) today to guests eager to
join
the "wading" list for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Sea World's DIP
takes
animal interaction and thrills one step further, one notch deeper and
wonderfully wetter, uniting dolphins and guests in a face-to-face encounter
for the first time at the world's most popular marine life adventure park.
Thrilling, hands-on interaction opportunities provide guests with an
unforgettable experience within the world of the bottlenose dolphin.
The two-hour program includes two main components: education and
personal
animal interaction. Eight guests meet early in the morning for an
"underwater" educational presentation in Dolphin Cove, observing firsthand
the
characteristics of bottlenose dolphins. In this intimate and private
setting,
they learn the techniques employed by Sea World in the care and training of
this unique creature of the ocean. Participants will be fitted with a
wetsuit, slip on non-skid booties, limber up and wade into a 3-foot area in
Whale & Dolphin Stadium where they take turns interacting with the animals
under the supervision of an experienced animal trainer. Potential
unforgettable interactions include touching, feeding and helping trainers
communicate with the dolphins using hand signals.
Cost is $125 per participant or $95 for Sea World of Florida
annual pass
members. The fee includes the two-hour Dolphin Interaction Program, a
continental breakfast and same-day admission to Sea World of Florida.
Participants may bring one observer for $39.95, which includes breakfast and
park admission. Participants must be age 13 or older, and those under 18
must
be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
For more information, consumers may call the Sea World Education
Department at 407-363-2380.
CO: Sea World of Florida
ST: Florida
IN: LEI
SU: PDT >>
---------------------
Forwarded message:
>From:AOLNewsProfiles@aol.net
Date: 97-04-12 07:37:43 EDT
New Interaction Program Unites Dolphins and
Guests for Face-to-Face Experiences
ORLANDO, Fla., April 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Sea World of Florida
officially
premieres its Dolphin Interaction Program (DIP) today to guests eager to join
the "wading" list for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Sea World's DIP
takes
animal interaction and thrills one step further, one notch deeper and
wonderfully wetter, uniting dolphins and guests in a face-to-face encounter
for the first time at the world's most popular marine life adventure park.
Thrilling, hands-on interaction opportunities provide guests with an
unforgettable experience within the world of the bottlenose dolphin.
The two-hour program includes two main components: education and
personal
animal interaction. Eight guests meet early in the morning for an
"underwater" educational presentation in Dolphin Cove, observing firsthand
the
characteristics of bottlenose dolphins. In this intimate and private
setting,
they learn the techniques employed by Sea World in the care and training of
this unique creature of the ocean. Participants will be fitted with a
wetsuit, slip on non-skid booties, limber up and wade into a 3-foot area in
Whale & Dolphin Stadium where they take turns interacting with the animals
under the supervision of an experienced animal trainer. Potential
unforgettable interactions include touching, feeding and helping trainers
communicate with the dolphins using hand signals.
Cost is $125 per participant or $95 for Sea World of Florida annual
pass
members. The fee includes the two-hour Dolphin Interaction Program, a
continental breakfast and same-day admission to Sea World of Florida.
Participants may bring one observer for $39.95, which includes breakfast and
park admission. Participants must be age 13 or older, and those under 18
must
be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
For more information, consumers may call the Sea World Education
Department at 407-363-2380.
CO: Sea World of Florida
ST: Florida
IN: LEI
SU: PDT
To edit your profile, go to keyword NewsProfiles.
For all of today's news, go to keyword News.
Date: Sat, 12 Apr 1997 17:05:51 -0400 (EDT)
>From: BHGazette@aol.com
To: ar-news@envirolink.org
Subject: Japanese Embassy in Ontario
Message-ID: <970412170550_-435632858@emout07.mail.aol.com>
Anyone know if the Japanese Embassy in Ottawa is on Sussex or Essex street?
Thanks,
JD Jackson
Bunny Huggers' Gazette
Date: Sat, 12 Apr 1997 21:40:13 -0400
>From: Vegetarian Resource Center
To: Veg-OH@Waste.Org
Subject: Ohio Police Officer needs help
Message-ID: <3.0.32.19970412214003.02051064@pop.tiac.net>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>From: EnglandGal@aol.com
Date: Sat, 12 Apr 1997 21:26:55 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Fwd: KILLING OF DUCKS
---------------------
Forwarded message:
Subj: KILLING OF DUCKS
Date: 97-04-12 20:54:03 EDT
>From: Pol63@aol.com
To: EnglandGal@aol.com
Dear EnglandGal,
My name Is Richard Garinger, and I am a police officer in the Cuyahoga Falls
Police Dept. LJBeane wrote you of my situation regarding the juvenile who ran
over the ducks, I arrested, and is suing me. I just wanted to thank you and
your readers for the support I have received. As of this letter we are still
in litigation, however it does not appear that the city is going to settle
the suit, and I will get my day in court. I commend you on informing people
of the attrocities that occur to animals. I soon will be trying to change the
laws to include wild animals in the cruelty to animal codes. The letters I
have received in my support will be used to change that law so THANK YOU.
Please pass along this letter to thank all who have writen. I encourage
others to write to:
Cuyahoga Falls Police Dept.
2310 2nd Street
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, 44221,
with letters in support of my actions, and changing the
Cruelty to Animals Statute.
Again thank you and your readers.
Sincerely,
Richard M. Garinger
Pol63@aol.com
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