INTRODUCTION

You may ask . . . “What is a Cetacean?” 

Cetacean is the name used to classify the scientific order of all whales and dolphins.  The origin of the term is from the Greek word “cetus” meaning “large sea animal.” 

Cetaceans actually have quite a lot in common with us.  In fact we occupy many of the same scientific classifications.  We are both members of the Animal Kingdom . . . the Vertebrate Phylum . . . and the Mammal Class. 

The next level of classification is Order . . . and that’s where we part company.  We humans are of the Primate Order, not Cetacean.   

Despite the separation, humans and cetaceans interact in similar ways with the environment.  We both live long lives, we both are on top of the food chain, and we both accumulate pollutants in our bodies – often directly from the foods we eat. 

Humans and Cetaceans swim in the same waters, breathe the same air, and are vulnerable to many of the same toxins and disease-causing organisms.  This is why people often refer to whales and dolphins as “sentinel species.”   

By definition, a sentinel species is one which, through its numbers or general health, can provide advanced warning of environmental dangers.  Thus a decline in populations or overall fitness of whales and dolphins sends a dire warning to humans. 

Much of the human population on Earth inhabits coastal areas.  Of course, while people can choose to limit their exposure to the ocean or seafood . . . cetaceans have no choice in the matter.  They are exposed to our pollutants continuously throughout their life. 

We have already witnessed large-scale die-offs of marine mammals repeatedly around the world.  Many such incidents have been found to be directly related to human activities.  This, of course, leads to some difficult questions.

Is it wise to adopt a “wait and see” attitude – hoping the situation in our seas improves?  Will it take the loss of a few cetacean species to prompt more attention and effort on our part?  If we fail to protect them . . . can we truly expect to protect ourselves?

At SCCN, our immediate goal is knowledge . . . our ultimate goal is preservation . . . of cetaceans . . . of our seas . . . of ourselves.