April 25, 2008 - AMERICAN CHRONICLE

http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/59778

by Pedro Nava

Pedro was elected to the State Assembly on November 2nd, 2004. He currently serves as Chair of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee Number 5 on Information Technology and Transportation.

Pedro also serves on the Assembly Budget, Higher Education, Insurance, Natural Resources, and Joint Legislative Audit and Budget Committees. Additionally, Pedro sits on the Assembly Select Committee on Gun Violence Prevention, the Select Committee on Ports, and the Select Committee on Wine.

By Assemblymember Pedro Nava April 25, 2008

California´s Gray Whale is in danger. The California Fish and Game Commission has erroneously listed the Gray Whale population as "recovered." But that same whale, while traveling off the coast of Washington is listed as "sensitive". When it reaches Oregon, it´s considered "endangered". That makes no sense. California is supposed to be a leader on environmental issues including the protection of species, yet we lag behind other states on this issue.

Because of the scientific findings regarding past whale populations and recent observations that many Gray Whales are unhealthy and at risk, there is no doubt that the time for action is now. For this reason I authored Assembly Joint Resolution 49. AJR 49 asks Congress and the President to take action to ensure that this species is not reduced further. The resolution first asks Congress and the President to call upon the National Marine Fisheries Service to undertake an immediate comprehensive assessment of the California Gray Whale including threats to the species and the status of their habitat.

Additionally, the Resolution asks that the California Fish and Game Commission reevaluate the status of the California Gray Whale based on the findings of the National Marine Fisheries Service assessment and the existing body of scientific evidence.

In 1970, the Federal Government listed the California Gray Whale as endangered. Their estimated population was about 12,000. In 1994, Gray Whales were de-listed when the population rose to 23,000. It was thought the whales had reached pre-whaling levels. Based on recent discoveries and observations, it is clear that Gray Whales are still at risk and that their pre-whaling populations were probably 85,000 to 115,000.

National Academy of Sciences published studies conducted at Stanford University have found that the genetic variation in present day Gray Whales could only have come from a pre-whaling population ranging in size from 85,000 to 115,000. This is nearly 5 times the previous estimates of historic populations that were a factor in the decision to take the species off of the endangered species list.

In l999-2000, 6 years after they were taken off of the endangered species list, Gray Whales experienced a major die off that is estimated to have wiped out one third of their population. Observations of Gray Whales in the last year show large numbers of them are reaching their breeding grounds in Mexico malnourished and underweight. Bones are showing through their skin in a time of year when these animals should have a thick layer of blubber.

The assessment I call for must include all current research covering the migration route, population dynamics, threats to the species from human activities and the impact of climate change on critical feeding grounds. My resolution also asks that the National Marine Fisheries Service publish the results of the comprehensive assessment of the California Gray Whale and make the results available to the public. I also ask that the California Fish and Game Commission reevaluate the status of the California Gray Whale based on the findings of the National Marine Fisheries Service assessment and the existing body of scientific evidence.

It is my hope that this resolution will raise awareness about the threats facing Gray Whales and will encourage both the federal and state government to take immediate action to protect these majestic animals.