Click here for a special offer. Wildlife species such as the California condor, the Florida panther, and the fast-disappearing African and Asian rhinoceroses may be close to extinction, but their plight rarely resonates with the public. Whales, on the other hand, seem to be irresistible. Environmentalists have come to rely on them in conservation campaigns, even when the threat to this poster species is less than urgent. Their fate is very briefly in our hands.
Problem is, no good evidence exists of any serious threat to the whales.
NRDC claims that noise from water pumps a mile onshore, possible but slight changes in water temperature and salinity, a mile-long pier near the lagoon entrance, and monthly visits by eight ships are all potential threats that could drive away the whales. But scientists are skeptical of this gloomy scenario, saying the project's industrial components are relatively benign. The real issue, scientists say, is not the danger to the whales but the impact of the salt project on the regional reserve, which contains a little-disturbed wetland ecosystem rich in wildlife and fish. This is . . . The Lord may be their shepherd, but some English clergy want higher-tech protection against urban crime.