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I find the use of the term "kilelr whale" disturbing --- with the same logic you could call a lion a "Killer Cat". The prefix "killer" introduces a negative connotation.

Please just call them Orcas!

Kind of sums Greenpeace's rationale up - don't stop the Japanese killing whales, make a soundtrack of the slaughter instead. Here's a team of bright, brave people with the skills, resources and funding to physically block the Nissin Maru's evil work, but it seems that all Greenpeace does with whaling is make lots of noise, keep a safe distance and turn up after the event, while engaing its PR to draw attention from the one protest group that actually made a difference. Hopefuly third-party observers will know where better to send their subs come the next whaling season...

Hi Nienke!
I thought the name killer whales came about as a sort of mistranslation (from Spanish?). I have a vague recollection that they were called that because they were thought to attack and kill whales not because that they are whales that kill people... Anyway, sounds like it was a special experience. Regards,
Simon (P.S. Hi Jetske!)

It doesn't matter how heavy she is. I trust her. Give my regards to Jetska and a question for both of you:

Ever read "The Swarm"?

[Greetings from an ocean full of bricks. Madrid.]

Til, I prefer the term "orca" too, but but the term "killer whale" isn't completely wrong in that it's in common usage in several languages. It is, however, inaccurate, and that's what Nienke's being ironic about in her blog.

Loved hearing about the Orcas in the Antarctic. I'm also very jealous of your experience with them. I've had a few experiences with the resident orcas in our part of the world and have never seen or heard of any aggressive acts towards humans or otherwise. In fact, it is quite the opposite. They are very curious and friendly. They love to peek in the smaller boats with a spy hop. Our orcas are the most friendly with the local kayakers, swimming very close as if to tease them. I hope you get to see them again. They truly are unforgettable. Continue your good work with Greenpeace.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1L2WuV-pGo

Great way of trying to end whaling ..or this is the "lost in translation" you mentioned before Dave.
You don't need a translation on this one.
But sure you have a explanation

Dave on the Esperanza: Hi Paul, thanks for raising this - and as usual, of course I have an explanation! There's a whole discussion about Whale Love wagon here on the forums ». I recommend checking this post in particular which explains things in details.

Sorry Simon, either you don't understand or you are conveniently ignoring part of the blog to make a cheap and completely incorrect point.

Nienke clearly says that WHEN WE WOULD BE IN ACTION AGAINST THE WHALING FLEET... Our actions are designed to stop as many individual whales being killed as possible.

But anyone who has been to the Southern Ocean will tell you that we can't save all the whales that get hunted. Japan claims their whaling is scientific. By doing ADDITIONAL things like recording sounds that real scientists have never got, we add to the collective knowledge base and we can use that information to further the whole campaign to end whaling. This is not just a stupid idea - we already know it has an impact.

Last year video footage that was taken by Greenpeace of the half hour slow death of one whale we could not save was given to the International Fund for Animal Welfare and used in political meetings and at the International Whaling Commission meeting to show delegates the truth of the hunt and not just what they were told. Video footage also showed that whales were routinely drowned if they didn't die when they were harpooned. This is all valuable information that can be used as part of the bigger campaign to end whaling. That is our goal and cheap comments designed to try to make us look as though we are not dedicated to that should be seen for what they are. If you think that whaling will be ended just by doing one thing alone then you are very much mistaken. We need to work with actions - which we do, with scientists - which we do, with politicians - which we do and with the millions of people around the world who support our collective aim - which we also do. The footage of whales being killed encourages the general public to support the campaign and to
take personal action.

People can put their money wherever they like - I understand that is what you are alluding to, but we will carry on doing what we believe to be right to stop whaling.

Well said Sara. Thank you! Keep up to great work you are doing.

Nienke,
Are you going to send a clip of whale sounds to any Japanese cetolgist? Or is that a funny oxymoron..."Japanese cetologist."
I marvel at how western science and biology, using "benign" scientific methods and observation, have furthered the knowledge and understanding of LIVING whales and cetology, science OF whales and FOR whales...while Japan, co-opting the word 'research' drags science into the toilet...pointless morphology. What a gulf of perspective.
As to recording dying Minke's sounds, and I have no doubt they do vocalize their shock and suffering, it would be just more hard proof of the horror-show that is whaling, opening a window into that world of suffering that far too many people ignore. Horrifying, but making more concrete their agony and suffering.

A silly question perhaps.
Is there any phosphorescence in the water at those latitudes?

Hi Pragmatic - I'll have to check. Bear in mind, we were in Antarctic waters in summer - when it does get dark, it's only four about 4-5 hours this time of year, and even then it's just a sort of blue dusk. So phosphorescence would be hard to see!

Hi Sara!

I hope that your comments weren't intended for "this" Simon?

Love the updates - best of luck.
Simon.

You wrote:-> "Sorry Simon, either you don't understand or you are conveniently ignoring part of the blog to make a cheap and completely incorrect point."

Of course not Simon Carroll! Thanks for the messages and hope you are well.

Hey Nienke

I remember when two orcas tried to tip the big orange 'penguins' on an inflatable into the water! Take care with those beautiful beasts and keep the engine running!

John

Sara, thank you for commenting on Simon Hackers' mail, that saves me some words. As for til: If you were floating on a small rubber inflatable in the middle of a group orcas, would the name 'killer whale' not come to your mind for a split second? Although ironically used by Nienke, it would surely cross my mind being there. Keep up the good work and I admire 'your guts'!

ps: It pleases me to hear that there's no confrontation with the Japanese because they're unable to hunt.

I'm fhom brazil and I wanna help. I never sew a really a whale but is my biggest dream. Plese can someone say how can I help to save the killer whales?

My e-mail is [edited]

thank you!!!!

To Gaby; Gaby I am also from Brazil and I believe that the best way for you to help the whales would be to go to the Greenpeace Brazil website and become an Ocean Defender, there you will learn the best way to help save them, also there are some Brazilian websites (based mostly in the South and also at Bahia state that deal with the subject.

Gaby, eu tambem sou brasileira e acho que a melhor maneira de voce ajudar a salvar as baleias e se tornar um "Ocean Defender" atraves do "site" Greenpeace Brasil, sei tambem que existem uns "sites" brasileiros que lidam com baleias e sao baseados no Sul e tambem na Bahia.
Adriana.