Humpback whales are known for their acrobatic displays. They often leap out of the water, known as breaching. Above, a humpback breaches near kayakers in Moss Landing. (Photo courtesy Wade Tregaskis/CC BY-NC 2.0)
Though there are protections for humpbacks today, they used to be commercially fished for their oil and were hunted to near extinction. The whales were listed as an endangered species in 1970.
Rebecca,
Please see my earlier message about who took DDT off the market. I wrote it as soon as I read the Bald Eagle blurb, but am even more amazed at the omission of EPA’s role since you mention 2 other species which owe their continued existence to action by EPA’s first Administrator. The Brown Pelican and Peregrine Falcon were also “saved” primarily by the action against DDT and several related pesticides. My wife worked in EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs and was DAA and Acting AA for Pesticides and Toxic Substances during 30 years at EPA.
Nice article but the use of th phrase “DDT was banned in 1972 ...” really irks me as a former employee f the Agency who was involved for many years in pesticide issues. A more accurate statement is “DDT was banned by EPA Administrator Wm. K. Ruckelshaus...” Not sure if this is false modesty by the CBPO or ignorance of history but this was a very controversial action which took considerable courage in the first year’s of EPA’s existence by its first Administrators! He deserves the credit.
Thank you!
Your comment has been received. Before it can be published, the comment will be reviewed by our team to ensure it adheres with our rules of engagement.
Comments
Though there are protections for humpbacks today, they used to be commercially fished for their oil and were hunted to near extinction. The whales were listed as an endangered species in 1970.
Rebecca,
Please see my earlier message about who took DDT off the market. I wrote it as soon as I read the Bald Eagle blurb, but am even more amazed at the omission of EPA’s role since you mention 2 other species which owe their continued existence to action by EPA’s first Administrator. The Brown Pelican and Peregrine Falcon were also “saved” primarily by the action against DDT and several related pesticides. My wife worked in EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs and was DAA and Acting AA for Pesticides and Toxic Substances during 30 years at EPA.
Nice article but the use of th phrase “DDT was banned in 1972 ...” really irks me as a former employee f the Agency who was involved for many years in pesticide issues. A more accurate statement is “DDT was banned by EPA Administrator Wm. K. Ruckelshaus...” Not sure if this is false modesty by the CBPO or ignorance of history but this was a very controversial action which took considerable courage in the first year’s of EPA’s existence by its first Administrators! He deserves the credit.
Thank you!
Your comment has been received. Before it can be published, the comment will be reviewed by our team to ensure it adheres with our rules of engagement.
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