The survival of the male killer whale that was observed in the Seine between Le Havre et Rouen at the beginning of the week is in doubt. In a press release, the prefecture Seine-Maritime confirmed that the chances of it surviving are very low.
Experts met to discuss Friday’s decision. The drone will be used to remotely monitor the orca and sound stimuli (sounds that are emitted from a group of orcas) will broadcast to lure and guide the animal towards the sea.
The wild animal is weak and belongs to a protected specie. Its presence in the river is the first.
Sea Shepherd NGO, which is dedicated to protecting marine ecosystems and biodiversity, challenged Friday’s government and offered its expertise and means to the State. To check the animal’s health at a minimum:
We believe it is urgent to test the response of the orca when a boat approaches to allow for a return to the sea.
Lamya Essemlali is president of NGO Sea Shepherd France
The NGO offers (…) its boats and not the drone that was originally envisaged by the Prefecture to help save the orca.
Lamya Essemlali is disappointed that her NGO has been excluded from Seine-Maritime meetings. Discussions are made more difficult by the long holiday weekend. She answers all our questions:
In a Wednesday statement, the prefecture asked for “avoiding any gatherings or crowds close to it, which could (…) place this wild animal in risk but above all, represents a danger for people.”
Prohibition measures are implemented to prevent the cetacean from being approached. They are legal based on a Notice of Shipping with regulatory value.
The Prefecture Seine-Maritime et Normandy
To add, “the services of State […] won’t communicate their position and will ask to refrain from disseminating such information.
On May 16, the first orca was spotted in the Seine estuary, between Honfleur et Le Havre.
