The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:
Search results for "marine mammals" ...
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Marine Attractions: Below the Surface
This investigation examined more than 3,850 deaths of marine animals since 1972. The authors found that animals are often mistreated during captivity, and that thousands have died under human care from clorine posioning, heat exposure, capture shock and stress. This in-depth look at the $1 billion - a - year marine mammal industry reveals that not only is it riddled with problems, but also that the government is doing very little to correct them.
Tags: zoo; National Marine Fisheries Service; computer-assisted reporting; Department of Agriculture; dolphins; whales; Sea World; aquariums
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Sea Sick
Discover investigates why "killer whales that live near Seattle are dying too soon and too often." The report reveals that "there are three proposed culprits" causing the spate of premature deaths - "boat traffic,... reductions in certain preferred prey species ... [and] pollution." The story sheds light on a scientific finding that some whales are "carrying staggering concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), long lived industrial compounds that accumulate in fat and have been linked to cancer..." The author suggests that listing the killer whales under the Endangered Species Act can reduce some of the human-induce threats, but not the pollution.
Tags: biologists; orcas; Pacific Northwest; fish; health; contamination; marine mammals