The Future of Whales(3/3)

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The Future of Whales
TOMONAO HAYASHIProfessor, Chiba Institute of Technology

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NI; What kind of data do you hope to obtain through this investigation?

H: We plan to install a GPS receiver (for monitoring the latitude and longitude), a water temperature sensor (for measuring seawater temperatures), a pressure gauge (for measuring depths of diving), a geomagnetic sensor (for monitoring the directions of the whales' movement), and a sound pressure sensor (for monitoring their clucks) on the probe.
We haven't yet decided whether we should install all these sensors the first time, but I want the data on the whales' migration patterns, diving depths, and temperatures at least. There is little data on how many meters whales dive.
I also want data on the whales' clucks and other sounds in the future.
We haven't done anything yet, so it may be strange to talk about our future big dreams. But I want to observe various kinds of whales in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres in the future, if possible.
Many researchers tell me that they want us to investigate blue whales. But I think it's better to start with minkes or sperm whales, which are abundant around Japan.
I heard there are many things that are unknown about the sea itself, such as the relationship between water depth and temperature and salt concentrations.
We may be able to learn a great deal about the environment in the sea.

NI;On how many whales are you planning to install the probes?

H: Whale researchers tell us that they want to install probes on whales from various groups, because they want to know how groups communicate.
So, it would be best if we could install the probes on many whales.
We are now investigating our installation method. I heard that if you stop the engine of your ship, the whales sometimes come closer to you. Mr. Hiroya Minakuchi, a photographer of whales, and Mr. Nagaoka, who was once a harpooner for a whale catcher, and who works for ships doing whale watching in Muroto, will help us determine how to get close enough to whales to be able to attach our probes. (Note: Muroto is a city in Kochi Prefecture, southwestern Japan.)

NI;How will the data obtained be utilized?

H: Once we get the data, I think many people will request it. I want to decide how the data will be utilized after getting the data, with input from others.

NI;heading:What is the schedule for the project?

H: The satellite was planned to be launched as a piggyback payload of a H2A rocket, which was supposed to be launched in November 2001. But as you know, there were several problems on the rocket and the satellite will be launched in winter of next year, February or March, 2002.

NI;Your project is quite interesting. We hope it will be successful.

H: Thank you very much.

(Cooperation: Chiba Institute of Technology)

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