HARTFORD, Conn. -- The head of an animal protection group said Saturday he is concerned that a sea conflict between Argentina and Britain over the Falkland Islands may kill many whales in the South Atlantic.
The islands were seized by Argentina April 2 and Britain has ordered a blockade as an British Navy armada steams to the archipelago for a showdown.
The Connecticut Cetacean Society fears any naval battles could kill the already rare Southern Right whale known to frequent the waters off the islands in the South Atlantic.
Donald Sineti, president of the society, said his group has sent telegrams to the leaders of both nations urging them to avoid warfare 'not only for the sake of human life but also to prevent irreparable damage to the highly endangered Southern Right whales and other marine life.'
Sineti said the Southern Right is already in danger of extinction and only about 200 of the 55-foot behemoths are known to exist.
Sineti said the mammal frequents the ocean waters off Argentina and used to be hunted in the area around the Falklands.
He said the society was also concerned for the Great Blue and Sperm whales 'and other endangered species of cetaceans also found in the South Atlantic.'
