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Joint Information Center Humpback Whale Rescue Media Advisory - 5/19/07

May 19, 2007

   Joint Information Center Humpback Whale Rescue Media Advisory

   Contact: Jim Milbury at 310-245-7114

   WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Humpback whale-rescue operations continue
   today at the Port of Sacramento for two wayward whales that
   inadvertently made their way up the Sacramento River Delta on May 13.

   The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the
   California Department of Fish and Game, city of West Sacramento/ Port of
   Sacramento, and the U.S. Coast Guard have established a unified command
   operation to monitor the whales, ensure their safety and conduct rescue
   operations, if needed.

   For the whales' protection, a 500-yard perimeter for boats and a
   1,000-foot temporary flight restriction have been established.

   Efforts to coax the whales toward the San Francisco Bay have been
   suspended until Monday, May 21.

   For safety reasons, officials are encouraging the public not to come out
   to the site to watch the whales. Large crowds, a lack of facilities
   including restrooms, and dry, rugged conditions along the river pose a
   safety risk, particularly for small children.

   Several lines of communication have been established for media updates:

   - For recorded updates on the whales and the number for the public
   information officer on duty, call 916-651-1357.
   - To access the news desk daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., call
   916-366-5977 ext. 76103 or 76102.
   - For updates on the Web, log onto www.incidentnews.gov.
   - Reporters can sign up for email updates by emailing
   susan.buchanan@noaa.gov

   The unified command is being supported by the American Red Cross, the
   Governor's Office of Emergency Services and the California Highway
   Patrol (CHP).