| The stranding of sperm whales at the Belgian coast in November 1994 attracted the general attention of the media. Excessive shows of passion often encountered in other parts of the world when cetaceans die, were not observed. An examination of the articles which appeared in the press shows that the event was merely treated as a major, but common news item. Priority was given to the daily developments. The work of the authorities and that of the scientists were given similar status as the anecdotic aspects. The importance given to controversies regarding the management of the situation must be stressed. The media did not go deeply into the biology of sperm whales, the stranding that occurred abroad, or the various hypotheses that were discussed. How could... |
