At least a quarter of the world's cetaceans were recently confirmed as endangered and the situation may be worse as the status of many others remains unclear. Climate change is affecting the oceans and a number of studies have recently highlighted its potential impact on cetacean species - for example, there are important linkages between sea ice and krill, the primary prey for baleen whales in Antarctica. This paper provides a synthesis of new information available on this theme and considers its implications for the future conservation and management of cetacean populations and species.

The more mobile (or otherwise adaptable) cetaceans may be able to respond to climate related changes, although the extent of this adaptability is largely unknown. However, there is broad agreement that certain species and populations are likely to be especially vulnerable to climate related changes, including those with a limited habitat range, or those for which sea ice provides an important habitat for the cetacean population and/or that of their prey. International conservation bodies, such as the Convention for Migratory Species and the International Whaling Commission, are striving to address these issues. The challenges presented by climate change require an innovative, large scale, long term and multinational response from scientists, conservation managers and decision makers. This response that should encompass a precautionary approach, including addressing the detrimental effects of other factors negatively impacting populations and species.

A diverse number of insects cause damage and loss to crops in the tropics. Timely and appropriate control measures are necessary if crop losses and hardship to both farmers and the population at large are to be avoided.

To many farmers one of the most effective control measures is often the application of insecticides. The efficiency of insect control with insecticides is largely influenced by a judicious choice of the insecticide and the application equipment. There is therefore a need for the development of appropriate and evaluation of new and existing spray application equipment. Developments of some spray equipments since the late 1960s and their efficacy in the field are discussed. The main advantages of ultra-low volume (ULV) over some electrostatic sprayers are the application of a wide range of insecticides and formulations and better penetration to lower plant parts. The main advantages of electrostatic sprayers are the application of insecticides at extremely low volumes and low energy requirements with some sprayers. The advantages of the hydraulic nozzle sprayers are the even deposition of spray over all plant parts, although logistically the system is inefficient compared to the other systems.

All systems contaminate spray operators during spraying but the exact level of contamination will depend on the concentration, droplet size and formulation of the insecticide.