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46th orca death at SeaWorld
Another orca held in captivity by SeaWorld has died. Katina, who had been kept at SeaWorld Orlando for more than four decades passed away at the approximate age of 50 on December 20-21 following a sudden decline in her health. She becomes the 46th orca to die at a SeaWorld facility. Katina was captured and…
More government delays put whales and dolphins at risk
The Scottish government’s recent announcement to further delay long-promised restrictions around fishing in inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) continues to place whales and dolphins at risk. The decision means damaging fishing practices will continue in areas specifically designated to protect marine wildlife, including whales and dolphins. Inshore MPAs are particularly important for whales and dolphins,…
Disappointing new UK government marine conservation strategy is a missed opportunity
The release of the UK government’s new strategy for the conservation of whales, dolphins and porpoises has proved largely disappointing, with no new recommendations around how threats such as disturbance, pollution and death in fishing nets will be effectively tackled. The plan largely restates existing actions without assessing whether those actions have been working, are sufficient, or in need of reform. It was hoped that the new UK Cetacean…
Whale hunt season in Japan closes with reduced catch
Japanese whaling ship, the Kangei Maru has returned to its home port in Shimonoseki marking the end of this year’s whale hunt season. The full quota number that could be killed were taken for fin (60) and Bryde’s whales (143), but 35 of the 56 quota for sei whales were slaughtered, and 55 of the…
One of the rarest whales in the world spotted alive for the first time
An extremely rare whale species has finally been spotted alive in the wild for the first time. Until now, the elusive ginko-toothed beaked whale had only been recorded on a couple of occasions after washing up dead on the shoreline off the coast of Japan. In more recent years, researchers have been picking up unusual…
New study reveals more on the threat to marine life from plastic pollution
Analysis of thousands of autopsies carried out on marine animals has given scientists a deeper understanding of the damage plastic ingestion causes. The study by Ocean Conservancy of 10,000 cases found that smaller amounts of plastic than previously thought can lead to death if swallowed. Ingesting just 29 pieces of plastic can place marine mammals…
How can we reduce noise in the ocean?
We need to develop greener energy sources whilst reducing the risk to whales, dolphins and porpoises, so it’s vital we turn down ocean noise.
Female dolphin dying younger in Bay of Biscay
Scientists carrying out tests on over 700 common dolphins who died after being stranded on shores along the Bay of Biscay over two decades have discovered that the average age of the females dropped significantly over time, a trend that could result in a fall in population numbers. Experts were able to determine how old…
Major German travel company changes stance on cruel dolphin shows
Our campaign to stop tour operator’s support for the cruel captivity industry has received another boost following the announcement by Germany’s second-largest travel group that it will no longer offer tickets for attractions where whales and dolphins are held for entertainment purposes. DERTOUR, which includes around 130 tour operators, travel agencies and booking portals, says…
