A landmark law passed more than 50 years ago to protect whales, dolphins and other marine mammals in U.S. waters could be upended by amendments proposed on July 22 during a legislative hearing of the House Committee on Natural Resources’ Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries. Republican representative Nicholas Begich of Alaska proposed changes to […]
Tag: humpback whales
Petition: Protect Humpback Whales From Drum Lines in Australia
In Australia, a humpback whale became tangled up in a type of fishing gear called a “drum line,” and has since disappeared. Experts are attempting to track the animal, but they haven’t been seen since Sunday, June 15. We don’t know yet if this majestic creature is safe from the dangers that human fishing lines […]
Whale Sightings Hit Record High During Citizen Science Migration Count
In Australia’s latest survey of whale populations, humpbacks have been seen migrating north along the eastern coastline in record numbers. Over 5,000 confirmed sightings were made by mariners and others in the state of New South Wales so far, as the animals make their way out of the southern oceans with their calves. The Organization […]
New map highlights complex web of marine migrations
Where are all the marine animals going? Given the vastness of the oceans, the countless species that live in them, and the lack of a global data set, it’s not easy to figure that out. However, the increasing threats that marine life face mean answering that question is key to protecting animals and their habitats. […]
Antarctic Krill Supertrawler Kills Humpback Whale
A criminal complaint has been lodged against a Chilean-flagged krill supertrawler named Antarctic Endeavour for killing a humpback whale on the 25th of March, the same day that it was witnessed by crew on board the Sea Shepherd vessel Allankay, dragging its trawl net through waters where Sea Shepherd scientists documented humpback whales foraging on […]
Humpback whale song and human language are more similar than you might think. Here’s why
Humpback whale song is structured in a similar way to human language – with shorter sounds used far more often than more complex ones – a structure which helps infants quickly learn how to communicate from their elders in both species. Across languages and whale song, some words, or word-like elements, are used frequently while […]
In Panama, major port construction begins at key mangrove site
Conservation groups in Panama are trying to halt the construction of a new port in the Pacific province of Chiriquà that they say could destroy breeding grounds and nurseries for marine species. The Puerto Barú project, located outside the town of David, would create a new port on Panama’s northwest coast, increasing trade and tourism […]
Fewer than one in 14 male humpback whales in New Caledonia are fathers
As few as 7% of male humpback whales in New Caledonia in the south-west Pacific may have fathered offspring, a study has found. The paternity analysis found that 93% of males had no evidence of genetic offspring throughout the 25-year study period and no male had sired more than two offspring. It was unclear why […]