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WDC2023-007 NMLC Release (16)

Seal Rescued in Marshfield Released Back Into The Wild

For Immediate Release, May 31, 2023 PLYMOUTH, MA - A young male grey seal that...

Norway ups whale kill numbers and removes whale welfare protections

The whaling season in Norway has begun on the back of disturbing announcements from the...
Image taken from an unmanned hexacopter at >100ft during a research collaboration between NOAA/SWFSC, SR3 and the Coastal Ocean Research Institute. Research authorized by NMFS permit #19091.

Southern Resident orca petition to list them under Oregon Endangered Species Act advanced

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission voted today to advance a petition seeking to protect...
Hysazu Photography

WDC and Conservation Partners Continue to Seek Oregon Endangered Species Protection for Southern Resident Orcas

On Friday, April 21st, the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission will determine whether the petition...

Update: 10/09/2012

Some of the whales remain in the Firth of Forth. There is thought to be a large amount of squid in the Firth at present (a favourite prey of pilot whales). Sadly, the body of a young calf was recovered over the weekend.

Original story:

A group of pilot whales stranded overnight in Fife, Scotland.

WDCS sent a team from its Scottish Dolphin Centre to the scene and we will be investigating the possible causes of this stranding.

Several animals died but rescuers were able to refloat a number of whales at high tide. One whale is known to have restranded at Leith.

The whales are now being monitored in the hope that they will not restrand. Latest reports state that they have been sighted heading west into the Firth from where, it is hoped, they will head out to sea and North.

Long-finned pilot whales are amongst those whale species known to regularly mass live strand around the world. They live in very tightly socially knit schools which works well out in the deep seas. In shallow conditions, however, this same life strategy gets them into trouble and, as they try to help each other, they may all come ashore.

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