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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...
WDC Seal Rescue April 2023 (1)

WDC conducts milestone seal rescue in Marshfield

For Immediate Release, April 10, 2023 MARSHFIELD, MA - A young grey seal was found...

Noise pollution reduces whale song

Research has now shown that whales reduce some forms of important communication when excessive man-made noise is introduced to their underwater world. A study of humpback whales  off the coast of Northern Angola has revealed that their singing during the breeding season is reduced in the presence of noise from underwater seismic surveying by oil and gas exploration companies. Song is a major part of the male courtship display in humpback whales and so any reduction could interfere with natural breeding behaviour.

More and more oil and gas companies are attracted to the African coast yet there are no international regulations governing noise pollution. More information is needed to determine the impact that seismic surveys (which fire loud noise into the seabed) are having on whales and dolphins. Apart from the resident populations of whales and dolphins in this part of Africa, the region is an important feeding and breeding ground, and migratory route for whales moving through these waters to other destinations.