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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...

Whale escapes harpoon attack only to be slaughtered years later

Alaskan Inupiat hunters made an unexpected discovery after killing the first bowhead whale of their hunt season.

The 42 foot whale, who was brought onto the beach near Kaktovik, was found to have parts of an old explosive harpoon embedded in the tail area.

The fragments are thought to have come from the type of hunting weapon used decades ago by commercial hunters. According to local reports, the meat gave off a bad smell, especially around the tail section, and so would not be eaten.

It is not the first time that pieces of old hunting weapons have been found in slaughtered bowhead whales in the region. This sad discovery highlights the severe welfare problems that surround both commercial and aboriginal subsistence whale hunting (hunting for local and cultural needs rather than for profit). There is no humane way to kill a whale at sea and many that are not caught are left badly injured or die in agony later.

Read more on this subject here