Speaking up for the little guys – WDC in action
Whales and dolphins face so many dangers. These intelligent beings are crucial for the wellbeing of the ocean and therefore our planet. If their future is in jeopardy, then so is ours. These threats affect not only the giants – celebrated species like humpback whales, but also the smaller species that we maybe hear less…
Read MoreToxic tides, troubled whales: the toll of chemical pollution
In last week’s blog, we examined the challenges whales and dolphins face as they travel the ocean, shedding light on the human-made hurdles they navigate. However, amongst these visible obstacles, there’s a hidden danger – chemical pollution. Illusion of dilution You’d think that the sheer size and vastness of the ocean would dilute any chemical…
Read MoreBreaking barriers for whales and dolphins at the Convention of Migratory Species
Many species of whales, dolphins and porpoises undertake long journeys, encountering human-made obstacles along the way. Danger lurks in various forms from fishing nets to harpoons, underwater noise to chemical and plastic pollution. I’ve just returned from a gathering of global scientists trying to find ways to allow them to travel freely. Species without borders A…
Read MoreSouthern Resident orcas: Reason for Hope
Female Southern Resident orca calf L127 swimming with Mom L94 (photo credit: Center for Whale Research) We were thrilled to hear the news that not just one, but TWO new calves have been confirmed in the endangered Southern Resident population. Welcome to the world, L126 and L127! After reports of a possible new baby seen…
Read MoreWe’re funding crucial research on whale poo to combat the climate crisis
The ocean is one of the lungs of our planet, and whales help it to breathe. We already know that whale poo plays a vital role by fertilising microscopic plants called phytoplankton, and Whale and Dolphin Conservation are helping to fund a study that will help show just how important this process is. In this…
Read MoreWe’re pushing governments for action for our climate heroes – whales
The climate crisis is the greatest threat to all life on Earth. But there is hope – whales are essential in combating climate change and the more whales there are, the more carbon is taken out of the atmosphere. WDC’s Ed Goodall will be at the Bonn Climate Conference to urge international governments to take…
Read MoreSurvivor Series: Meet the North Atlantic Right Whales
Time to meet some of the endangered right whales under the water! North Atlantic right whales are constantly threatened by being hit by vessels…here’s some stories of some of the survivors. Georgia DNR Wildlife with NOAA permit 20556-01. Meet Calvin! Calvin is a female born in 1992 from a whale named Delilah. When Calvin was…
Read MoreMarine Animal Rescue and Response: Tales From the Field
Hi! My name is Sarah and I am the coordinator for WDC’s newest program – Marine Animal Rescue and Response (MARR)! I want to thank everyone who has sent encouraging messages, made generous donations, and supported us as get this program up and running during this first year of helping stranded seals, whales, and dolphins!…
Read MoreSpout Spotters: Boater Safety Around Whales Online Course Launches
After countless hours behind the computer, bountiful snacks, and a few stress relieving walks with my dog, I am proud to announce WDC and our partners officially launched our Spout Spotters: Boater Safety Around Whales online course! This course has been in the works since 2016 when my colleague at Audubon Society of Rhode Island…
Read MoreStream to Sea: Orca Action Month 2022
This June was an exceptionally busy and exciting Orca Month, starting with a somewhat surprising but wonderful return to their summer home waters by J pod of the Southern Resident orca population. Orca Month is celebrated in June to align with the time the orcas historically returned to the Salish Sea, but in recent years…
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