Investigation into New Zealand dolphin deaths
An investigation has been launched after two endangered New Zealand dolphins (also known as Hector’s dolphins) were found in different locations on the country’s South Island. Under New Zealand law, anyone who injures or kills a marine mammal must report the incident to the authorities. Failure to do so can result in large fines. The investigation…
Read MoreHumpback whale off Devon coast rescued from fishing gear
A humpback whale that has been feeding off the coast of south Devon had to be rescued on Wednesday after becoming entanged in fishing gear, possible ropes from crab or lobster pots, which were wrapped around the whale’s tail. The whale has been in the area for most of the month, attracting visitors to the…
Read MoreConcern grows over rising dolphin and porpoise deaths in UK and France
The growing numbers of dolphins and porpoises washing up dead on the south west coast of the UK is continuing to cause concern. Over 100 have been reported dead on beaches in Cornwall and in fishing boat nets in eight weeks, according to the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, bringing the toll for last year to 205.…
Read MoreConcern after latest dolphin deaths in Cornwall
At least ten dead dolphins have been washed up on beaches in the West Country in the past couple of weeks. It is unclear what is behind the recent strandings, but potential causes include illness, the effects of pollution and entanglement in fishing nets. In recent years, the local fishing community has trialed using pingers…
Read MoreSri Lanka to crack down on illegal sale of whale and dolphin meat
Sri Lanka Fisheries Minister, Mahinda Amaraweera has ordered the Sri Lankan navy and coastguard to take legal action against fishermen killing dolphins and small whales in the waters off Mirissa, southwest of the island. He has also instructed police to arrest those found selling whale or dolphin meat at local markets. These creatures have been…
Read MoreTwo endangered north atlantic right whales die in fishing gear
WDC is extremely concerned after two North Atlantic right whales were found dead and a third had to be rescued after getting caught up in fishing gear in recent days. Only around 500 of the endangered creatures survive so to lose two, one of which was just reaching breeding age, is devastating. One of the…
Read MoreMexico to ban gillnets in attempt to save the vaquita
Mexico has announced that it is to permanently ban the use of gillnets in the waters where the highly endangered vaquita is found, in an attempt to save the species from extinction. The vaquita, which translates from spanish as “little cow”, is a species of porpoise, whose numbers are thought to have dropped to around…
Read MoreIWC calls on NZ Government to take action to prevent extinction of Māui’s dolphin
The Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) has said that urgent action is needed to prevent one of the world’s most endangered dolphins from becoming extinct. The Māui’s dolphin is only found in New Zealand, a sub-species of the more numerous but still rare New Zealand dolphin. Found only in waters around the North…
Read MoreRescuers attempt to disentangle blue whale
A rescue team attempted to removed fishing gear from around a blue whale on Monday. According to local reports, the whale, thought to be around 80ft long, appeared to be tired when spotted by a local whale-watching company off Dana Point in California. On Tuesday, CNN reported that a new attempt would be made to…
Read More27,000 say NO to scallop dredging
Over 27,000 people have now signed a petition against plans by the Welsh government to open up Cardigan Bay to destructive scallop dredging. Large parts of the bay, home to bottlenose dolphins, are protected as ‘Special Areas of Conservation’ under European law, and WDC has been calling on the Welsh government to bring about better…
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