National Marine Mammal Foundation’s Post

In honor of #WorldOrcaDay, let’s dive into how AWI is working to protect a critically endangered orca population around the Iberian Peninsula. This population—numbering only about 40 individuals—has made waves in the media due to their interactions with boats. About 15 of these orcas have engaged in these interactions over the past five boating seasons. During this time, the media has pushed—and the public has entertained—the harmful and inaccurate narrative that the orcas are seeking revenge for past trauma inflicted by humans. In May, the Spanish government published a report resulting from an international workshop attended by experts—including Dr. Naomi Rose, AWI’s marine mammal biology senior scientist—challenging this narrative and explaining that the orcas’ behavior is most likely play. Changing the narrative is imperative to help protect this critically endangered population and ensure the orcas are not punished for their social behavior. Learn more by reading Naomi’s op-ed in FairPlanet: https://lnkd.in/eqZz4rhh 📷: Plie Do

100 new marine species, including mystery creature discovered in New Zealand https://lnkd.in/gNDMfsDx #UltraTech #UltraTechEnvironmentalConsultancyandLaboratory #EnvironmentalServices #EnvironmentProtection

📣 Exciting News! The Marine Mammals Management Toolkit has been published in Marine Policy! 🐋 We are pleased to share that Tom Dallison and Francis Staub, alongside colleagues from the Bermuda Marine Mammal Sanctuary and Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, have recently published the Marine Mammals Management Toolkit in Marine Policy! The Marine Mammals Management Toolkit, developed as part of the EU Ocean Governance 4 MPAs Marine Mammal Twinning project from 2020 to 2023, aimed strengthen the technical capacities of marine managers worldwide to effectively conserve marine mammals 🦭 This publication highlights the toolkit’s impact in guiding marine conservation efforts and supporting international commitments, including those under the  UN Biodiversity #GlobalBiodiversityFramework. By providing tools to evaluate and improve management plans, this resource continues to play a vital role in conserving marine mammals across protected areas globally. ✅ Read and download the latest publication here: https://lnkd.in/eNTkEviF And explore the Marine Mammals Management Toolkit here: www.marine-mammals.info #MarineMammalsManagementToolkit #MarinePolicy #OceanConservation #MarineManagement

“What’s on that dolphin?" 🤔😥 this was the question the PWF and Marine Mammal Research Program at University of Hawaii at Manoa team asked during a recent survey as we spotted a pantropical spotted dolphin off Lānaʻi with a troubling sight: what appeared to be a plastic filter lodged around its rostrum, likely preventing it from opening its mouth. Thankfully, the dolphin didn’t show signs of emaciation at the time. We likely won't ever know the fate of this dolphin, however, dolphins with similar mouth entanglements have been found dead due to their inability to eat. Help protect the ocean - dispose of trash responsibly and keep it from reaching the sea. The whales and dolphins of the world are counting on us. Learn more about this marine debris entanglement threat, and its likely underreporting, to the Maui Nui pantropical spotted dolphins in our recent paper here https://bit.ly/4eUzBOo Surveys were conducted in collaboration with the University of Hawaiʻi’s Marine Mammal Research Program. Research activities authorized under NMFS/MMPA ESA permit # 27099.

Behavioral hotspots of bottlenose dolphins in industrialized ship channels - Frontiers in Marine Science: Anthropogenic activity in coastal areas can damage marine habitats and alter marine mammal behavior and habitat use. Understanding behavioral associations with diverse habitat features in industrialized coastal areas is crucial for marine mammal conservation management. A shore-based digital theodolite was used to assess the behavioral states and habitat use of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) off Port Aransas, Texas across seasons. The relationship between behavioral states and environmental and geographical variables were analyzed. Behavioral hotspots were identified. Dolphins frequently foraged (46%), indicating the area is an important feeding ground. Dolphins also traveled (25%) and milled (22%), with less frequent occurrences of socializing (6%) and resting (1% of observations). Season, time of day, and distance to shoreline were significant predictors of foraging and traveling behavioral states. Dolphins engaged in all behavioral states closer to seawall shorelines than to mangroves and natural seagrass beds, suggesting that hard shoreline features may influence daily activity patterns. Despite daily anthropogenic operations, bottlenose dolphins use features of the industrialized area (i.e., deeply dredged channels, human-engineered seawalls) to engage in a variety of behaviors. Monitoring of dolphin behavioral states and habitat use in active ship channels are needed to assess changes from baseline data from increasing coastal development and vessel activities.

Passing of Hvladimir, the Beluga Whale Our community is deeply saddened by the passing of Hvladimir, the beluga whale who touched the hearts of so many. As the European Association for Aquatic Mammals (EAAM), we regret that this tragic outcome could not be prevented, and we believe it underscores the need for a more compassionate approach to the care of marine mammals.   Hvladimir’s behavior strongly suggested that he had previously lived in human care, as seen in his repeated attempts to interact with people. Animals like Hvladimir, who have formed deep connections with humans, often face significant challenges when returned to the wild, especially when found outside their natural environment. In such cases, a controlled setting can offer the safety and stability needed to ensure their well-being and minimize the risks they face.   There were numerous occasions when Hvladimir sought out human contact, even after suffering harm. It is likely that his well-being had been compromised for some time. While we are aware that relocating him to Arctic waters was considered, we believe this outcome serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities involved in such decisions. The option of moving him to a modern, accredited zoological facility—where he could have received expert care and social interaction with other belugas—was not pursued, and this is a cause for deep reflection.   Belugas are highly social animals, and Hvladimir’s integration with con-specifics could have significantly improved his quality of life. Furthermore, such a relocation would have provided valuable opportunities for scientific research, contributing to our understanding of beluga biology and conservation at a time when their populations are increasingly threatened by climate change, habitat loss, and other human activities.   We believe that this unfortunate outcome should guide future efforts to protect marine mammals in similar situations. The EAAM remains fully committed to advocating for the safety and well-being of all marine mammals, and we stand ready to support decisions that prioritize their welfare above all else.   Sincerely, European Association for Aquatic Mammals (EAAM)

🌊 Today is #WorldOceanDay, so this morning I had a deep dive into one out of many critical issues: Shipping, the North Atlantic right whale, and regulations. 🐋 Btw, we are considering an exciting "data challenge" related to this topic at the upcoming ILIAD hackathon in September, so stay tuned! 🚀 The North Atlantic right whale is one of the most endangered large whale species, with less than 400 individuals left as of 2022 (Source: Marine Mammal Commission). These magnificent creatures face immense challenges from vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing gear, the leading causes of their mortality. Looking at the animations of their habitat (the nice visualization below is made by NOAA Fisheries), you can see how perilous life is for these whales. It’s like navigating a constantly busy intersection, filled with dangers. 🚢⚓ Despite positive developments in regulations, the urgency to act is paramount. With fewer than 70 reproductive females remaining, their situation is dire. It’s crucial we leverage our technology and data to implement effective conservation measures. 🌍💡 Interestingly, the last observation of the North Atlantic right whale in Norwegian waters dates 21 years back. I hope to see a new observation of these majestic creatures within my lifetime. 🐋🇳🇴 Link to NOAA Fisheries article about reducing vessel strikes to North Atlantic Right Whales: 👉🏻 https://lnkd.in/dY8bnAvs Read more about the upcoming Iliad - Digital Twins of the Ocean hackathon here: https://lnkd.in/dT2SZQ6a

The Roseway Basin, located on the Scotian Shelf off Cape Sable in Nova Scotia, is a crucial marine mammal sanctuary and biodiversity hotspot. The deployment of Teledyne Marine autonomous underwater gliders in this area is essential for monitoring the health of this critical ecosystem. Teledyne Marine gliders collect near-real-time oceanographic data, including temperature, salinity, and acoustic activity, which helps determine habitat suitability for whales. Additionally, they detect and record whale calls, providing scientists with valuable insights into whale movements and behavior. This information is vital for creating tailored conservation programs to protect these magnificent creatures. Read this case study to learn more about Teledyne Marine's technology this is helping to protect this vital marine sanctuary. https://bit.ly/3Wa7of7 #OceanScience #WhaleProtection #Biodiversity #TeledyneMarine #RosewayBasin #ScotianShelf #NovaScotia #SaveOurOceans

A word to spread around. 🦭🐬🐋 The goal of the Marine Mammal Research Network (MMRN) is to broaden the scope and impact of research with marine mammals in human care by establishing cooperative relationships between facilities and scientists, and by enhancing and growing scientific communication. https://lnkd.in/e3NTtGpw #marinemammalresearchnetwork #conservation #research #animalwelfarescience #husbandry #animaltraining #eaam #communication #acoustics, #physiology, #behaviour #cognition #ecology

INVASIVE SPECIES: The First Fridays with Florida First Detector webinar series focuses on invasive species in Florida, covering a new topic or species each month. CEUs are available for professionals. This month's topic features invasive snails, like the giant African land snail, and other gastropods of concern to Florida. Learn about how they are identified, detected, monitored, and managed. WHEN: Friday, May 3 at 12:00 p.m. SIGN UP: Register for free at https://lnkd.in/gis9TN2r. Be sure to click through to the Zoom registration. UPCOMING SESSIONS: June 7 - Invasive Nematodes July 5 - Invasive Species on Pines August 2 - Invasive Species on Ornamental Plants #Invasive Species #Florida First Detector