Gulf of Mexico perinatal dolphin deaths likely result of oil exposure
The increased number of stranded stillborn and juvenile dolphins found in the Gulf of Mexico from 2010 to 2013 was likely caused by chronic illnesses in mothers who were exposed to oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill, scientists said today.
Conservation efforts for Florida, Pacific coast green sea turtles working, agencies say
Years of coordinated conservation efforts, including protection of nesting beaches, reduction of bycatch in fisheries, and prohibitions on the direct harvest of sea turtles, have led to increasing numbers of turtles nesting in Florida and along the Pacific coast of Mexico.
Japan Kills 200 Pregnant Minke Whales
Flouting an international ruling, Japan resumed minke whaling for ‘scientific purposes’ during breeding season.
Ecuador creates Galápagos marine sanctuary to protect sharks
Ecuador has created a new marine sanctuary in the Galápagos Islands that will offer protection to the world’s greatest concentration of sharks. Some 15,000 square miles (38,000 sq km) of the waters around Darwin and Wolf – the most northern islands – will be made off limits to all fishing.
Albino Whale ‘Gallon of Milk’ Spotted off Mexico
An annual whale census off the Pacific coast of Mexico turned up a welcome sight: the albino whale known as “Gallon of Milk,” a female gray whale not seen since 2009.
Fish Poachers Push Endangered Porpoises to Brink
China’s lucrative black market for fish parts is threatening the vaquita, the world’s most endangered marine mammal. The porpoises, who live only in the Gulf of California, are getting caught up as bycatch in illegal gill nets and killed. Scientists fear the porpoise could vanish by 2018.
Why 10,000-Plus Sharks Are Hanging Out in Florida Waters
Approximately 10,000 to 12,000 blacktip sharks are currently swimming off the Florida coast, but while these numbers may seem menacing, shark researchers say it’s not unusual to see these animals — visible as tiny dark spots in aerial photos and video — in the area at this time of year.
Toxic chemicals found in beached pilot whales in Scotland
Scientists have found clear evidence that whales are absorbing high levels of toxic heavy metals, with cadmium found in the brains of pilot whales which washed up in Scotland.
Human-made underwater sound may have wider ecosystem effects than previously thought
Underwater sound linked to human activity could alter the behaviour of seabed creatures that play a vital role in marine ecosystems, according to new research.