My lucky number – 13 years studying amazing Risso’s dolphins
Everything we learn about the Risso’s dolphins off the coast of Scotland amazes us and helps us argue for their protection. Every time I step onto these islands, I have a feeling of excited anticipation about what this Risso’s research field season is going to bring. WDC started our Isle of Lewis (and Harris) project…
Read MoreMore important ocean areas for whales and dolphin protection identified
Scientists and observers from many different countries have identified and mapped 36 new Important Marine Mammal Areas (IMMAs), from northern Mexico to the southern tip of Chile. IMMAs are essentially portions of ocean important to marine mammal species that have the potential to be set aside for conservation management. The addition of the latest 36…
Read MoreLas Vegas dolphin facility to close
Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat in Las Vegas is to permanently close. The facility is part of The Mirage complex and has been open for more than three decades but, following the property’s sale to Hard Rock International, the decision has been made to permanently close the garden and habitat. Whilst it…
Read More
What have dead whales ever done for us?
When dead whales wash up on dry land they provide a vital food source for many species, but fewer whales means fewer carcasses and that’s bad news. It may seem strange to talk about the benefit of dead whales, but even in death whales are a vital part of healthy ecosystems, and not just marine…
Read MoreWDC citizen science project nominated for Scottish nature award
The success of WDC’s Shorewatch programme was acknowledged recently after being nominated in the Citizen Science category for the prestigious Nature of Scotland Awards. Shorewatch narrowly missed out on the first prize and the awards ceremony, which is now in its 11th year, and is backed by RSPB and co-sponsor NatureScot. WDC’s Shorewatch citizen science programme, monitors at…
Read MoreWhale meat fetches record high at Japan auction
Sei whale meat is being sold at a record high in Japan according media reports there. Ironically, whilst delegates from around the world at COP27 discuss ways to tackle climate change, tail meat from one of our biggest ocean allies in the fight against climate breakdown (whales) is fetching 500,000 yen (about $3,600) per kilo…
Read More