Latest Whale watching Stories

The first paternity study of southern right whales has found a surprisingly high level of local breeding success for males, scientists say, which is good news for the overall genetic diversity of the species, but could create risk for local populations through in-breeding. Results of the study, by researchers at the University of Auckland, Oregon State University and the New Zealand Department of Conservation, have just been published in the journal Molecular Ecology. The study found...

YARMOUTH PORT, Mass., June 12, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- IFAW's, (the International Fund for Animal Welfare, www.ifaw.org) research vessel, The Song of the Whale is contributing to one of the most comprehensive whale studies in the world - conducting critical research to help save whales from collisions with ships and entanglement in fishing gear. IFAW is joining the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary during its 20th anniversary to be part of a world-class international...

Southern dwelling killer whales, located in the Pacific Northwest, experience more strain by lack of fish than by hordes of whale watchers, according to a study conducted in the Salish Sea. Chinook salmon, a staple for the killer whales of that area, are dwindling in number and this effects the whale population heavily. Published on June 6, 2012 in the online journal PLoS ONE, the study, led by environmental and pet-behavior consultant Katherine Ayers, focused on the glucocorticoid and...

Over a decade of science and industry working together continues to help rare whale species recover SAINT JOHN, June 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - This year marks the 10(th) anniversary of the International Maritime Organization's adoption of re-routed shipping lanes in the Bay of Fundy, a precedent setting initiative achieved through the collaboration of industry, led by Irving Oil, scientists from the New England Aquarium, government, academics and environmental groups for the...

YARMOUTH PORT, Mass., April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new nationwide survey shows that 77 percent of Americans across the political spectrum agree that Congress and the Administration should adopt a broad whale conservation program, and 89 percent believe that the U.S. should help enforce the global ban on commercial whaling. To help inform how to better protect the planet's whales, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW; www.ifaw.org) today released Blueprint for...

Researchers from WCS, Columbia University, and others find an unusual divide in song themes sung by whales in Madagascar and western Australia A recently published study by the Wildlife Conservation Society and others reveals that humpback whales on both sides of the southern Indian Ocean are singing different tunes, unusual since humpbacks in the same ocean basin usually all sing very similar songs. The results of the study—conducted by researchers from WCS, Columbia University, and...

New study finds 87 marine mammal species consumed by people in 114 countries The fate of the world's great whale species commands global attention as a result of heated debate between pro and anti-whaling advocates, but the fate of smaller marine mammals is less understood, specifically because the deliberate and accidental catching and killing of dolphins, porpoises, manatees, and other warm-blooded aquatic species are rarely studied or monitored. To shed more light on the issue,...

FORT BRAGG, Calif., Jan. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- It's time to mark your calendar and book your room for the 30th Annual Fort Bragg Whale Festival March 17 and 18, 2012. Many area B&B's, hotels and motels are offering special packages. Visit www.fortbragg.com/stay for a directory of local accommodations. With some 20,000 gray whales migrating north from birthing grounds in Mexico to their winter home in Alaska, sightings should be spectacular from the Pomo Bluffs Park in Fort...

A California marine biologist and whale-watching tour operator has been charged with violating a federal law that prohibits disturbing killer whales in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The Associated Press reports that on Wednesday, charges were brought against Nancy Black saying that she had violated the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which, among other things, makes it illegal to feed marine mammals such as dolphins, sea lions and whales. Ms. Black, who owns and operates...

Whale watchers are saying that migrating gray whales are swimming through Southern California waters in record numbers this winter. The Los Angeles Times said on Wednesday that whale watchers at Point Vicente in Rancho Palos Verdes have recorded a record 163 sightings in December so far, which is the most that have been logged at this location in 28 years. At this time last year, observers logged 26 gray whales.  The previous record saw 133 of the mammals in 1996. "I've seen some...