Today's episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast dives deep into the world of orcas. From the consideration of two species of orca to the tragic death of an orca at Marineland in France, and a delicate rescue operation for a mother orca off the coast of Vancouver Island, host Andrew Lewin covers it all.

Tune in to stay updated on the latest ocean news and learn how you can make a difference for our marine friends.

Link to one of the articles: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/04/06/stranded-orca-calf-rescue-canada/

Efforts are being made to reunite the stranded calf with its extended family of transient orcas to ensure its survival. The calf, left orphaned after its mother tragically drowned in a scenic lagoon off the coast of Vancouver Island, is in a precarious situation. The calf is unable to survive on its own in the lagoon, as it requires marine mammal meat such as seals or sea lions for sustenance, rather than the birds it has been seen hunting.

A team of marine mammal experts, drone technicians, veterinarians, environmental consultants, and indigenous people are working together to devise a plan to reunite the calf with its extended family. The hope is that the calf's grandmother, aunts, and other members of the transient orca family will come to the lagoon to retrieve the calf. However, the calf is currently unable to navigate the narrow passage out of the lagoon on its own.

Various methods have been considered to facilitate the calf's reunion with its family. Initially, attempts were made to entice the calf out of the lagoon by playing sounds that mimic the calls of its family members. However, this method was unsuccessful. Other options, such as using a helicopter to lift the calf out of the water or craning it out and transporting it to the other side of the lagoon, are being considered. These methods pose risks to both the calf and the crew involved, as being out of water for an extended period can be stressful and dangerous for the orca.

The indigenous people in the area have a deep cultural connection to the orcas, viewing them as symbolic of their ancestors. The orca's role in their stories is significant, further emphasizing the importance of saving the stranded calf. The collaborative efforts of experts, including the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, veterinarians, and indigenous communities, highlight the urgency and complexity of the situation.

The clock is ticking for the calf, and a decision must be made soon to ensure its survival. The tragic loss of its mother, who was pregnant at the time of her death, adds to the urgency of reuniting the calf with its family. The ultimate goal is to ensure the well-being and survival of the orphaned calf by reuniting it with its extended family of transient orcas.

In this podcast episode, the topic of orcas and underwater noise is explored. Andrew Lewin = expresses excitement about discussing this often overlooked issue and introduces Rachel Aronson, the Executive Director of the Quiet Sound program. They highlight the program's goal of protecting endangered southern resident killer whales from the impact of commercial vessels. The decision to establish Quiet Sound as a collaborative effort within Washington Maritime Blue is explained. The episode also touches on the Orca Task Force and its role in addressing the population decline of southern resident killer whales.

Connect with Quiet Sound:
Website: https://quietsound.org/

In the episode, the speaker discusses the importance of recognizing when a conflict is ripe for mediation and the significance of considering the parties' readiness and alternatives to a negotiated agreement. They mention that not every conflict is ready for mediation and highlight the concept of the "ripeness moment," which refers to the point when people are emotionally and mentally prepared to engage in the mediation process.

The speaker emphasizes the need to assess the readiness and willingness of the parties to participate in mediation. This involves gauging their level of commitment, openness to dialogue, and willingness to explore potential solutions. Without the ripeness moment, mediation may be unproductive or even detrimental to the resolution of the conflict.

Additionally, the episode introduces the concept of the Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement (BATNA) in mediation. BATNA refers to the alternative course of action that parties will pursue if the mediation process does not lead to a satisfactory agreement. The speaker stresses the importance of coaching the parties in thinking through their BATNA, as it helps them evaluate the potential outcomes and consequences of not reaching an agreement through mediation.

The episode also highlights the significance of taking emotions out of conflicts and finding ways to work together in the future. The speakers emphasize the importance of living in hope that a resolution can be reached and relationships can be rebuilt, rather than resorting to mudslinging and losing trust. This approach requires empathy for all stakeholders involved.

To illustrate these points, the speakers provide an example of conflicts between the government and the fishing community. They emphasize the need for empathy towards the fishing community, who are trying to make a living, while also finding a balance that allows both parties to achieve their goals - the fishing community can sustain their livelihoods and the environment can be protected. This requires understanding and cooperation from all sides.

Overall, the episode underscores the importance of recognizing the ripeness moment for mediation, considering alternatives, and approaching conflicts with empathy and a focus on future collaboration.

In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the devastating news of Tokitae's passing at the Miami Seaquarium. Tokitae was the last orca captured from Puget Sound in the 1970s and was set to be returned to her home before her health declined. Andrew explores the implications of Tokitae's death on orca conservation efforts and the profound impact it has had on the Lummi Nation, who have cultural ties to orcas. Tune in to learn more about this somber event and discover how you can take action to protect the ocean.

Most recent Tokitae episode: https://www.speakupforblue.com/show/speak-up-for-the-ocean-blue/show-72/

King 5 Seattle News Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLQHU_cxXJw

There have been a few accounts over the past summer of Orcas damaging boats in the Strait of Gibraltar. some accounts talk about the Orcas bitting the rudders of their boats, others talk about having a damaged keel from the constant damage as the Orcas ram boats and turn them almost 180 degrees. 

The Orca population in question is endangered with less than 30 individuals. There are many human pressures in the area from shipping (noise) to fishing (competition for food). Some people are speculating that the Orcas are getting desperate and are trying to eliminate the competition; however, scientists are not sure what is happening. More studies are required to study this behaviour and try to determine why the Orcas are damaging the boats. 

Link To Article: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/13/the-tale-of-the-killer-whales

Why do you think Orcas are damaging boats in the Strait of Gibraltar? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

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Check out the Shows on the Speak Up For Blue Network:

Marine Conservation Happy Hour
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k4ZB3x
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2kkEElk

Madame Curiosity
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2xUlSax
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2V38QQ1

ConCiencia Azul:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k6XPio
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k4ZMMf

Dugongs & Seadragons:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lB9Blv
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2lV6THt

Environmental Studies & Sciences
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lx86oh
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2lG8LUh

Marine Mammal Science:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k5pTCI
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k1YyRL

Projects For Wildlife Podcast:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Oc17gy
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/37rinWz

Ocean Science Radio
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3chJMfA
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3bnkP18

The Guide To Mindful Conservation: Dancing In Pink Hiking Boots:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/31P4UY6
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3f7hDJw

The movie Blackfish put the free orca campaign on a mainstream level and caused many things to change, such as the cancellation of orca shows and stopped the breeding program; however, what are we going to do with the Orcas in a small concrete tank. Lori Marino, a neuroscientist, has proposed an alternative that is backed by a dream team of scientists and advocates from all over the world. 

Lori is the Founder and President of The Whale Sanctuary Project, which provides an alternative to captive Orca habitat. However, there must be evidence to prove that the Orcas are do not belong in captivity. How about Chronic Stress?

Lori and co-authors wrote a paper to demonstrate the effects of chronic stress on cetaceans in captivity. We discuss the paper as well as some plans for the whale sea-side sanctuaries. 

Links:

Website: https://whalesanctuaryproject.org/

Paper: https://whalesanctuaryproject.org/content/uploads/Marino-et-al-2019-Chronic-stress-in-captive-orcas.pdf

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Whale_Sanctuary

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whalesanctuaryproject/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whalesanctuaryproject/

Where would you like to see a Whale Sea-Side Sanctuary? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

If you would like to be on the podcast, please contact me at andrew@speakupforblue.com.

Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app.

Speak Up For Blue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakupforblue/

Speak Up For Blue Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpeakUpforBlue

Check out the Shows on the Speak Up For Blue Network:

Marine Conservation Happy Hour
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k4ZB3x
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2kkEElk

Madame Curiosity
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2xUlSax
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2V38QQ1

ConCiencia Azul:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k6XPio
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k4ZMMf

Dugongs & Seadragons:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lB9Blv
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2lV6THt

Environmental Studies & Sciences
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lx86oh
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2lG8LUh

Marine Mammal Science:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k5pTCI
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k1YyRL

Projects For Wildlife Podcast:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Oc17gy
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/37rinWz

Ocean Science Radio
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3chJMfA
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3bnkP18

There was a National Geographic article that came out a couple of weeks ago claiming their research team found a "New" type of Orca in the subantarctic (coastal Antarctica). 

The "New" ecotype of orca is called Type D and it has clear morphological differences as the eyepatch is larger, the dorsal fin is longer and more narrow, and the animal is shorter than other Orcas. 

Unfortunately, their claims that the species is new are false. Researchers have known about the Ecotype D Orca since 1904.

It is great that the team of scientists and explorers were able to get underwater video as well as a tissue sample for DNA analysis. Scientists might be able to figure out whether the ecotypes are genetically difference, which would mean there may be a new species.

What are your thoughts on the article? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean. 

We continue with the Marine Social Science Segments with Dr. Edd Hind-Ozan. Today we discuss why there are plastic bits in plastic water bottles. Just another reason why we shouldn't be using plastic water bottles.

I also discuss the new Orca Whale Watching Ban implemented in Washington State to help protect the Southern Resident Orca Whale Population. I ask the question, is whale watching the real problem, or is it low hanging fruit?

Let me know what you think of the Orca Whale Watching Ban in our Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Get quality household cleaning products from the Grove Collaborative by visiting: http://www.speakupforblue.com/eco

Marine Conservation saw a couple of great government moves at the end of last week. 

Orca Captive Breeding and Shows Banned in California

The state of California passed a law banning captive breeding of orcas as well as orca shows. This essentially puts a nail in the coffin to orca shows and breeding at Marine Mammal Parks such as SeaWorld in California and could pave the way for other states such as Florida and Texas to pass similar laws, which would completely get rid of shows and breeding programs for each of SeaWorld's location. 

The ban forces SeaWorld to change the way it displays orcas from an entertainment attraction to more of an education attraction and it could start the process in releasing orcas to Sea Side Marine Mammal Sanctuaries. However, SeaWorld continues to state that releasing captive bred orcas into the sea where they would be exposed to potential oil spills and other types of pollution would harm the orcas. Dr. Naomi Rose from the Animal Welfare Institute stated on The Speak Up For Blue Episode 190 that SeaWorld's position is not scientifically correct and has been disproven by the release of the orca Keiko (Take a listen to the episode for more information on Keiko).

SeaWorld announced in March 2016 that it would halt the breeding program and in January earlier that year said it would stop its orca shows. The California law ensures that SeaWorld will not go back on its word. 

President Obama Announces 1st Atlantic Marine Monument

The President was in the news a couple of weeks ago as he announced the expansion of the Hawaii National Marine Monument and last week he announced the establishment of the 1st Marine Monument in the Atlantic Ocean on the coast of New England. The Monument with protect a series of Deep Sea Seamounts and Canyons that provide great biodiversity for the area. 

The Monument will ensure the protection of biodiversity of the area and protect fisheries sustainability; however, the fishing industry does not believe the Monument takes into account the loss of income it will have on the fishing industry. 

The declaration of this Monument continues to show that this President values the Ocean and its resources as well as the need for its protection.

Are you ready to pivot to a more meaningful career? 

Do you want to talk about how you can pursue a career in Marine Conservation? Send me an email and let's chat.

andrew@speakupforblue.com

Because I want to talk to you!

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Whale captivity has been a debated issue since the first orca was captured off the coast of Washington State; however, efforts to free wild caught and captive-bred orcas, belugas and dolphins have not been discussed in great detail...until this year.

Blackfish, a documentary film describing the multitude of problems Orcas face in captivity and the dangers it poses to humans, was a key catalyst in firing up the concept of releasing captive whales into Sea side Sanctuaries, but as of September 2015, the thought of Whale Sanctuaries was way in the distance. It wasn't until March of 2016 when the Conservation community truly thought that Whale Sanctuaries could be real. That was the time when Sea World stunned both the conservation community and the captive community when it said it would halt the breeding program in all of its facilities!

The announcement meant that there would not be another new orca added to Sea World systems again. YAY!!!

So what will happen to the orcas currently living in Sea World? According to Sea World, nothing...

The public has another idea and want to see orcas and other marine mammals retired to the sea. In fact, a company called Munchkin, had an owner who was against whale captivity. So much so, that he decided to provide the seed funding for a Whale Sea-Side Sanctuary for captive orcas. 

Naomi Rose, who is a marine mammal biologist expert at the Animal Welfare Institute, returned to the podcast to give us the details on the propose Whale Sea-Side Sanctuary. If you want to know how the sanctuary will work, Listent.To.This.Episode!

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