Intersex marine mammals are an exceptionally rare topic in marine biology, and in this episode, we dive into a groundbreaking discovery of an intersex southern right whale. The whale, sampled in 1989, was recently found to possess XY chromosomes through genetic testing. This revelation opens up new conversations about sex differentiation in marine species and the complexities of whale biology that scientists are only beginning to uncover.

Southern right whale research has long been essential to ocean conservation, but this case adds an entirely new layer. Through a discussion of how genetic tests were used to identify the condition, we explore what this discovery means for marine science, the implications for studying biodiversity, and how it might shape future marine mammal research. Tune in to hear about a unique scientific moment that redefines our understanding of sex in the ocean world.

Link to article: https://nautil.us/discovering-the-first-intersex-southern-right-whale-1201412/

Are harmful algal blooms (HABs) endangering whales? In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, we explore how HABs might disorient whales, putting them in dangerous situations. Drawing on insights from studies and an article from Mongabay News, I discuss the science, controversies, and potential conservation solutions.

Tune in to learn more about this critical ocean health issue and what can be done to protect marine life. 

Link to article: https://news.mongabay.com/2025/02/study-suggests-algal-blooms-disorient-whales-putting-them-in-danger/

No, offshore wind does not cause whale strandings as stated by NOAA, the Marine Mammal Commission, and other government agencies. The rumor was started and perpetuated by the current president of the United States, Donald Trump; Fox News; fossil fuel-funded non-profit organizations; and the fishing communities along the East Coast as renewable energy threatens the fossil fuel industry.

In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin addresses the concerns surrounding whale strandings along the East Coast of the U.S. and the claims that the offshore wind industry is to blame. Over the past few years, there has been an increase in whale strandings, leading various groups—including politicians, nonprofit organizations, and media outlets—to suggest a link to offshore wind farms.

However, Lewin emphasizes that extensive research conducted by NOAA and other academic institutions has found no evidence connecting the offshore wind industry to these strandings. The Marine Mammal Commission, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, and NOAA Fisheries support this conclusion, stating that the primary human threats to large whales are vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing gear, not offshore wind.

Lewin points out that the narrative blaming offshore wind is perpetuated by those with vested interests, such as the fossil fuel industry and fishing communities, who may feel threatened by the growth of renewable energy sources. He stresses the importance of relying on scientific evidence rather than misinformation spread through social media and certain media outlets.

The episode reinforces that there is no scientific basis for the claims linking offshore wind to whale strandings, and it highlights the need to focus on the real threats to whale populations, such as vessel strikes and fishing gear entanglement.

Link to Article: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/whales-are-dying-but-not-from-offshore-wind/

Where do whales live? Where do they go? These are just some of the questions the US federal government would like to answer by introducing a bill (H.R. 10292) called the Whale CHARTS Act.

In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lauren discusses the recently introduced Whale Conservation Habitat Analysis Research and Technical Strategies Act, also known as the Whale Charts Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to enhance the protection of baleen and sperm whales by improving our understanding of their feeding areas, calving grounds, and migration routes.

Key points covered in the episode include:

• Objectives of the Whale Charts Act: The bill seeks to create high-resolution distribution maps of whale populations, develop predictive models to forecast shifts in whale habitats due to climate change, and conduct targeted research on understudied baleen whale species.

• Importance of Mapping: Enhanced mapping and predictive modeling are crucial for preventing dangerous collisions between vessels and whales. The North Atlantic right whale, for example, is often struck by ships, and understanding their migration routes is essential for their conservation.

• Use of Technology: The act encourages the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to utilize innovative data sources, such as passive acoustic monitoring and satellite imagery, to improve the accuracy of habitat maps. This technology integration aims to safeguard marine wildlife while ensuring safer navigation for boaters.

• Bipartisan Support: The episode emphasizes that the Whale Charts Act has bipartisan support, making it a viable piece of legislation that could pass. Listeners are encouraged to contact their federal representatives to express support for the bill.

Overall, the episode highlights the significance of mapping and tracking whale populations not only for their protection but also for the safety of human activities in marine environments. By leveraging advanced technology and data, the Whale Charts Act represents a proactive step towards harmonizing maritime operations with the natural behaviors of whales.

Link to article: https://ecomagazine.com/news/policy/new-bill-introduced-to-improve-predictive-mapping-technology-for-whale-and-boater-safety/

US Congresspeople associated with the bill:

Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Florida): https://buchanan.house.gov/constituent-validation 
Rep. Doris Matsui (D-California): https://matsuiforms.house.gov/contact/
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis(R-New York): https://malliotakis.house.gov/contact
Rep. Jared Huffman (D-California): https://huffman.house.gov/contact/

Andrew Lewin discusses the concerning news of fin whales being hunted in Iceland. Despite a reduced quota, up to 128 whales could be killed by the only company conducting whaling in Iceland. The episode delves into the implications of this practice and encourages listeners to take action to protect the ocean.

Tune in to learn more about this pressing issue and find out how you can advocate for marine conservation.

Link to Article: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/iceland-issues-license-for-128-fin-whales-to-be-hunted-this-year/ar-BB1o2aLW

IWC Fin Whale Species Page: https://iwc.int/about-whales/whale-species/fin-whale

Iceland's decision to resume hunting fin whales with a quota of 128 whales for the 2024 season has sparked controversy and concern among marine conservationists and the public. The announcement by the Icelandic government to grant a license to hunt fin whales to a single company, Havlur, has raised questions about the conservation status of these majestic creatures.

Fin whales, the second-largest whale species after the blue whale, play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem. They are vulnerable to human-induced threats such as commercial whaling, ship strikes, and entanglement in fishing gear. The global population of fin whales is considered vulnerable, with the Mediterranean subpopulation facing particular risks. The species is listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species due to the severe depletion of their numbers during the industrial whaling period.

Iceland's decision to resume commercial whaling of fin whales, along with Norway and Japan, goes against the commercial whaling ban imposed by the International Whaling Commission in the 1980s. Despite concerns about the humaneness of the hunting methods and the dwindling stocks of fin whales, Iceland has persisted in allowing commercial whaling to resume since 2006.

The export of whale meat to Japan, a traditional practice in some countries, has faced declining demand, raising questions about the necessity and sustainability of hunting fin whales. The cultural arguments put forth by some countries to justify whaling practices are being challenged by scientific reports indicating a lack of significant demand for whale meat.

The resumption of fin whale hunting in Iceland for the 2024 season has drawn international attention and criticism, with concerns about the impact on marine conservation efforts and the reputation of Iceland as a tourist destination. The decision to grant licenses to hunt these vulnerable species raises ethical and environmental concerns, highlighting the need for continued advocacy and action to protect marine wildlife and preserve the delicate balance of the ocean ecosystem.

The International Whaling Commission (IWC) imposed a commercial ban on fin whales in the 1980s due to dwindling stocks. This decision was made in response to the severe depletion of fin whale populations globally during the industrial whaling period in the first half of the 20th century. The ban was a crucial step taken to protect the remaining population of fin whales, which was considered to be a small fraction of what it was before modern whaling practices.

Iceland, which had left the IWC in 1992, later returned in 2002 with a reservation to the ban and allowed commercial whaling to resume in 2006. Along with Norway and Japan, Iceland is one of the few countries that continue to practice commercial whaling despite the ban imposed by the IWC. The country also sets annual quotas for hunting fin whales and minke whales in its waters.

The decision to impose a commercial ban on fin whales by the IWC highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect vulnerable species from further depletion. The ban serves as a reminder of the impact of historical whaling practices on marine mammal populations and the necessity of international cooperation to ensure the sustainable management of whale populations.

Whales, such as fin whales, play a crucial role in the ecosystem even after they die. When these large whales perish, their bodies sink to the ocean floor, providing a significant contribution to nutrient cycling. This process is essential for maintaining the health and balance of the marine ecosystem.

The carcasses of fin whales, along with other large whale species like blue whales, act as a source of nutrients for various marine organisms. Their bodies support a complex food web by providing sustenance for deep-sea scavengers and organisms that feed on whale falls. This nutrient transfer from whale carcasses to the surrounding environment enhances biodiversity and supports the productivity of deep-sea ecosystems.

Understanding the importance of whales in nutrient cycling highlights the critical role they play in marine ecosystems. Protecting these majestic creatures, such as fin whales, is not only vital for their survival but also for maintaining the health and functioning of the ocean environment as a whole. The conservation of whales is crucial to preserving the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and ensuring the sustainability of ocean life.

Andrew Lewin discusses the recent discovery of photographs capturing humpback whales engaging in copulation. The episode features Stephanie Stack from the Pacific Whale Foundation and Griffith University to delve into the surprising details of this behavior. Discover the untold story behind humpback whale reproduction and learn how this new insight can help in ocean conservation efforts.

Connect with Stephanie:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniehstack/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whalescientist

The groundbreaking discovery of two male humpback whales engaging in copulation challenges previous assumptions about humpback whale behavior and raises new questions for researchers. Captured by professional photographers Lyle and Brandy, this observation sheds light on the complexity of humpback whale social interactions. The encounter, which occurred in Hawaii, revealed unexpected behavior that had not been previously documented in humpback whales.

Traditionally, humpback whales were believed to be solitary animals, with the exception of the bond between a mother and calf in the first year of life. However, this observation of two male humpback whales engaging in copulation suggests a more intricate social dynamic among these marine mammals. The discovery challenges the preconceived notion of humpback whale behavior and opens up new avenues for research into their social interactions.

The photographers' familiarity with humpback whales and their ability to capture identification photos of the whales played a crucial role in this discovery. By providing detailed images of the whales, researchers were able to track and identify the individuals involved in the copulation event. This data, combined with the knowledge of the whales' history and previous sightings, allowed researchers to interpret the interaction and gain valuable insights into humpback whale behavior.

The observation also raises questions about the nature of competitive groups among male humpback whales on breeding grounds. Previous interpretations of these groups as males competing for access to females may need to be reevaluated in light of this new discovery. The possibility of male-male sexual behavior as a form of bonding or socializing adds a layer of complexity to our understanding of humpback whale interactions.

Overall, the discovery of two male humpback whales engaging in copulation highlights the importance of continued research and observation of marine mammals. It underscores the need to challenge existing assumptions and explore the full range of behaviors exhibited by these fascinating creatures. This event serves as a reminder of the complexity and diversity of marine life and the ongoing quest to unravel the mysteries of the ocean.

The episode emphasizes the vital role that citizen science and community scientists play in advancing our understanding of marine mammals, such as humpback whales. Stephanie Stack, a humpback whale researcher, highlights the significance of individuals like Lyle and Brandy, who were familiar with humpback whales and the identification techniques used in research.

1. Knowledge and Expertise: Lyle and Brandy's experience in the tourism industry and photography of humpback whales provided them with a deep understanding of the animals. Their familiarity with the underside anatomy of humpback whales allowed them to accurately sex the whales and capture identification photos, essential for tracking individuals over time.

2. Data Collection: The ability of citizen scientists to capture high-quality photographs of the whales in the act of copulation provided researchers with a rare and valuable dataset. These observations, combined with identification photos, contribute to long-term catalogs used to track trends and changes in humpback whale populations.

3. Advancing Research: Working with community scientists who are on the water and able to capture unique encounters like the one involving two male humpback whales mating enhances the knowledge base of researchers. These observations open up new questions and avenues for further research, challenging preconceived notions about humpback whale behavior.

4. Collaborative Efforts: The collaboration between researchers and citizen scientists exemplifies the power of community engagement in marine mammal research. By leveraging the expertise and passion of individuals like Lyle and Brandy, researchers can gather data that would be challenging to obtain through traditional research methods alone.

5. Contribution to Conservation: The data collected by citizen scientists not only contributes to scientific knowledge but also raises awareness about the importance of marine mammal conservation. By involving the public in research efforts, a sense of stewardship and connection to these animals is fostered, leading to increased support for conservation initiatives.

In conclusion, the episode underscores the importance of continued research and study of humpback whales to better understand their behaviors, interactions, and social dynamics. The discovery of two male humpback whales engaging in copulation sheds light on previously unknown aspects of humpback whale behavior, challenging preconceived notions and opening up new questions for researchers to explore.

The episode also highlights the potential impacts of human activities on humpback whales, emphasizing the need to understand how these activities influence whale behavior and health. By delving into the intricacies of humpback whale behavior, researchers can uncover valuable insights that inform conservation initiatives and safeguard the future of these iconic marine species.

Andrew Lewin discusses the urgent need to slow down and enforce more slowdowns of boats along the Atlantic coast after a Northern Atlantic Right whale calf was struck by a ship. The devastating news of a North Atlantic right whale calf being struck by a ship and expected to die highlights the critical situation faced by these endangered whales. With only 356 individuals remaining, action must be taken to protect them.

Tune in to learn more about the importance of speaking up for the ocean and taking steps to ensure its preservation.

Link to article: https://newjerseymonitor.com/2023/10/19/speeding-ships-threaten-extinction-of-north-atlantic-right-whales-study-warns/

The one thing that I love about doing this podcast is the fact that I can talk to people who have done amazing things in Marine Conservation. Sometimes, people are supported by large organizations/companies that help them get on their way to launching these amazing conservation projects. Other times, the people start the projects on their own and create something really special. 

In today's episode, I speak with Ted Cheeseman who co-founded the site HappyWhale.com, a website that tracks humpback whales that have been identified by photos taken from citizen scientists from all over the Pacific Ocean. There are over 60,000 photos in the database spanning decades. 

Ted discusses:
1) Why he started the site with his co-creator;
2) How he builds relationships with the photographers and the scientists to study the tracks;
3) How Ted started his Ph.D. on tracking humpback whales, and, 4) How he would like to see Happy Whale be used in the future.

Connect with Ted:
Website: https://happywhale.com/home
Help Fund Happy Whale: https://experiment.com/social-whales

Connect with Speak Up For Blue:
Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakupforblue/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/speakupforblue
 

Swim-with-whale tour operators are popping up in various places around the world. The idea of getting in the water and swimming with humpback whales nearby can be a dream come true for many people; however, the tour operators are running without any regulations to ensure that the tours are not altering the behavior of the humpback whales. 

The humpback whales that hang out in Hervey Bay, Australia every year do so to rest during their long migration from Australia to Antarctica. The trip requires a ton of energy to move such large bodies that distance in the ocean. Any excess energy used can be detrimental to the migration of the whales. 

Stephanie Stack, Chief Scientist at the Pacific Whale Foundation, and her team studied the humpback whale behavior before, during, and after swim-with-whale tours and whale watching tours occurred in Hervey Bay.  

Stephanie joins me on today's podcast to discuss the results of the study and what next steps need to be taken. 

Connect with Stephanie:
Pacific Whale Foundation: https://www.pacificwhale.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StephanieHStack
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shstack/
Happy Whale: https://happywhale.com/home

Connect with Speak Up For Blue:
Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakupforblue/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/speakupforblue
 

The Faroe Islands government has announced that they will review their regulations of the dolphin cull after some whalers and critics thought that the last cull of 1400 white-sided dolphins was too numerous to use all of the meat.  

The current regulations that I mentioned during the last episode raised a number of questions about how quantitative are regulations? How many animals can they take at once? What is the ratio of hunters to animals to ensure a quick hunt of each individual? How much meat is given to each family?

Hopefully, questions such as the ones above will be answered during this review.   

Last episode: https://www.speakupforblue.com/show/speak-up-for-the-ocean-blue/sufb-1211-questions-around-the-legality-of-killing-1400-white-sided-dolphins-in-the-faroe-islands-circulate/

Link to article: https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/faroe-islands-dolphin-follow-1.6179472

Connect with Speak Up For Blue:
Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakupforblue/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/speakupforblue

You would think that we would know more information about whales because they are so big; however, that is not the case. There are many information gaps in what we know about whales, especially whales that leave in extreme climates like the Arctic. 

Beluga and narwhal whales are especially tricky because they live so far up north and often under the ice. Knowing where they go and why is really important as the Arctic is rapidly changing. 

We have been able to track the smaller mammals using aerial surveys and drones however, those technologies are expensive and, in the case of the aerial survey, could be dangerous. 

Bertrand Charry, the co-founder of Whale Seeker, is using satellite imagery to help track these elusive whales and he is my guest on today's podcast to discuss why it's important to track marine mammals from space. He also talks about his career and why he chose to seek the entrepreneurial route to conduct marine science in Canada. 

Connect with Bertrand and Whale Seeker:
Whale Seeker Website: https://www.whaleseeker.com/
Whale Seeker's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whale_seeker/

Connect with Bertrand:
Bertrand's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bertrand-charry-8939b860/

 Check out all of our episodes on www.speakupforblue.com

Want To Talk Oceans? Join the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

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The documentation of the distribution of any ocean species is critical to knowing the health of the species global and regional populations. That is why the sighting of 3 beaked whales in the South China Sea by beaked whale experts was so important. It opened the possibility that the whales inhabit the Western Pacific Ocean. 

The individuals were either ginkgo-toothed beaked whales or Deraniyagala's beaked whales as the two are very similar. Unfortunately, the sighting could not be confirmed as no DNA sample was taken. 

There was an interesting observation however, there were two indentations observed on the beaks of the whales that is similar to other beaked whales that have had interaction with fishing gear. This observation fuels the thirst for more information about the animals and their distribution.

Link To Article: https://news.mongabay.com/2021/01/rare-beaked-whale-sighting-could-be-a-world-first-for-the-species/

Want To Talk Oceans? Join the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

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

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

Marine Scientists, Volunteers, and the Navy were responsible for saving 120 pilot whales that were found stranded earlier in the week (on Monday). The stranding marked the largest mass stranding ever recorded in Sri Lankan history. The response was swift and successful as the Navy deployed small vessels that towed the whales out from the surf into deeper water where they could recover and swim out safely without getting stuck. 

Pilot whales are notorious for mass strandings. A few months ago, there were 470 pilot whales stranded in Tasmania, Australia, where only 120 whales could be rescued. I talked about that story in episode 1061. 

Dr. Asha de Vos was part of the rescue efforts where she provided first-hand accounts of what was happening on the ground. She addressed concerns from people on Twitter who thought rescuers were being too rough with the whales; however, Asha made people aware of how hard it is to move a 3000kg whale in the surf to get it to deeper water where you don't have any footing. Asha's account provides us with a better perspective on the challenges faced by rescuers while trying to save whales. 

We are very fortunate to have the Sri Lankan Navy, Marine Scientists like Asha, and volunteers whose tireless efforts were successful in rescuing 120 pilot whales. 

Would you volunteer to rescue stranded whales?

Dr. Asha de Vos' SUFB Episodes:
1) Episode 200
2) Episode 359
3) Episode 394
4) Episode 863

Link To Article: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/03/sri-lanka-rescues-120-whales-after-biggest-mass-stranding

Register for the Mindful Conservation Conference: 
https://www.absolutelysmashingllc.com/mindful-conference

Want To Talk Oceans? Join the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

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

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

Pilot whales are known to strand every once and a while, but never in the numbers that occurred over the past week. 470 Pilot Whales were stranded (the most record). 

In this episode, I talk about why pilot whales can strand and how marine mammal stranding organizations play a critical role in saving lives that would otherwise be lost. 

Links to Articles:

1) https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/27/tasmania-rescuers-guide-another-pilot-whale-to-freedom-bringing-survivor-tally-to-110

2) https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/25/tragedy-in-tasmania-what-are-pilot-whales-and-why-do-they-strand-themselves

Would you join a Marine Mammal Stranding Network? Share your goals in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

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

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

Last year, we observed 215 dead Gray Whales wash ashore. Scientists believe that more whales died and were stuck in some gyres or sank to the bottom of the sea. There were a ton of questions being asked as to why the whales were washing up dead. 

Now researchers have some answers and the results are more worrisome than we initially thought.

Link To Article: https://www.hakaimagazine.com/news/necropsies-unveil-more-about-mass-gray-whale-deaths/

How do you think we could better protect Gray Whales in the future? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

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

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

A dedicated listener, Alyssa Stoller, sent me an article on beaked whales beaching themselves off the coasts of Scotland and Ireland. Alyssa wanted to make sure that the story would get spread across the Speak Up For Blue airwaves as it was an important story and it needed to be discussed. I gladly obliged.

I asked Dr. Chris Parsons if he would be able to come on the podcast to help explain the details of the story as he is familiar with the area. Chris used to work in the area on Marine Mammals. 

As usual, Chris and I got talking and we talked...a lot. So I decided to separate the show into two parts. In Part 1, Chris and I discuss the overall reasons as to why marine mammals beach themselves. In part 2 (next episode), we discuss the specifics of the article that Alyssa sent us.

Do you think military sonar should be banned near marine mammals? Let us know in the Facebook Group.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

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A quick episode today. This episode is based on the various reactions of a family who encountered two whales during their family adventure in Puget Sound. Let's just say some family members were enjoying the once in a lifetime experience and others were scared out of their wits. 

The whales were under the boat and lifted the boat slightly, so I can understand why some of the family members were afraid. However, it was interesting to hear calmer heads prevail as they calmed down their fellow family members to show that the whales meant no harm and that they will never experience it again...so take it all in.

I have some family members that get frightened at specific wildlife around my neighbourhood. I tell one of those stories in this episode. 

Let me know your irrational fears for animals in the Facebook Group.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

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Whales are the focus of today's podcast as they are in the news on the East and West Coast of the United States. Some of the news is good and some of the news is bad. Even the good news is not that great. Here is the breakdown of the episode:

1) 41 Humpback whales washed ashore dead over the past year (average is 14). Scientists are looking into it;
2) Orcas hunt Grey Whale calf like they are supposed to, but headline makes it seem like they are killing for fun;
3) How to be better scientists, activists, advocates or conservationists.

Enjoy the podcast!

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