Cetaceans
North Atlantic right whales are shrinking in size as they struggle to survive environmental havoc
North Atlantic right whales face a number of threats from climate change, vessel strikes, and entanglements in fishing gear, and scientists estimate that fewer than 400 remain. Now researchers have discovered that because of these stresses, the whales are smaller than they should be, which could be leading to fewer successful births.
NOAA maps the noise pollution we don’t hear, under the sea
Imagine having to shout over incredibly loud noise in order to communicate with someone close by. For whales and other ocean animals that rely on echolocation sonar to communicate and locate food, noise pollution created solely by humans has taken a toll.
New research reveals human-like speaking ability in beluga whale
Nearly 30 years of research was revealed last week when neurobiologist Sam Ridgway went public with his evidence that a particular beluga whale had learned to make himself speak like a human. The revelation has caught the scientific community by surprise.
Scientist discover critical role sea otter play in climate change
Sea otters are popular stars at the local zoo, but they might also be important tools in the battle to combat climate change. New research shows the cuddly little creatures have a big job in keeping kelp forests alive and well and removing carbon from our atmosphere.
Environmental, indigenous groups accuse Navy of damaging marine mammals
Environmental and indigenous groups have banded together to sue the Navy and the National Marine Fisheries Services for harming marine mammals with sonar. According to the plaintiffs, the Navy’s military exercises have fatally impacted federally protected species. Now they are calling for limits on the Navy’s access to this biologically rich area.
