'Astonishing' amount of blue whales are found near Antarctica
5 years, 1 month ago

'Astonishing' amount of blue whales are found near Antarctica

Daily Mail  

The critically endangered blue whale, the largest animal ever to have lived, is making a comeback, marine scientists say. A total of 55 blue whales were sighted or recorded in the past year, according to the British Antarctic Survey, which has been studying whale movements in waters surrounding South Georgia Island in the South Atlantic Ocean. Scroll down for video The blue whale is the largest animal known to have ever existed, at 98 feet in length, and is returning to healthy population sizes after being hunted almost into extinction When Antarctic explorer and whaler Carl Larsen first visited South Georgia, he was so impressed by the densities of whales there, he said 'I see them in hundreds and thousands' WHAT IS THE BLUE WHALE? Despite the critically endangered blue whale only being sighted once during the first survey of South Georgia during the first BAS expedition of 2017-18, the third and final expedition sighted 55 of the creatures. A right whale 'spy hops' in South Georgia waters in South Georgia Right Whale project WHAT ARE SOUTHERN RIGHT WHALES?

Georgia University Whaling Right South Blue Southern South Georgia Whale Whales Bas Humpback Humpback Whales Blue Whales Southern Right Whales  right  georgia  humpback  whaling  southern  blue  near  whales  antarctica  whale  astonishing  south  university

History of this topic

How ‘scientist’ whales are helping uncover the secrets of climate change
2 months, 3 weeks ago

How ‘scientist’ whales are helping uncover the secrets of climate change

Al Jazeera  

Southern right whales in South Africa are bouncing back. Hermanus, which is an important calving ground for southern right whales, and a good place to spot humpback and Bryde’s whales too, markets itself as the “land-based whale watching capital of the world”. And the southern right whale isn’t guaranteed a happy ending, stresses Vermeulen: “The whales are still only at …

Third entangled endangered whale spotted in span of a week off East Coast
3 months ago

Third entangled endangered whale spotted in span of a week off East Coast

Associated Press  

A third endangered whale has been spotted entangled in fishing gear off the East Coast, marking an alarming end to the year for a species threatened with extinction. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said an aerial survey found an entangled whale about 60 miles east of the Outer Banks of North Carolina on Dec. 16. Like one of the …

Third entangled endangered whale spotted in span of a week off East Coast
3 months ago

Third entangled endangered whale spotted in span of a week off East Coast

India Today  

A third endangered whale has been spotted entangled in fishing gear off the East Coast, marking an alarming end to the year for a species threatened with extinction. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said an aerial survey found an entangled whale about 60 miles east of the Outer Banks of North Carolina on Dec. 16. Like one of the …

Southern right whales' life span rises as study reveals blow to northern species
3 months ago

Southern right whales' life span rises as study reveals blow to northern species

ABC  

At opposite ends of the planet, a tale of two whale species has emerged — giving researchers hope and concern in equal measure. It found the southern right whale, which populates oceans around Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Antarctica, can live much longer than initially thought, with an estimated median age of 73 years. Griffith University whale expert and …

'Whale orgy' off southern Australia a promising sign for southern right species
5 months, 1 week ago

'Whale orgy' off southern Australia a promising sign for southern right species

ABC  

A mating frenzy captured on camera off Western Australia's south coast is a promising sign for southern right numbers still recovering from decades of whaling, according to a marine biologist. Marine biologist Pia Markovic says the mating ritual is more common in southern rights than other whale species. Mating led by female of species Mating can start with a female …

Southern right whales return to SA coast with rare white calves in tow
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Southern right whales return to SA coast with rare white calves in tow

ABC  

It's been an exceptional whale season on the South Australian coast, where the return of southern rights — along with several rare white calves — after a mysterious absence last year is being celebrated by enthusiasts. Southern right whales usually traverse the Eyre Peninsula coastline between May and October each year. Last year, experts said southern right whale numbers on …

Drones and tourist video of pygmy blue whales helps experts better understand their behaviour
8 months, 2 weeks ago

Drones and tourist video of pygmy blue whales helps experts better understand their behaviour

ABC  

New research on a rare variety of blue whale has revealed previously unseen behaviours in waters north of Australia, including the first footage of a mother nursing her calf. Research spanning more than a decade studied the presence of more than 2,000 pygmy blue whales in the Banda Sea, as they migrate north from southern Australia. The research has helped …

Large number of whale sightings off New England, including dozens of endangered sei whales
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Large number of whale sightings off New England, including dozens of endangered sei whales

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A large number of whales …

Endangered right whale floating dead off Georgia is rare species' second fatality since January
1 year, 1 month ago

Endangered right whale floating dead off Georgia is rare species' second fatality since January

Hindustan Times  

SAVANNAH, Ga. — The carcass of a North Atlantic right whale found floating off the coast of Georgia marks the second known death in the past month for the critically endangered whale species. “It’s going to be challenge to determine the cause of death because it’s been so heavily predated and decayed,” Jones said The discovery came after another young …

Endangered right whale floating dead off Georgia is rare species’ second fatality since January
1 year, 1 month ago

Endangered right whale floating dead off Georgia is rare species’ second fatality since January

Associated Press  

SAVANNAH, Ga. — The carcass of a North Atlantic right whale found floating off the coast of Georgia marks the second known death in the past month for the critically endangered whale species. “It’s going to be challenge to determine the cause of death because it’s been so heavily predated and decayed,” Jones said The discovery came after another young …

Southern right whale census records lowest count on southern coastline in years
1 year, 6 months ago

Southern right whale census records lowest count on southern coastline in years

ABC  

Southern right whale numbers on Australia's southern coastline could be at a 16-year low, according to a researcher who conducts an annual aerial survey. Key points: Southern right numbers between Fremantle and Ceduna are down by more than 200 on last year There are hopes that a strong breeding season will see a population boost next year An Eyre Peninsula …

Research tracks Australian southern right whales to feeding grounds for first time
2 years ago

Research tracks Australian southern right whales to feeding grounds for first time

ABC  

Whales tagged and tracked off Australia's south coast are travelling thousands of kilometres, a new study has revealed. Key points: Australian southern right whales have been tracked to feeding grounds in the Southern Ocean A project is tracking five whales tagged off southern WA last year Researchers hope it will shed light on the threatened species Scientists tagged five southern …

Marine researchers notice strange whale behaviour off Victoria's coastline
2 years, 3 months ago

Marine researchers notice strange whale behaviour off Victoria's coastline

ABC  

As a pod of "pretty dolphins" pop up next to the research boat David Donnelly is skippering, even the seasoned researchers seem caught by a wave of delight. Mr Donnelly, a marine researcher with the Dolphin Research Institute, has been tracking the movements of dolphins and whales in the waters off Victoria's coast since the 1980s. "It's quite clear that …

Fin whales make a comeback in Antarctic waters for first time since hunting was restricted in 1976
2 years, 8 months ago

Fin whales make a comeback in Antarctic waters for first time since hunting was restricted in 1976

Daily Mail  

It's been 46 years since the hunting of Southern fin whales was restricted in Antarctica, and now it seems the animals are finally making a comeback. Researchers have spotted hundreds of Southern fin whales feeding together near Antarctica's Elephant Island. Researchers have spotted hundreds of Southern fin whales feeding together near Antarctica's Elephant Island In the study, the team used …

World’s whales facing increasing threats along migration ‘superhighways’
3 years, 1 month ago

World’s whales facing increasing threats along migration ‘superhighways’

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The world’s whales are facing increasing threats in their key habitats and the “blue corridors” …

Whale numbers down in aerial survey along Western Australia's southern coast
3 years, 7 months ago

Whale numbers down in aerial survey along Western Australia's southern coast

ABC  

Fewer-than-expected southern right whales have been spotted during one of Australia's longest-running aerial surveys along WA's south coast. Key points: Fewer whales than expected were recorded during the annual survey between Fremantle and Ceduna The aerial survey was completed by two separate crews in WA and SA this year due to border restrictions Higher than normal freshwater discharge from rivers …

Southern right whale and newborn calf spotted frolicking close to shore at Christies Beach
3 years, 8 months ago

Southern right whale and newborn calf spotted frolicking close to shore at Christies Beach

ABC  

Whale watchers have been treated to a rare show in Adelaide's south on Tuesday when a southern right whale and her calf ventured close to shore. A southern right whale and its calf were spotted at Christies Beach. 'We think this mum has been caught short' Elizabeth Steele-Collins from the Encounter Bay Right Whale Study group said the mother and …

‘Hugely exciting’: Blue whales returning to South Georgia after near extinction
4 years, 4 months ago

‘Hugely exciting’: Blue whales returning to South Georgia after near extinction

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Before the arrival of industrial whaling to the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia in the …

Blue whales migrating early off WA coast as Antarctic feeding grounds beckon
4 years, 5 months ago

Blue whales migrating early off WA coast as Antarctic feeding grounds beckon

ABC  

Whale researchers are monitoring unexpectedly large pods of blue and pygmy blue whales as they migrate south off Western Australia's south-west coastline. Key points: Blue whales and the sub-species pygmy blue whales would typically be seen on their way to Antarctica in late October Marine biologist Brodee Elsdon said there had been "anomalies" with the migration patterns of other species …

Where are all the whales? Fewer southern rights spotted off Albany coast
4 years, 6 months ago

Where are all the whales? Fewer southern rights spotted off Albany coast

ABC  

Far fewer southern right whales are being spotted off Western Australia's Great Southern coast this winter compared to last year's bumper season. Key points: Fewer southern right whales are being spotted in Albany compared to last year One whale tour operator believes it could be due to the high level of fresh water in King George Sound A marine biologist …

Citizen scientists' huge effort to monitor Warrnambool and Portland's threatened resident whales
4 years, 8 months ago

Citizen scientists' huge effort to monitor Warrnambool and Portland's threatened resident whales

ABC  

For some, whale watching is a rare novelty during the winter months, but for a group of dedicated citizen scientists who live along Victoria's rugged south-west coast, it's a serious pursuit. Key points: A whale calf and cow pair was spotted at Portland this week Dozens of volunteers contribute photos and other information to help track southern right whales The …

‘Thrilling’: Unprecedented number of critically endangered blue whales recorded off Antarctic island
5 years, 1 month ago

‘Thrilling’: Unprecedented number of critically endangered blue whales recorded off Antarctic island

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The research team, led by the British Antarctic Survey, said: “For such a rare species, this is an unprecedented …

Tracking the giants of the deep in the annual southern right whale survey off Australia's south coast
5 years, 6 months ago

Tracking the giants of the deep in the annual southern right whale survey off Australia's south coast

ABC  

Covering thousands of kilometres in a light plane, an aerial survey is documenting the remarkable recovery of the southern right whale. Between Caiguna in WA and Ceduna in SA, Ms Schmidt and Mr Halsall count 101 adult southern right whales, 77 calves and one humpback whale. Ms Ward says about 2–5 per cent of the population of southern right whales …

Baby whale sighting sparks hope for the future of an endangered species
5 years, 11 months ago

Baby whale sighting sparks hope for the future of an endangered species

CNN  

CNN — North Atlantic right whale calves are being spotted again this year, a small ray of light for one of the world’s most endangered large whale species. Two calves were spotted by the Center for Coastal Studies’ aerial survey team in New England’s Cape Cod Bay, bringing the number seen there to three for 2019, the center said last …

Blue whale savaged off the south coast of WA by hungry killer whales
5 years, 11 months ago

Blue whale savaged off the south coast of WA by hungry killer whales

ABC  

Scores of orcas have been filmed savaging a sub-adult pygmy blue whale off the WA coast, with a charter boat crew on hand to witness the hunt from start to kill. Key points: Killer whales rarely attack blue whales and aren't normally successful if they do The attack off Bremer Bay was the second in two weeks Researchers say the …

Blue whale sighting in Tasmania delights onlookers, but anglers accused of fishing too close
6 years, 10 months ago

Blue whale sighting in Tasmania delights onlookers, but anglers accused of fishing too close

ABC  

A blue whale, the largest animal on Earth, has been spotted in waters off the Tasman Peninsula, but onlookers have said the sight was spoiled by the actions of fishers who allegedly trolled lures over the whale. On their Instagram page, a post by staff from Wild Ocean Tasmania said they had been "fortunate to be able to spend the …

'Idiot' spectators blasted for touching southern right whale during Hobart visit
7 years, 4 months ago

'Idiot' spectators blasted for touching southern right whale during Hobart visit

ABC  

Sightseers swimming, kayaking and jet skiing close to a whale in Hobart's River Derwent have been scolded for not observing safety precautions, with authorities warning a "tail flick" could result in injury or death. The Marine Conservation Program urged people to observe "national guidelines" for those wishing to see the whale, which marine experts said was resting in the calm …

Whale spotted in Hobart's River Derwent as heatwave rolls on
7 years, 4 months ago

Whale spotted in Hobart's River Derwent as heatwave rolls on

ABC  

A whale has been spotted off a beach in southern Tasmania, drawing curious residents to the shoreline and in boats. The southern right whale was first spotted early Wednesday morning at Kingston Beach, and enthusiasts posted its location to Whale Spotting Tasmania's Facebook page. Parks and Wildlife believe whale is resting Parks officer Kris Carlyon said from the photos he …

Whale spotters urged to report sightings in 'quiet year' for southern rights
7 years, 4 months ago

Whale spotters urged to report sightings in 'quiet year' for southern rights

ABC  

Tasmania is in the middle of peak whale-watching season, but at least one species has been notably rare. Marine biologist Kris Carlyon takes calls on the Department of Environment's whale hotline, but said fewer southern right whales have been reported since migration began last month. "It's been another relatively quiet year compared to the big year we had in 2012 …

Whaling may have all-but ended, but threats to the world’s whales remain
7 years, 6 months ago

Whaling may have all-but ended, but threats to the world’s whales remain

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “Even a couple of hundred individuals hunted a year …

Summer whale watching in California: Where to see blues, humpbacks and even sharks
8 years, 7 months ago

Summer whale watching in California: Where to see blues, humpbacks and even sharks

LA Times  

People think whale-watching season in California is limited to winter when Pacific gray whales migrate from Mexico to Alaska and back. Jim Covel, the director of guest experience training and interpretation at Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, says the food supply is particularly good right now because of upwelling, which is “where cold nutrient-rich water comes up to the surface …

Drone captures footage of albino whale calf playing
9 years, 4 months ago

Drone captures footage of albino whale calf playing

Daily Mail  

Rare footage of an albino whale playing with its dark grey mother has been captured off the coast of South Africa. Hovering off the coast of the Western Cape, the drone flies above the waves to zoom in on a southern right whale splashing and rolling around in the sea. Scroll down for video Splashing about: Hovering off the coast …

Sightseers urged to maintain their distance as southern right whale frolics at Avalon Beach in Sydney's north
9 years, 8 months ago

Sightseers urged to maintain their distance as southern right whale frolics at Avalon Beach in Sydney's north

ABC  

Authorities are urging people to maintain their distance from a southern right whale frolicking off Avalon Beach in Sydney's north. New South Wales Parks and Wildlife Service said it was not concerned about the whale's position in shallow waters off the beach, as they often swim close to shore. "The whale was at Avalon, it then moved to Newport, and …

Into the blue of the Azores: It's even easier for whale-watchers to catch one of the planet's great spectacles
12 years, 11 months ago

Into the blue of the Azores: It's even easier for whale-watchers to catch one of the planet's great spectacles

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The central and youngest island of Pico – only 3,000 years old, and also known as Ilha Negra, black island …

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