Whales and Dolphins Uniting for Survival, Bounty, or Companionship?

Whales, dolphins, and porpoises (also called cetaceans) exhibit remarkable social behaviors. Sometimes, some species can form large pods that may span for miles and consist of thousands of individuals. One intriguing aspect of cetaceans’ social dynamics is the ability to establish connections beyond their species. These relationships transcend traditional species boundaries, with two or more...

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Toxic chemicals from plastics found in Norwegian marine mammals

Ever wondered about the vibrant colors, flexibility, and durability of plastics? These traits are shaped by “plasticizers,” chemicals added to alter plastics’ properties. Unfortunately, many of these chemicals find their way into oceans, posing a threat to wildlife. Despite some being banned, others are still being used in plastic production resulting in ocean contamination. A...

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Why are baby whales and dolphins born with whiskers?

Vibrissae, commonly known as whiskers, are not exclusive to cats. They are present on the faces of most mammals. While we often associate these tactile hairs with our feline friends, cetaceans (i.e.: whales, porpoises, and dolphins) are also born with them. What could be the reason? Are these vibrissae useful? Let’s explore the fascinating world...

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Harbor porpoise calves ingest toxic chemicals through their mother’s milk

The use of “forever chemicals” or persistent organic pollutants (POPs) has been banned for quite some years. They include infamous compounds such as PCBs or polychlorinated biphenyls, pesticides, and flame retardants. Yet, these chemical contaminants are still present in our marine ecosystems, and the porpoises inhabiting them. Scientists discovered that more than half of harbor...

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Whale Scientists Story — Clare Andvik 

Clare Andvik is a 33-year-old marine mammal toxicologist from the UK. She is currently doing her PhD at the University of Oslo, Norway, studying the effects of pollution and other stressors on Norwegian orcas. She is also mother to a 2-year-old (with another on the way!) and tells us what it is like to combine...

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Florida Manatees -Tough on the outside, but not invincible

Manatees, affectionately known as “sea cows” or “mermaids,” are peaceful herbivorous giants found in fresh and saltwater coastal areas. Despite lacking natural predators in the case of the West Indian Manatees (the ones we find in North America), their population numbers are not as robust as one might expect. This post will shed light on...

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Toxic Menus: Contaminants Threaten the Health of North Atlantic Killer Whales

In a ground-breaking new study just published in Environmental Science & Technology, a disturbing picture of contamination among North Atlantic killer whales has emerged. Persistent organic contaminants (POPs), including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides (DDTs, Chlordanes, etc.), and flame retardants, were detected at alarming levels in these apex marine predators. Killer whale photographed feeding on herring...

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A northern right whale… Dolphin?!

Did you know that sea serpents are real? Well, maybe not the traditional gigantic sea-living reptiles. But a first glance at the Northern right whale dolphin (Lissodelphis borealis) may leave you asking yourself, “What exactly am I looking at?”  In this post, we will meet a funky little dolphin species from the North Pacific!  Two...

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Unlocking the Secrets of Female Common Dolphin Reproduction in New Zealand

Understanding the life history of organisms helps us learn how they grow and develop traits that help them survive in their environment. It also reveals how vulnerable a population can be if certain behaviors and traits put them at risk of extinction. In our rapidly changing world, studying a species’ life history is important to...

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Baby killer whales face many challenges in their first year

We just heard the news that a new killer whale baby was born into the L-pod of the critically endangered Southern Resident population. While we’re delighted to hear about the birth of a new killer whale calf, it’s important to be cautious. Unfortunately, newborn killer whales have a high mortality rate within their first six...

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