What would you do if you found a stranded whale?
Marine mammal experts share how to prevent unintended harm
Hey Pod,
This week, I’ve been lucky enough to have some interesting chats with marine mammal experts about beached, or stranded, whales. Do you know why whales beach? And if you came across a stranded marine animal on a beach, would you know what to do? The full articles are coming soon (watch this space) but, in the meantime, here’s a sneak peek in…
This week’s hot take
If you come across a stranded marine animal, what should you do (and, importantly, what should you NOT do)? Listen up for the expert’s tips:
Dan Jarvis, British Divers Marine Life Rescue
“There are sometimes instances when people do try to assist these animals that they actually cause more harm without realising it. As well intentioned as their actions are, they can actually cause a lot more distress and damage to the animal.”
“It's really, really important … to call for help and get advice and we can get assistance on the way as quickly as we can.”
Daren Grover, Project Jonah New Zealand
“We simply want to keep these animals cool, because once they're out of the water they will start to heat up… If they're otherwise healthy, the number one risk to them dying when they strand is actually heatstroke: literally cooking from the inside.”
Dr. Kevin Robinson, Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit
“Strandings are generally categorised according to the clinical presenting condition of the animal, i.e. malnutrition, traumatic injury or diseased, maternal separation etc. In terms of possible refloatation of healthy, live-stranded animals, speed of response and access to the casualty are probably the two most important factors in determining whether an animal can be returned to the ocean.”
Rob Deaville, UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme / Zoological Society of London
“I think for me, [I’d like] to make people aware and appreciate their marine habitat more … and then, once you have them hooked in, then take that conversation further forward.”
What do you want the experts to answer in a future edition? Pop your requests in the comments.
🌊 Ocean 🌊
Beached as: In more stranding news, three sperm whales washed up in New Zealand have sadly died (NZ Herald)
Global treasure: Seagrass meadows - important for carbon sequestration - are under worrying amounts of pressure (BBC)
What a load of bull…sharks: This research programme in Sydney has now tagged its 100th bull shark (9 News)
Oil spills: Researchers have found oil droplets in the ocean can photooxide within days (Phys.org)
Escape artist: Did you see this incredible video of a bold little penguin doing everything it can to escape a pod of killer whales? 👇🏽
Wildebeest of the seas: Which teeny tiny creature is the unsung hero of the climate crisis? (Guardian)
Green recovery: Grants of up to £2m each are available for environmental charities in England tackling the climate crisis (Gov.uk)
Twilight zone: This study into a mysterious area of the ocean has found out how it has evolved due to climate change (Sky News)
Ocean unicorns: What have scientists discovered about climate change from Narwhal tusks? (BBC)
“What did you say?” Ever wondered how scientists test a fish’s hearing? And if hearing is affected by ocean acidification? You have now… (WIRED)
Fake news: How can misinformation help conservation? (The Conversation)
Fights over fishing: Will Ecuador’s president expand the Galápagos Islands’ marine reserve? (Guardian)
Dredging ban: Fishermen are calling for a dredging ban to protect Scottish waters (The Times)
Off with their heads: Yeah, yeah - we know many starfish can regenerate themselves from just a fragment. But these sea slugs can cut of their HEADS and regrow their whole body. Crikey! (Live Science)
Elevator kelp: Reserchers have found how to produce high-yield biofuel from seaweed (Science Alert)
All washed up: After a sudden drop in sea temperatures, rare species (including a pregnant oceanic manta ray) have washed up on the Eastern Cape (News 24)
Missed a beat: Last year, nearly 80% of sharks hooked on drum lines in the Great Barrier Reef marine park died (Guardian)
Otterly barren: Researchers have discovered why urchin outbreaks can take place in areas with plenty of urchin-eating otters (Phys.org)
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Fishing sector sustainability: Could giving fishing communities more power be key to sustainability? (The Conversation)
SpaceX for the Ocean: Bedrock Ocean Exploration has raised $8m in seed funding for its work to map the seafloor (Tech Crunch)
MP-Aye: The Scottish government to protect an area off Skye where critically endangered flapper skates lay their eggs (BBC)
Do you speak whale? Clubhouse, the social media sensation, has rooms where people moan at each other like whales! *whale voice* Wiiiiiiilllllll yooooooouuuu joooooooin oooooone? (VICE)
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The Deep Dive
If you’re after an enthralling new book to read, NewScientist recommends The Brilliant Abyss for a fascinating overview of the weird and wonderful life deep in the sea. I’m looking forward to checking it out!
Lots of news to digest this week so thanks for reading - hope you enjoyed it and see you next week!
Melissa
Baleen is provided completely free each week to help you keep on top of the latest marine conservation news - if you find it useful, say thanks by buying me a coffee
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