Wild Cetacean News

Since many species of cetacean are elusive or poorly studied, I figured having one big thread dedicated to wild cetacean news would be a good thing.

The vaquita population has dropped below 100 this year, making it the most endangered cetacean in the world. Drastic population declines have been credited to illegal fishing of totoaba. Vaquitas drown in the nets. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is starting to promote vaquita conservation, and I really hope they succeed in getting the word out.

The Taiji drive hunt is underway, and most species have been in short supply so far. Most slaughters and captures have been of the Risso's dolphin. (interestingly, two white Risso's have been captured. How weird is that?) Many people are trying to speculate why the other species aren't showing up. Source

A few months ago, a rare spectacled porpoise washed up on a New Zealand beach. With so few specimens ever being available for observation, it's an exciting opportunity to study the animal.

 

I felt the need to share this article about morbillivirus in the Florida Keys, however I couldn't find a place to do it. So I made one. As you can see there is currently an epidemic of morbillivirus going on which has now reached the Keys. Currently those in charge of captive facilities in the Keys aren't worried about the virus infecting their animals due to the fact that there is rarely, if ever, and direct contact between their animals and their wild counterparts.

Expert now says half of Keys dolphins could be at mortal risk with morbillivirus outbreak | News | KeysNet

 

That oil spill is Bangladesh is killing river dolphins. I REALLY wish this was getting more media attention, but for some reason oceanic oil spills tend to get more news coverage.

First Dead Dolphin Spotted After Bangladesh Oil Spill

 

There always seems to be one nightmare or another in that part of the world, unfortunately I think that people are just numb it. Alas, if this species goes extinct I suspect most humans won't notice, never having known it existed in the first place.

 

That's what I fear. It sucks.

I expect that the vaquita is going to go extinct in a few years, and what makes it especially tragic is that hardly anyone will notice. Barely anyone has heard of the species, and unless something happens between now and their likely extinction, their disappearance will hardly get any attention. It sucks. I'm working on a little project in hopes of raising awareness, but I'm still dreadfully pessimistic.

 

A White Bottlenose Dolphin has been spotted off the East Coast of Florida.

White Bottlenose Dolphin spotted on Florida?s East Coast | New Hampshire Voice

Also, the non Migratory Humpback Whales of the Arabian Sea have been isolated from other members of their species for the last 70,000 years.

Humpback Whale of Arabian Sea isolated for 70000 Years | New Hampshire Voice

 

Scientists are doing research into the genome of the bowhead whale in hopes of finding the secrets to their longevity.

 

The Makah Tribe of Washington may soon be permitted to once again hunt gray whales, currently the matter is under review.

U.S. study may allow tribe to hunt gray whale | Local | The Register-Guard | Eugene, Oregon

 

In other Gray Whale news a woman was killed by a Gray Whale while snorkeling off of Baja California.

Woman killed by whale off Mexico

 

Humpback whale news :
Back From the Brink of Extinction, Humpback Whales May Lose Endangered Species Protections | TakePart

 

Sea Shepherd got the first footage of a vaquita since 2013.

 

After a ship full of coal capsized in the Shela river, Bangladeshi officials have decided to ban all ship traffic in the river in an effort to protect the endangered Ganges and Irrawaddy river dolphins.

Bangladesh Bans Ships in Rare Dolphin Sanctuaries : Discovery News

 

Baby Irrawaddy dolphin observed in Cambodia :
The Last Mekong Dolphins of Cambodia: A Baby Is Born | WWF

 

Pygmy killer whales found stranded near Waveland released into t - WLOX.com - The News for South Mississippi

The two stranded pygmy killer whales rescued in Mississippi last year have finished rehabilitation and were returned to the wild. I applaud IMMS very much for this, not much is known about the species and it's impressive that they were able to get both healthy enough for return to the sea.

 

Risso's Dolphin stranding in San Francisco Bay:

Dead Dolphin In San Francisco Bay Was Malnourished, Dehydrated CBS San Francisco

 

New species of Beaked Whale:

Genetic tests prove rare, unnamed species of beaked whale roams Pacific Ocean | National Post

Also, an upsetting story about a Beluga Whale who has become a little too friendly than it should with the local human populace:

Concerns raised for young beluga that has befriended small Newfoundland village

 

An extinct species of Alaskan River Dolphin:

Smithsonian Researchers Uncover Extinct, Ancient River Dolphin Fossil Hiding in Their Own Collections | At the Smithsonian | Smithsonian

 

Illegally catched dolphins released :
News: Illegally Captured Dolphins in Solomon Islands Returned To Ocean After Police Raid

 

Sad new about Mynmars Irrawaddy dolphins :

Myanmar's 'smiling' Irrawaddy dolphins on brink of extinction