Posts by Danny Groves
Animal culture crucial for conservation says new research paper
New research published today in The Royal Society Journal Proceedings B creates a compelling case for integrating the social learning and culture of creatures like whales into decision-making. WDC’s Philippa Brakes, together with a number of experts working on a wide range of species, from whales to chimpanzees, argues in the new paper that the…
Read MoreCan space technology tell us how many whales there are?
One of the world’s leading professional services firms, Deloitte has joined with WDC in a bid to explore how space technology can tell us more about whales, and how to protect them. This exciting project is part of Deloitte’s Gravity Challenge, a global programme that encourages corporates, entrepreneurs and universities to use innovative space technology to…
Read MoreCaptivity ‘done and dusted’ in Australian state
Officials in New South Wales (NSW), Australia have announced that captive dolphins will no longer be commercially bred or imported into the State. The new regulations were introduced by NSW environment minister Matt Kean and followed a public enquiry into captive dolphin shows and facilities, dolphin parks and circuses, and will see dolphin shows disappear.…
Read MoreNorway’s government allows hunters to kill over 1200 whales this year
Norway has announced that its whalers can once again kill up to 1,278 whales this year (the same quota number as 2020). Norway’s government allows the minke whale hunts to go ahead under an ‘objection’ to the global ban on commercial whaling, and whalers continue to carry out this slaughter despite falling demand for whale…
Read MoreCuts in government funds to hit Japanese whale hunt industry
Reports in Japan suggest the whaling industry there is facing increasing challenges just a few years after the country withdrew from the International Whaling Commission (IWC – the global body that regulates whaling) and resumed hunting whales for commercial profit. Previously, Japan had slaughtered whales under the guise of ‘research’, even though next to nothing…
Read MoreStill no evidence dolphins cure human health issues says review
A review of the data behind Dolphin Assisted Therapy (DAT) – the use of dolphins to treat people with mental and physical health concerns, has concluded that there is still no concrete evidence proving that it works. Dolphin Assisted Therapy (DAT) encourages people suffering from a range of medical problems to enter the water with dolphins…
Read MoreSouth Korea cracks down on whale and dolphin captivity
South Korea’s government has indicated that it will ban new facilities from displaying whales and dolphins. The move comes as growing numbers of the population become aware of animal rights issues. The government has also said it will be issuing new regulations concerning the 23 existing aquariums in South Korea after around 20 marine mammals…
Read MoreWDC joins group legal action to force protection for endangered North Atlantic right whales
Conservation groups in the US, including WDC have sued the National Marine Fisheries Service (the US federal agency responsible for the stewardship of national marine resources) for failing to respond to two rule making petitions to protect critically endangered right whales from being run over and killed by ships and boats in US waters. The…
Read MoreTrapped minke whale slaughtered in Japanese cove
A young minke whale trapped in nets off Taiji, Japan, since Christmas Eve, was killed early today by local fishermen. The whale’s carcass was then taken to shore to be butchered for sale in local meat markets. It was hoped that the local fishing cooperative would try to free the whale however, Ren Yabuki, director…
Read MoreNew blue whale population discovered
A previously unknown population of blue whales has been found living in the Indian Ocean after researchers picked up and recorded an unrecognised song travelling hundreds of miles through the sea. Blue whale vocalisations are very low and can reach other whales through the water up to 500 miles away, but each population has their…
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