https://news.mongabay.com/list/cetaceans/ Environmental science and conservation news Fri, 07 Aug 2026 02:59:06 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.2 https://imgs.mongabay.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2020/05/16160320/cropped-mongabay_icon-32x32.png https://news.mongabay.com/list/cetaceans/ 32 32 https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/08/what-happens-after-a-whale-strands-on-a-mumbai-beach/ https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/08/what-happens-after-a-whale-strands-on-a-mumbai-beach/#respond 06 Aug 2026 09:00:38 +0000 https://news.mongabay.com/?post_type=short-article&p=325461 Mongabay]]> https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/08/what-happens-after-a-whale-strands-on-a-mumbai-beach/feed/ 0 https://doi.org/10.66709/news-325461 https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/07/gray-whales-are-suffering-catastrophic-population-decline-in-the-pacific-ocean/ https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/07/gray-whales-are-suffering-catastrophic-population-decline-in-the-pacific-ocean/#respond 16 Jul 2026 18:27:15 +0000 https://news.mongabay.com/?post_type=short-article&p=323744 Mongabay]]> https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/07/gray-whales-are-suffering-catastrophic-population-decline-in-the-pacific-ocean/feed/ 0 https://doi.org/10.66709/news-323744 https://news.mongabay.com/2026/07/seeking-swordfish-catching-dolphins-and-whales-eu-pushes-to-rein-in-driftnets/ https://news.mongabay.com/2026/07/seeking-swordfish-catching-dolphins-and-whales-eu-pushes-to-rein-in-driftnets/#respond 08 Jul 2026 20:24:33 +0000 https://news.mongabay.com/?p=322913 - The use of driftnets — fishing nets, sometimes kilometers long, that drift with the ocean currents — is prohibited to catch large pelagic species like swordfish.
- Highlighting that current measures lack adequate definitions and enforcement provisions, the European Union presented a proposal to strengthen international restrictions on driftnet fishing at the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas technical meeting in June.
- Morocco, one of the countries most criticized for the use of illegal large driftnets, has emerged as a strong supporter of the proposal.
]]> Mongabay]]> https://news.mongabay.com/2026/07/seeking-swordfish-catching-dolphins-and-whales-eu-pushes-to-rein-in-driftnets/feed/ 0 https://doi.org/10.66709/news-322913 https://news.mongabay.com/2026/07/listen-to-whales-to-improve-connection-care-ocean-health-commentary/ https://news.mongabay.com/2026/07/listen-to-whales-to-improve-connection-care-ocean-health-commentary/#respond 06 Jul 2026 17:07:07 +0000 https://news.mongabay.com/?p=322579 - While there have been remarkable conservation successes across the five decades of their efforts, the overall trend is clear: the health of the ocean is declining faster than efforts to protect it.
- “We still have an opportunity to leave future generations an ocean filled with life, wonder, and possibility. But this window is closing. The choices we make in the next decade will firmly shape the future of marine ecosystems,” the co-authors argue.
- This article is a commentary. The views expressed are those of the authors, not necessarily of Mongabay.
]]> Mongabay]]> https://news.mongabay.com/2026/07/listen-to-whales-to-improve-connection-care-ocean-health-commentary/feed/ 0 https://doi.org/10.66709/news-322579 https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/07/sightings-off-southern-africa-suggest-blue-and-fin-whales-may-be-rebounding/ https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/07/sightings-off-southern-africa-suggest-blue-and-fin-whales-may-be-rebounding/#respond 06 Jul 2026 11:59:07 +0000 https://news.mongabay.com/?post_type=short-article&p=322564 Mongabay]]> https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/07/sightings-off-southern-africa-suggest-blue-and-fin-whales-may-be-rebounding/feed/ 0 https://doi.org/10.66709/news-322564 https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/07/sightings-of-humpback-whales-surge-in-rio-de-janeiro-fueling-demand-for-whale-watching-trips/ https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/07/sightings-of-humpback-whales-surge-in-rio-de-janeiro-fueling-demand-for-whale-watching-trips/#respond 02 Jul 2026 15:27:17 +0000 https://news.mongabay.com/?post_type=short-article&p=322415 Mongabay]]> https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/07/sightings-of-humpback-whales-surge-in-rio-de-janeiro-fueling-demand-for-whale-watching-trips/feed/ 0 https://doi.org/10.66709/news-322415 https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/06/us-moves-to-allow-commercial-fishing-in-pacific-marine-protected-areas/ https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/06/us-moves-to-allow-commercial-fishing-in-pacific-marine-protected-areas/#respond 22 Jun 2026 11:49:13 +0000 https://news.mongabay.com/?post_type=short-article&p=321559 Mongabay]]> https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/06/us-moves-to-allow-commercial-fishing-in-pacific-marine-protected-areas/feed/ 0 https://doi.org/10.66709/news-321559 https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/06/french-polynesia-expands-ocean-protections-to-30-of-its-waters/ https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/06/french-polynesia-expands-ocean-protections-to-30-of-its-waters/#respond 18 Jun 2026 05:14:26 +0000 https://news.mongabay.com/?post_type=short-article&p=321400 Mongabay]]> https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/06/french-polynesia-expands-ocean-protections-to-30-of-its-waters/feed/ 0 https://doi.org/10.66709/news-321400 https://news.mongabay.com/2026/06/protect-antarctic-krill-to-preserve-the-health-of-africas-coastal-communities-commentary/ https://news.mongabay.com/2026/06/protect-antarctic-krill-to-preserve-the-health-of-africas-coastal-communities-commentary/#respond 17 Jun 2026 16:06:25 +0000 https://news.mongabay.com/?p=321376 - Antarctica and the ocean systems upon which Africa depends rely on krill — the tiny crustacean that gathers in huge swarms and which whales, seals, penguins and fish species feast upon — so letting business interests dictate how the base of this important food chain, that millions of people also benefit from, is irresponsible, she writes.
- “What happens in Antarctica affects the global ocean. That means the whales migrating along African shores, the resilience of our coastal communities, and the health and livelihoods of our coastal communities,” the minister argues. “Please join me in calling for an end to krill fishing now.”
- This article is a commentary. The views expressed are those of the author, not necessarily of Mongabay.
]]> Mongabay]]> https://news.mongabay.com/2026/06/protect-antarctic-krill-to-preserve-the-health-of-africas-coastal-communities-commentary/feed/ 0 https://doi.org/10.66709/news-321376 https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/06/how-courtrooms-are-deciding-the-fate-of-whales/ https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/06/how-courtrooms-are-deciding-the-fate-of-whales/#respond 15 Jun 2026 13:46:12 +0000 https://news.mongabay.com/?post_type=short-article&p=321203 Mongabay]]> https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/06/how-courtrooms-are-deciding-the-fate-of-whales/feed/ 0 https://doi.org/10.66709/news-321203 https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/06/pilot-whales-cant-hear-each-other-over-ship-noise-in-strait-of-gibraltar-study-finds/ https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/06/pilot-whales-cant-hear-each-other-over-ship-noise-in-strait-of-gibraltar-study-finds/#respond 12 Jun 2026 18:26:53 +0000 https://news.mongabay.com/?post_type=short-article&p=321107 Mongabay]]> https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/06/pilot-whales-cant-hear-each-other-over-ship-noise-in-strait-of-gibraltar-study-finds/feed/ 0 https://doi.org/10.66709/news-321107 https://news.mongabay.com/2026/06/a-year-on-australias-biggest-harmful-algal-bloom-continues-to-wreak-havoc/ https://news.mongabay.com/2026/06/a-year-on-australias-biggest-harmful-algal-bloom-continues-to-wreak-havoc/#respond 08 Jun 2026 18:42:40 +0000 https://news.mongabay.com/?p=320708 - The algal bloom has devastated marine ecosystems and caused significant economic losses in the local fishing, aquaculture and tourism industries.
- As officials, researchers and communities grapple with its ecological, health and social impacts, the bloom has exposed a lack of preparedness at all levels of government for responding to future HABs.
]]> Mongabay]]> https://news.mongabay.com/2026/06/a-year-on-australias-biggest-harmful-algal-bloom-continues-to-wreak-havoc/feed/ 0 https://doi.org/10.66709/news-320708 https://news.mongabay.com/2026/06/whale-strike-risk-rises-as-international-shipping-reroutes-around-south-africa/ https://news.mongabay.com/2026/06/whale-strike-risk-rises-as-international-shipping-reroutes-around-south-africa/#respond 05 Jun 2026 06:37:15 +0000 https://news.mongabay.com/?p=320573 - The research covers six whale species occurring in near- and offshore waters and shows significant spatial overlap between whale habitats and shipping traffic, making action urgent.
- The South African government, the International Maritime Organization and scientists are working together to develop measures aimed at reducing whale strikes.
- Currently, rerouting vessel traffic is not possible as too much data are missing to map the spatial distribution of whales that occur farther offshore.
]]> Mongabay]]> https://news.mongabay.com/2026/06/whale-strike-risk-rises-as-international-shipping-reroutes-around-south-africa/feed/ 0 https://doi.org/10.66709/news-320573 https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/06/pilot-project-in-san-francisco-bay-aims-to-help-ships-avoid-gray-whales/ https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/06/pilot-project-in-san-francisco-bay-aims-to-help-ships-avoid-gray-whales/#respond 04 Jun 2026 16:44:50 +0000 https://news.mongabay.com/?post_type=short-article&p=320614 Mongabay]]> https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/06/pilot-project-in-san-francisco-bay-aims-to-help-ships-avoid-gray-whales/feed/ 0 https://doi.org/10.66709/news-320614 https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/06/canadian-government-endorses-a-plan-to-move-whales-from-shuttered-marineland-park-to-us-and-spain/ https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/06/canadian-government-endorses-a-plan-to-move-whales-from-shuttered-marineland-park-to-us-and-spain/#respond 04 Jun 2026 15:43:42 +0000 https://news.mongabay.com/?post_type=short-article&p=320605 Mongabay]]> https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/06/canadian-government-endorses-a-plan-to-move-whales-from-shuttered-marineland-park-to-us-and-spain/feed/ 0 https://doi.org/10.66709/news-320605 https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/05/ai-listens-for-endangered-orcas-to-help-reduce-underwater-noise-exposure/ https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/05/ai-listens-for-endangered-orcas-to-help-reduce-underwater-noise-exposure/#respond 22 May 2026 11:33:13 +0000 https://news.mongabay.com/?post_type=short-article&p=319980 Mongabay]]> https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/05/ai-listens-for-endangered-orcas-to-help-reduce-underwater-noise-exposure/feed/ 0 https://doi.org/10.66709/news-319980 https://news.mongabay.com/2026/05/the-southern-ocean-is-key-to-our-planets-future-we-have-a-chance-to-protect-it-this-year-commentary/ https://news.mongabay.com/2026/05/the-southern-ocean-is-key-to-our-planets-future-we-have-a-chance-to-protect-it-this-year-commentary/#respond 13 May 2026 16:02:33 +0000 https://news.mongabay.com/?p=319355 - The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) is responsible for governing these waters, and the U.K. is set to chair its pivotal 45th annual meeting this year.
- This is an opportunity to act on Southern Ocean conservation, a new op-ed by former U.K. environment minister Zac Goldsmith argues, but that’s not all: “It would also send a powerful signal, at a time when multilateralism is under strain, that countries can still come together around shared values and act for the global good,” he writes.
- This article is a commentary. The views expressed are those of the author, not necessarily of Mongabay.
]]> Mongabay]]> https://news.mongabay.com/2026/05/the-southern-ocean-is-key-to-our-planets-future-we-have-a-chance-to-protect-it-this-year-commentary/feed/ 0 https://doi.org/10.66709/news-319355 https://news.mongabay.com/2026/05/dangerous-arsenic-levels-detected-in-thailands-mekong-mainstream-for-first-time/ https://news.mongabay.com/2026/05/dangerous-arsenic-levels-detected-in-thailands-mekong-mainstream-for-first-time/#respond 08 May 2026 02:47:35 +0000 https://news.mongabay.com/?p=318973 - The contamination has been widely linked to a surge in unregulated mining, including for rare earth minerals, upstream in Myanmar’s Shan state.
- Experts warn that toxic heavy metals could threaten aquatic ecosystems, fisheries and the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on the Mekong Basin.
- Regional coordination and monitoring remain limited, with the Mekong River Commission lacking authority over key upstream areas in Myanmar and China.
]]> Mongabay]]> https://news.mongabay.com/2026/05/dangerous-arsenic-levels-detected-in-thailands-mekong-mainstream-for-first-time/feed/ 0 https://doi.org/10.66709/news-318973 https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/05/a-baby-boom-for-north-atlantic-right-whales-but-extinction-still-a-threat/ https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/05/a-baby-boom-for-north-atlantic-right-whales-but-extinction-still-a-threat/#respond 06 May 2026 17:21:08 +0000 https://news.mongabay.com/?post_type=short-article&p=318848 Mongabay]]> https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/05/a-baby-boom-for-north-atlantic-right-whales-but-extinction-still-a-threat/feed/ 0 https://doi.org/10.66709/news-318848 https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/05/iceland-plans-to-resume-whale-hunting-this-summer/ https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/05/iceland-plans-to-resume-whale-hunting-this-summer/#respond 04 May 2026 21:36:50 +0000 https://news.mongabay.com/?post_type=short-article&p=318717 Mongabay]]> https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/05/iceland-plans-to-resume-whale-hunting-this-summer/feed/ 0 https://doi.org/10.66709/news-318717 https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/05/endangered-whale-protections-may-be-delayed-to-2035-under-trump-backed-plan/ https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/05/endangered-whale-protections-may-be-delayed-to-2035-under-trump-backed-plan/#respond 04 May 2026 19:51:54 +0000 https://news.mongabay.com/?post_type=short-article&p=318697 Mongabay]]> https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/05/endangered-whale-protections-may-be-delayed-to-2035-under-trump-backed-plan/feed/ 0 https://doi.org/10.66709/news-318697 https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/04/singapore-to-halt-sourcing-and-breeding-dolphins/ https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/04/singapore-to-halt-sourcing-and-breeding-dolphins/#respond 23 Apr 2026 11:41:10 +0000 https://news.mongabay.com/?post_type=short-article&p=318012 Mongabay]]> https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/04/singapore-to-halt-sourcing-and-breeding-dolphins/feed/ 0 https://doi.org/10.66709/news-318012 https://news.mongabay.com/2026/04/ai-tool-listens-for-endangered-orcas-in-real-time-to-reduce-human-disturbance/ https://news.mongabay.com/2026/04/ai-tool-listens-for-endangered-orcas-in-real-time-to-reduce-human-disturbance/#respond 22 Apr 2026 08:27:16 +0000 https://news.mongabay.com/?p=317912 - OrcaHello builds on a network of underwater microphones to detect orcas and push out alerts that have helped pause coastal construction and redirect boat traffic as the orcas pass by.
- Southern resident orcas are considered an endangered subspecies, with only 76 remaining individuals.
- Major threats to the species include a decline in their food sources, primarily Chinook salmon, along with noise pollution and vessel traffic.
]]> Mongabay]]> https://news.mongabay.com/2026/04/ai-tool-listens-for-endangered-orcas-in-real-time-to-reduce-human-disturbance/feed/ 0 https://doi.org/10.66709/news-317912 https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/04/san-francisco-bay-emerges-as-high-risk-area-for-migrating-gray-whales/ https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/04/san-francisco-bay-emerges-as-high-risk-area-for-migrating-gray-whales/#respond 15 Apr 2026 23:47:35 +0000 https://news.mongabay.com/?post_type=short-article&p=317614 Mongabay]]> https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/04/san-francisco-bay-emerges-as-high-risk-area-for-migrating-gray-whales/feed/ 0 https://doi.org/10.66709/news-317614 https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/04/orcas-never-seen-before-in-seattle-delight-whale-watchers-with-a-visit/ https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/04/orcas-never-seen-before-in-seattle-delight-whale-watchers-with-a-visit/#respond 03 Apr 2026 22:26:55 +0000 https://news.mongabay.com/?post_type=short-article&p=316967 Mongabay]]> https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/04/orcas-never-seen-before-in-seattle-delight-whale-watchers-with-a-visit/feed/ 0 https://doi.org/10.66709/news-316967 https://news.mongabay.com/2026/03/singapore-resort-said-to-halt-controversial-dolphin-sourcing-breeding/ https://news.mongabay.com/2026/03/singapore-resort-said-to-halt-controversial-dolphin-sourcing-breeding/#respond 31 Mar 2026 05:21:35 +0000 https://news.mongabay.com/?p=316502 - The company is assembling a team of experts to decide the future of more than 20 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, most of which were captured from the Solomon Islands in 2008 and 2009.
- The resort has maintained the dolphins are well cared for and the exhibit at Singapore’s Oceanarium serves educational and conservation purposes.
- Experts say that rehabilitation and release of the dolphins is possible, with transfer to a natural sea pen the first step for assessment.
]]> Mongabay]]> https://news.mongabay.com/2026/03/singapore-resort-said-to-halt-controversial-dolphin-sourcing-breeding/feed/ 0 https://doi.org/10.66709/news-316502 https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/03/a-stranded-whale-in-germanys-baltic-sea-weakens-as-hopes-of-its-return-to-the-atlantic-fade/ https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/03/a-stranded-whale-in-germanys-baltic-sea-weakens-as-hopes-of-its-return-to-the-atlantic-fade/#respond 30 Mar 2026 17:58:52 +0000 https://news.mongabay.com/?post_type=short-article&p=316590 Mongabay]]> https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/03/a-stranded-whale-in-germanys-baltic-sea-weakens-as-hopes-of-its-return-to-the-atlantic-fade/feed/ 0 https://doi.org/10.66709/news-316590 https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/03/family-and-friends-help-sperm-whale-mother-and-newborn-during-birth/ https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/03/family-and-friends-help-sperm-whale-mother-and-newborn-during-birth/#respond 26 Mar 2026 21:12:51 +0000 https://news.mongabay.com/?post_type=short-article&p=316387 Mongabay]]> https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/03/family-and-friends-help-sperm-whale-mother-and-newborn-during-birth/feed/ 0 https://doi.org/10.66709/news-316387 https://news.mongabay.com/2026/03/belugas-facing-euthanasia-at-shuttered-canada-theme-park-may-find-new-homes-in-us/ https://news.mongabay.com/2026/03/belugas-facing-euthanasia-at-shuttered-canada-theme-park-may-find-new-homes-in-us/#respond 11 Mar 2026 20:45:56 +0000 https://news.mongabay.com/?p=315512 - After a plan to transfer them to a theme park in China was blocked by the Canadian government, Marineland called for euthanizing the animals. The Canadian government has now conditionally approved their possible transfer to four U.S. institutions.
- Keeping highly intelligent and social creatures in concrete-lined tanks adversely affects their health and well-being, experts say.
- With changing public perceptions and a growing number of countries, including Canada, banning the keeping and breeding of whales and dolphins, conservationists are calling for alternatives to house the more than 3,700 cetaceans in captivity worldwide, including building seaside sanctuaries.
]]> Mongabay]]> https://news.mongabay.com/2026/03/belugas-facing-euthanasia-at-shuttered-canada-theme-park-may-find-new-homes-in-us/feed/ 0 https://doi.org/10.66709/news-315512 https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/03/antarctic-krill-sustainability-label-questioned/ https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/03/antarctic-krill-sustainability-label-questioned/#respond 05 Mar 2026 22:46:11 +0000 https://news.mongabay.com/?post_type=short-article&p=315314 Mongabay]]> https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/03/antarctic-krill-sustainability-label-questioned/feed/ 0 https://doi.org/10.66709/news-315314 https://news.mongabay.com/2026/03/proposed-shark-net-near-club-med-resort-in-south-africa-sparks-conservation-clash/ https://news.mongabay.com/2026/03/proposed-shark-net-near-club-med-resort-in-south-africa-sparks-conservation-clash/#respond 04 Mar 2026 15:18:53 +0000 https://news.mongabay.com/?p=315207 - The proposal, which authorities say will protect beachgoers from shark attacks, was made in anticipation of increased visitor numbers to Tinley Manor Beach once a new Club Med resort opens in the area later this year.
- Some scientists and environmentalists argue that shark nets and drum lines are outdated as they cull and kill nontarget species indiscriminately, including those protected under South African law.
- South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said it’s considering whether installing the net should trigger an environmental impact assessment. Some experts also question the legality of existing nets.
]]> Mongabay]]> https://news.mongabay.com/2026/03/proposed-shark-net-near-club-med-resort-in-south-africa-sparks-conservation-clash/feed/ 0 https://doi.org/10.66709/news-315207 https://news.mongabay.com/2026/02/climate-change-is-slowing-southern-right-whale-birth-rate-33-year-study-finds/ https://news.mongabay.com/2026/02/climate-change-is-slowing-southern-right-whale-birth-rate-33-year-study-finds/#respond 27 Feb 2026 15:46:54 +0000 https://news.mongabay.com/?p=314971 - Shrinking Antarctic sea ice and warming waters are reducing the availability of krill and copepods, the whales’ main food sources, leaving females struggling to rebuild their energy after nursing and delaying their next pregnancy.
- The reproductive slowdown is not unique to Australia, with similar declines documented in southern right whale populations off South Africa and Argentina, raising concerns for a species still recovering from near-extinction due to commercial whaling.
- Researchers are calling for expanded marine protected areas, stricter management of Antarctic krill fisheries, and urgent action on climate change to protect the species.
]]> Mongabay]]> https://news.mongabay.com/2026/02/climate-change-is-slowing-southern-right-whale-birth-rate-33-year-study-finds/feed/ 0 https://doi.org/10.66709/news-314971