Sperm whales of the Sargasso, Argentine aerial surveys, and Chinook tensions
Big Blue Bulletin #65
Welcome to the latest edition of the Big Blue Bulletin – things have changed just a little bit around here as featured stories will now focus on whales, dolphins, and porpoises, with a little bit of commentary from me thrown in as well. Still, you can expect good news, bad news, and a cute creature in your inbox every week.
Let’s dive in 🐬
Ocean news
🗞️ Big news of the week -
☮️ Sperm whales of the Sargasso embolden ocean sanctuary claim
New research using environmental DNA and acoustic surveys has revealed the presence of pygmy sperm whales and other vulnerable marine species in the Sargasso Sea. This has reignited calls for the region to be to a designated ocean sanctuary under the Global Ocean Treaty. The findings, collected aboard Greenpeace’s Arctic Sunrise and analysed by the Universities of Edinburgh and Exeter, confirmed five marine mammal species and dozens of fish, “representing a diverse range of roles in nature and critical steps in the food chain.” Campaigners say the discovery highlights the ecological importance of this unique open-ocean habitat and the urgent need for its protection.
🇦🇷 Aerial census finds record number of southern right whales off Argentina's coast
An aerial survey by researchers in Puerto Madryn has recorded 2,110 southern right whales along Argentina’s coast, the highest count in 25 years. The census, led by the Sea Mammal Lab at CONICET’s marine systems centre, included 826 mothers with calves, as well as lone whales and mating groups. Most were seen in key gathering spots like El Doradillo and the San José Gulf, with large pods also off the Valdés Peninsula. Scientists say the survey reflect peak seasonal abundance before the whales begin to disperse along the coast.
🛟 Whale was ‘anchored’ to seafloor by rope as orcas approached — then help arrived
Rescuers off Cape Recife, South Africa, successfully freed a humpback whale found anchored to the seafloor by fishing rope just as orcas were spotted nearby! The operation, led by the National Sea Rescue Institute, was complicated by the presence of a protective whale pod and the looming threat of predators. The whale had been swimming in wide circles, tethered by a line to the seabed, but was eventually freed using specialised cutting tools.
🌊 In the Salish Sea, tensions surrounding killer whales and salmon are about more than just fishing
In the Salish Sea, tensions are rising over efforts to protect endangered southern resident killer whales and their main prey, Chinook salmon. Since 2019, Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans has enforced fishing closures and vessel slowdowns to safeguard the whales but the restrictions have sparked friction between conservationists and recreational fishers. New research suggests that collaboration, rather than confrontation, could help shift the debate and offer a model for resolving other conservation conflicts.
Today is International Day of Charity so if you’re feeling generous consider supporting whales and dolphins across the ocean and find out how you can support the work of Whale and Dolphin Conservation here: https://uk.whales.org/support/donate/
Have a great weekend! 📸
Cover image by Tavish Campbell.
Sperm Whales of the Sargasso
My next band name.