Blue Pangolin Consulting ’s Post

We are about halfway through the Society for Marine Mammalogy #smm24 scientific programme here in Perth, Australia. On a personal level so far, the event has been a nourishing experience of connecting with new colleagues and reconnecting with old friends. It has also been a fantastic stage for engaging in round table discussions and participation in key workshop topics that will shape the future of renewable energy development in Australia. I have become aware of the cultural significance and importance of the First Nation aboriginal heritage and their symbiotic relationship with dolphin and whale kin, their connecting to land, and sea in this part of the world and how vital it is that their identities, lineage and histories are respected. I still have much to learn of this, but thank them for allowing me to embrace this experience with them. I have been in awe of the lifetime work of plenary speakers at this years meeting, and feel honoured to be part of a community that can collectively stand on the shoulders of these giants. In short: The complex multi-level male alliance system in indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins discovered in Shark Bay from 40 years of research highlights that if we lose a population we would never know the extent of what we have lost. It is crucial that adequate support is provideed to extend such studies in other areas. We must also offer the support and positivity in protection of New Zealand’s north island Maui’s dolphhins in the hope that the framework for their recovery can be strengthened in the face of their extinction. Dugongs across the Northern Territory of Australia and in other developed and poor countries of the world face unprecedented threat from artisanal fisheries and the challenges in enforcing their protection-fishing for change. There are many discussions ahead for Australian renewable industry but lessons learned must be communicated and consulted with all stakeholders at an early stage to find the appropriate solutions that will enable transition to clean energy while ensuring the correct assessment to protect and safeguard the living resources that are so connected to the land and its peoples. Looking forward to more enlightening talks and conversations over the next days.

Passing of Hvladimir, the Beluga Whale Our community is deeply saddened by the passing of Hvladimir, the beluga whale who touched the hearts of so many. As the European Association for Aquatic Mammals (EAAM), we regret that this tragic outcome could not be prevented, and we believe it underscores the need for a more compassionate approach to the care of marine mammals.   Hvladimir’s behavior strongly suggested that he had previously lived in human care, as seen in his repeated attempts to interact with people. Animals like Hvladimir, who have formed deep connections with humans, often face significant challenges when returned to the wild, especially when found outside their natural environment. In such cases, a controlled setting can offer the safety and stability needed to ensure their well-being and minimize the risks they face.   There were numerous occasions when Hvladimir sought out human contact, even after suffering harm. It is likely that his well-being had been compromised for some time. While we are aware that relocating him to Arctic waters was considered, we believe this outcome serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities involved in such decisions. The option of moving him to a modern, accredited zoological facility—where he could have received expert care and social interaction with other belugas—was not pursued, and this is a cause for deep reflection.   Belugas are highly social animals, and Hvladimir’s integration with con-specifics could have significantly improved his quality of life. Furthermore, such a relocation would have provided valuable opportunities for scientific research, contributing to our understanding of beluga biology and conservation at a time when their populations are increasingly threatened by climate change, habitat loss, and other human activities.   We believe that this unfortunate outcome should guide future efforts to protect marine mammals in similar situations. The EAAM remains fully committed to advocating for the safety and well-being of all marine mammals, and we stand ready to support decisions that prioritize their welfare above all else.   Sincerely, European Association for Aquatic Mammals (EAAM)

Exciting News for Marine Conservation! Three new Important Marine Mammal Areas (IMMAs), including the Azores Archipelago, have been defined. IMMAs are essential for guiding management actions to protect marine life, helping ensure the safety of critical habitats. 📢 The brochures for these new areas are now available: 🔗 Shetland and Fair Isle IMMA https://lnkd.in/exGUjH8X 🔗 Baltic Ringed Seal Area IMMA https://lnkd.in/eqCW8_Vg 🔗 Azores Archipelago IMMA https://lnkd.in/eg6sChkp These areas are now live on the IMMA e-Atlas, where you can find detailed information to support marine conservation efforts. https://lnkd.in/dfj6WZeW Why is this important for OCEAN? 🌍 IMMAs are crucial for marine mammal protection, and the tools being developed by OCEAN will help navigate these sensitive areas safely. #MarineConservation #SustainableNavigation #OCEAN

🌊 Join us as we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the endorsement of the #MarineProtectedArea Network Action Plan for the Northern Shelf Bioregion! This week, we are highlighting some #MPA successes from around the globe. 🐬 Have you ever heard of Hector's #dolphins? Hector’s dolphins are the smallest dolphin species in the world and are found exclusively in coastal waters around New Zealand. This critically endangered species is threatened largely due to human activities. Since the implementation of the Banks Peninsula marine mammals sanctuary, the survival rate of Hector’s dolphins has increased by 5.4% as they are protected from being caught as bycatch in set nets within the sanctuary. A 2012 study of the Banks Peninsula marine mammal sanctuary provides the first empirical evidence that MPAs are effective in protecting threatened marine mammals. 🤝 Do you want to hear more success stories like this for B.C. #ecosystems? Follow the link in our bio to send a pre-written letter telling government officials you support the protection of  30% of Canadian oceans by 2030: https://lnkd.in/gEkdxicD #MPAs #oceanconservation #marineprotectedareas #MPANetwork #protecttheoceans #ecosystemmanagement  #marineconservation #oceanlife 

IMMAs are defined as discrete portions of habitat, important to marine mammal species, that have the potential to be delineated and managed for conservation. They are not legal designations but independent, peer-reviewed assessments based on criteria supported by data. 2 areas are located in the Red Sea (Egiptian coast), are there any others in the Red Sea that may requiere assessment and further consideration?

A study sheds light on the urgent need for marine protected areas (MPAs) in the open ocean. Researchers from around the globe have provided compelling evidence that remote MPAs are essential for the survival and recovery of pelagic species, crucial to achieving the ambitious “30x30” initiative goals. Why does it matter? Pelagic species, which inhabit the vast open seas far from the shore, are notably at risk and have experienced considerable reductions in size and population due to proximity to human activities. #OceanConservation #MarineProtectedAreas #MarineConservation  

Hopeful BREAKING NEWS - For the first time after 114 years, endangered whale species is sighted off Ireland. Historic sighting! A North Atlantic right whale has been spotted off the coast of Ireland for the first time in 114 years. This rare event underscores the importance of ongoing marine conservation efforts. Why is this so significant? - Endangered Status: The North Atlantic right whale is one of the most endangered, with fewer than 400 individuals remaining. - Geographical Range: These whales typically inhabit the eastern coast of North America, making sightings in European waters extremely uncommon. - Migratory Patterns: This sighting suggests a significant deviation from their usual migratory routes. - Human Impact: Shipping, fishing gear entanglement, and habitat loss have greatly impacted their survival, making such sightings even more exceptional. Implications for the species' survival: - Range Expansion: Potentially indicates adaptability and resilience in finding new habitats. - Genetic Diversity: Increased movement may encourage genetic diversity within the population. - New Habitats: Discovering new feeding grounds could provide safer environments. - Conservation Efforts: Increased attention may lead to stronger conservation measures and funding. Read more: The Guardian: https://lnkd.in/dg7vzDb6 #ReBlueEarth #Wildlife #Oceans #RightWhale #NatureRestoration #EarthRegeneration

Last week, new #shark, #ray, and #chimaera extinction risks were published on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. For context, over one-third of these species are threatened with extinction, and the Java stingaree was recently declared extinct🦈 Here’s a highlight for a couple of my favourite species, Critically Endangered species, and a recently discovered species, from the 19 assessments I helped with this round: Frilled Shark Finucci, B. & Charles, R. 2024. Chlamydoselachus anguineus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T41794A124416882. https://lnkd.in/e7uWyT9x Japanese Wedgefish  Jabado, R.W., Charles, R., Wosnick, N. & Kyne, P.M. 2024. Rhynchobatus mononoke. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T214417427A214417808. https://lnkd.in/eSYSWSSQ Pacific Spookfish Finucci, B. & Charles, R. 2024. Rhinochimaera pacifica. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T60146A124444594. https://lnkd.in/efFwxb37 Fine-spotted Skate  Finucci, B. & Charles, R. 2024. Okamejei picta. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T234769150A234769191. https://lnkd.in/e8bq2mEW These recent IUCN Red List of Threatened Species assessments need to be used as a tool to catalyse #conservation and policy change to protect both marine and freshwater fish. International collaboration is essential for this🌍 🌊 These assessments collate information from species-experts around the globe who contribute their knowledge. Ever grateful to be involved in a process like this. IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group (SSG) IUCN Species Survival Commission #sharkscience #marinebiology #IUCNRedList

The Dugong (Dugong dugon), often referred to as the "sea cow," is a marine mammal found in the warm coastal waters of the Red Sea. These gentle giants are herbivorous, feeding primarily on seagrass, and are known for their distinctive, flipper-like forelimbs and a tail that resembles a whale's. Dugongs play a vital role in their ecosystem by maintaining healthy seagrass beds, which are crucial for marine biodiversity. #Dugong #RedSea #SeaCow #MarineMammal #Herbivorous #Seagrass #OceanLife #MarineWildlife #UnderwaterWorld #GentleGiants #MarineConservation #SeaCreatures #OceanEcosystem #WildlifeProtection #RedSeaWildlife #MarineBiology #OceanicBiodiversity #SeaCow #GentleGiant #MarineHabitats #SeaMammals #UnderwaterPhotography #WildlifeConservation #MarineResearch #ProtectOurOceans #DugongConservation #MarineLife #OceanFlora #SeagrassBeds

🐋The North Atlantic right whale population increased slightly in the past year, according to a report released today by the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium. The Consortium estimates that there are 372 North Atlantic right whales left on the planet, with 12 calves born, up from last year's estimate of 340 individuals. Although this is heartening news, scientists emphasize that the critically-endangered species still faces significant threats from human activities. Chronic entanglement and ship strikes continue to be the leading causes of marine mammal injury and death. 📲Find out how scientists, government and industry are working together in a quest for solutions from Inside Climate News : go.whoi.edu/narw-2024 📹 A North Atlantic right whale calf swims with its mother, Spindle, in Cape Cod Bay. Footage courtesy of Michael Moore and Carolyn Miller © Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Taken under NOAA NMFS permit 21371 with New England Aquarium, Whale & Dolphin Conservation + IFAW