Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative Society’s Post

The Eastern Bering Sea off the coast of Alaska is home to more than 12,000 beluga whales. At least, that’s the number that scientists know of. But this estimate only includes those whales that are spotted in the ocean. It doesn’t take into account any belugas that might be in the Yukon or Kuskokwim rivers—and Indigenous hunters in the region know that they often migrate upstream in search of food. That’s where a recent collaboration between the World Wildlife Fund's US Arctic Program and the Indigenous communities of Kotlik and Emmonak comes in. The pilot project is testing the use of hydrophones to detect belugas in the river in order to get a more accurate picture of how belugas use freshwater habitat—and to help ensure that these Arctic marine animals are protected. Explore this photo essay to learn more about this pilot project and our Arctic Biodiversity Initiative 🔗: https://lnkd.in/dtiyctTb #Arctic #Alaska

As unbelievable as it sounds, we keep struggling to preserve one of the most amazing animals that have ever lived on this planet. Whales are one of the most amazing creatures that live on the planet. They inhabit all oceans of the world. Many whale species are endangered due to various human activities and environmental factors. Threats to whales include: 🐳 Habitat destruction and degradation 🐳 Overhunting and poaching 🐳 Ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear 🐳 Noise pollution from human activities 🐳 Climate change affecting prey distribution and habitat Conservation efforts, such as habitat protection, research, education awareness, community engagement, international cooperation, and regulations on human activities, are essential to protect these magnificent creatures. Whale conservation efforts aim to protect Some notable organisations dedicated to whale conservation include: • International Whaling Commission (IWC) • Ocean Conservancy • World Wildlife Fund (WWF) • Sea Shepherd Conservation Society • Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) By supporting these efforts, we can work together to protect these magnificent creatures and their vital role in maintaining healthy oceans. #ocean #marinelife #seacreatures #whale #wildlife #proudforester #Day26ofconsistencywithtechsisi.

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

One of the restoration projects we support in Ecuadro (Yanacocha Reserve) as part of our carbon reduction strategies...

In only 150km2 , #UmmAlQuwain’s coastal lagoon is home to 13 marine megafauna species that are globally threatened. What makes the lagoon such a rich, unique hotspot for marine wildlife? 🤔 🐢 Our latest study finds that the lagoon is critical for the life stages of these species. For example, healthy seagrasses serve as foraging grounds for adult and juvenile green turtles. 🐟 The lagoon also hosts two critically endangered guitarfish - the Giant Guitarfish, and the Halavi Guitarfish which is endemic to the region. 🌿🦪🪸 The presence of these important species is only possible due to the diversity of habitats in the lagoons - mangroves, seagrasses, mudflats, coral reefs, oyster beds, salt marshes and more - working together in synergy. Read more about the astounding UAQ lagoon, and how we monitored its biodiversity in this insightful feature by The National News. #ScientificStudy #CostalEcosystems #ConservationEfforts

Happy #WildlifeWednesday!🦅🦆🐝 As we continue our World Migratory Bird Day celebrations, let’s shine a light on the American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus)!🦆 American Oystercatchers are known for their distinctive loud call, which sounds like a series of high-pitched “hueep” sounds, often heard when they gather in groups. Their striking plumage helps them blend into rocky shorelines, providing excellent camouflage from predators. These birds play a crucial role in maintaining marine ecosystem balance by preying on shellfish like clams and oysters, which helps manage their populations and supports the environment for other species. Additionally, these birds are sensitive to habitat changes and pollution, making them important indicators of ecosystem health; their presence or absence can signal shifts in environmental conditions. Have you seen this bird before? Photo Credits: ©Richard Brown BirdsCaribbean Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) Environment for the Americas East Asian - Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) #WMBD2024 #americanoystercatcher #shorebird #migratorybirds #birds #caribbean #protectinsects #protectbirds #EAGAntigua

The successful #Conservation efforts for loggerhead #Turtles are a beacon of hope for wildlife preservation. With initiatives like #HabitatProtection and anti-poaching campaigns, these majestic creatures are thriving in their #Natural #Environment. A vivid ocean scene reflects this success: a loggerhead turtle glides gracefully through crystal-clear waters, surrounded by vibrant coral reefs, colorful fish, and lush sea plants. The sunlight filtering through the water underscores the resilience and beauty of marine ecosystems. Experts stress the importance of continued government and community support to sustain this progress and ensure the protection of marine biodiversity. #MarineConservation #WildlifeSuccess #KSA #SaveTheOcean #RedSeaGlobal #BiodiversityMatters #HopeForNature

🌍 Today is World Migratory Bird Day! 🐦 The aim of this day is to raise the level of awareness about the threats migratory birds are facing. This year's theme, "Protect insects, protect birds," highlights the crucial role insects play as a food source for many migratory species. Insects provide an essential source of energy not only during breeding seasons but also throughout the birds' long migrations, influencing the timing, duration, and success of their journeys. The final bird in our featured series is the Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa). This large, long-legged shorebird has a large breeding range in the Northern Hemisphere (it is the national bird of the Netherlands), but birds occurring in Australia probably predominantly breed in Siberia. In Australia, the birds are mostly found in coastal regions, arriving in August and leaving in March. As with the previous two highlighted birds, recent studies have shown a significant population decline in Australia and the species is now listed as ‘Endangered’ under the EPBC Act. The Black-tailed Godwit and other migratory waders are a symbol of the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the importance of global conservation efforts. Protecting habitats such as wetlands and coastlines is essential to the survival of these birds and other species that depend on these environments.  Learn more about projects from the MaC Hub helping to protect shorebirds at: https://lnkd.in/gGg6XnbR   #NESP #shorebirds #Waders #WorldMigratoryBirdDay #Conservation #WMBD2024   Image: Black-tailed Godwit Image credit: Tisha Mukherjee, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://lnkd.in/gcqacBW)

Efforts are underway in the Mediterranean Sea to protect the white shark, a species facing significant threats in the region. Pilot expeditions are gathering essential data to understand their habitat, behavior, and population trends, which are key to implementing effective conservation strategies. These expeditions aim to raise awareness and support for preserving this important apex predator, critical to maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. #YachtingInternationalRadio #MarineConservation #WhiteSharkProtection #MediterraneanWildlife #OceanPreservation #SharkExpedition #SustainableSeas

Exploring the Diversity of Birdwatching in Guatemala: A Unique Opportunity in the Neotropical Migration Season As the neotropical migration season approaches, Guatemala offers an exceptional opportunity to observe a remarkable diversity of bird species. During this time, resident species coexist with migratory birds, creating a rich tapestry of avian life that captivates both seasoned ornithologists and nature enthusiasts alike. Among the highlights is the chance to witness hummingbirds like this beautiful Sparkling-tailed Hummingbird (Tilmatura dupontii), known for their iridescent plumage and swift flight, along with a variety of other species that contribute to Guatemala’s reputation as a top birdwatching destination in Central America. The country’s diverse ecosystems, ranging from cloud forests to wetlands, provide an ideal habitat for over 750 bird species, making it a globally significant bird conservation and observation region. Whether for research, conservation, or the sheer beauty of nature, the birdwatching experience in Guatemala during this season offers profound insights into the dynamic interplay of ecosystems and wildlife. #BirdwatchingGuatemala #NeotropicalMigration #Biodiversity #Conservation #Ornithology #WildlifeResearch #SustainableTourism #AvianEcology #EcoDiversity #EnvironmentalScience