Stricken Cruise Liner Threatens Important Marine Reserve
The partially submerged liner lies off the Italian island of Giglio, which lies inside the Pelagos Sanctuary for Mediterranean Marine Mammals.
WDCS Asks For Naval Cover Against Incursions By The Japanese Whaling Fleet
WDCS Australasia has written to the Environment Minister to protest against the recent activities of the Japanese whalers, and the lack of adequate response from the Australian Government
Concern Over Jet Ski Impact On Dolphin Sanctuary
JET skiers are regularly harassing Port River dolphins, speeding around pods and in one case even attempting to land on a dolphin’s back, sparking calls for urgent action. (Story from the Portside Messenger)
Low Frequency Sounds Thought To Interrupt Whale Communication
Pulsing sounds made by technology used to monitor fish stocks may affect how baleen whales communicate, even at great distances.
Whale Like Me Short Film Contest
Interested in making a short, 30 second to 4 minute film about the relationship between humankind and whales in today's complex world? Film maker, student or just fancy giving it a go for the first time?
Television Program Exposes Iceland’s New Illegal Whale Trade
Making a Killing – a film, featuring WDCS, traces the new trade in fin whale meat between Iceland and Japan, will be repeated on Nat Geo Wild, on January 20th and 29th
Follow The Port River Dolphins Online
Second Whaling Vessel Draws The Ire Of The Australian Government
Following on from the Shonan Maru No. 2’s incursion into Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone, a second vessel has entered Australia’s territorial waters off Macquarie Island.In the meantime, 3 activists have been transferred off the Shonan Maru onto an Au
BP Cited Again By US Authorities Over Gulf Of Mexico Spill
At the same time that BP is beginning its exploration in the waters off South Australia, the US Government has issued a second set of citations against the company over its involvement in last year’s disaster
Seismic Testing Causes Concern For NT Fishing Industry
Drop in catch rates coincides with the use of seismic testing in oil and gas exploration
Proposed New Marine Reserve In The Coral Sea To Be The Biggest Yet
Following on from a story we covered a short while back, the Commonwealth Government has agreed that the Coral Sea deserves substantial protection in what is proposed to be the biggest marine reserve in the world.
Bangladesh Move To Increase Protection For Ganges River And Irrawaddy Dolphins
Bangladesh is declaring three areas in the southern Sundarbans mangrove forest as dolphin sanctuaries to protect freshwater dolphins, the BBC reports
Dolphin Release Stalls
Indonesian dolphins remain in captivity despite an agreement to free them
Port River Dolphins Can Now Be Viewed On A Regular Basis Online
The Port dolphins and their friends have a regular column in a local paper, but you can follow them online
Humpbacks Superhighway Left To The Mercy Of Oil And Gas Exploration – Submissions Closed
The North West region of Australia is now being assessed for protection under the marine reserve system. Unfortunately, for the humpbacks that breed and calve in these waters, that protection is not going far enough.
Submissions Closed To Help The Snubfin
The snubfin dolphin has been largely left to protect itself under the Commonwealth’s proposed North Marine Reserve Plan. To find out more, and how you can help persuade the Environment Minister to reconsider his proposal, read on…..
Bangladesh Move To Increase Protection For Ganges River And Irrawaddy Dolphins
Bangladesh is declaring three areas in the southern Sundarbans mangrove forest as dolphin sanctuaries to protect freshwater dolphins, the BBC reports
Protect The Waters Off Northern Australia
Following on from a record amount of submissions for the South West Marine Reserve proposal, WDCS supporters have the opportunity to try and influence increased marine protection in our northern waters.
US Follows UK With Warning To Tourists About Icelandic Whale Meat
An undercover investigation into whale meat on sale at Iceland’s Keflavik airport that prompted the Foreign Office to issue a warning to Britons who risk breaching international law, has now resulted in the US government following suit.
Marine Reserve Process Moves On To Northern Australia
Just as the public consultation period closes for the Commonwealth’s South West Marine Reserve proposal, it has opened up for the North West and North of the continent.
NZ Oil Spill Is Now ‘The Nation’s Worst Maritime Disaster’
Oil spilling from a stranded container ship off the North Island of New Zealand has consequences not just for the immediate marine environment but also for the impact of deep-water exploration licences that have recently been approved.
Tailwalking Takes Another Step On The Port River
Photos and video have appeared of a new Tailwalker on the Port River in Adelaide. The significance of this is that the dolphin, Ripple, is the first of a 2nd generation to have learnt the feat.
Japan Signals Resumption Of Antarctic Whaling
A Japanese Minister has indicated that the Antarctic whaling program would resume later this year with increased government funding to support a heightened security presence bolstering the controversial hunt.
Call For Increased Protection Brings Results On Dolphin Deaths
Following on from conservation groups calling for an immediate ban on the use of gillnets in a shark fishery operating in Commonwealth waters off South Australia, the Australian Fishing Management Authority has acted.
BP ‘Given Final Approval’ To Start Seismic Surveys In The Great Australian Bight.
BP’s surveys, which are due to start in November, will be within marine parks which overlap the exploration permit areas.
New Species Of Dolphin Discovered
The discovery was made by researchers studying dolphins living around the Melbourne area. The findings are made in the scientific journal PLoS One.
Mass Dolphin And Sea Lion Deaths In Australian Waters
WDCS is amongst five conservation groups calling for an immediate ban on the use of gillnets in a shark fishery operating in Commonwealth waters off South Australia due to the deaths of many dolphins and Australian sea lions.
New Species Of Dolphin Discovered
The discovery was made by researchers studying dolphins living around the Melbourne area. The findings are made in the scientific journal PLoS One.
Export Of Wild Belugas To Hong Kong Halted
WDCS has welcomed reports that Ocean Park Hong Kong will not now import wild-caught Beluga whales from Russia for its new Polar Adventure tourist attraction, which is due to open next year.
Another Drive Hunt Season To Begin In Taiji, Japan
September signals not only the beginning of the end of another summer, but also the dreaded beginning of a new hunting season in Taiji. Please support our campaign to end dolphin drive hunts in Japan.
Coral Sea “A Hotspot For Marine Life”
A recently released report has found that the Coral Sea is even more important than we realised, with 28 species of dolphins and whales identified as frequenting its waters
Japan Ponders Ending Its Antarctic Whaling Program
Japan's Fisheries Agency has publicly floated the idea of ending the country's controversial whaling program.
Whale Like Me Short Film Contest
Interested in making a short, 30 second to 4 minute film about the relationship between humankind and whales in today's complex world? Film maker, student or just fancy giving it a go for the first time?
Developing Australia’s National System Of Marine Reserves
Over 200 marine scientists call for the Commonwealth Government to address the inadequacies of its proposed marine reserve system
Record Public Support Registered For S-W Marine Sanctuaries
Last Day Left To Protest About BP Drilling In Our Marine Parks
Not only have BP been granted exploration leases over the existing Great Australian Bight Marine Park, but also over the new addition proposed by the Commonwealth Government.
Maui Numbers Feared To Be Lower Than Previously Thought
New Zealand’s Department of Conservation (DOC) are concerned that the estimated number of the critically endangered Maui’s dolphin are lower than had previously been thought, and leave the species closer to extinction.
Government Fails Key Blue Whale Feeding Grounds Off Kangaroo Island.
Under the proposed marine reserve plan the Kangaroo Island Pool and Canyons have been left open to oil and gas exploration and production, and are already under threat from a recently awarded exploration lease on the northern part of the Canyons.
8 Days Left: Act Now To Save The Unique Habitat Of The Blue Whale In WA
The Perth Canyon: One of only three feeding grounds in Australia for the endangered blue whale has been left unprotected from oil and gas exploration under the Australian Government’s proposed network of marine reserves for the South West Marine Region.
Marine Protected Areas For Whales, Dolphins And Porpoises; 2nd Edition Available
Coming at a crucial time for Australia’s marine reserve system, this insightful WDCS book on marine protected areas (MPAs) and cetacean habitat was written by Erich Hoyt, WDCS Senior Research Fellow and Global Critical Habitat/ MPA Programme Leader
WDCS Progresses Its Work In Samoa
Recent surveys in Samoan waters are providing important information for the island nation as it considers its national conservation activities
Port River Oil Slick Gives Cause For Concern
WDCS’s Dr Mike Bossley has expressed his concern that a large oil slick on the Port River could impact on the local dolphin population and their habitat.
Tim Winton Talks About The Importance Of Marine Reserves
Tim Winton speaks in this short but compelling video about the once in a lifetime opportunity Australia has to save our marine life with a network of marine sanctuaries around our coast.
We Can’t Let Australia Fail The Whales – 14 Days Left
Critical feeding and breeding areas for unique marine life have been left out of proposed new sanctuaries in South West Australia recently released by the Federal Government. Too many concessions have been given to the oil and gas industry.
Commonwealth Moves To Enforce Whale Watching Guidelines
The Federal Government, in partnership with state and territory agencies, will launch an operation to protect migrating whales from disturbance this migration season.
Update On Spunky's Death
One of Adelaide’s best loved dolphins, an older male called Spunky was found dead last week. The necropsy has indicated that there were no obvious adverse effects.
Mystery Humpback Illness Surfaces In WA Waters
Scientists from the Department of Environment and Conservation in WA are mystified why large numbers of whales are sick and dying off WA’s coast during the their annual migration.
WDCS Wins Landmark Victory In Fight Against Dolphin Captivity
The Appeal Court in Munich, Germany, has found in WDCS’s favour by granting access to all information relating to the display and husbandry of captive dolphins at the Nuremberg Zoo.
Read All About It! New Publication From WDCS Hits The Bookshops
The latest, fascinating book from WDCS is now out. 'Whales and Dolphins' brings together a wide range of experts to look again at what we know of these amazing creatures. Find out more, and how you can order a copy.
Whale Like Me Short Film Contest
Interested in making a short, 30 second to 4 minute film about the relationship between humankind and whales in today's complex world? Film maker, student or just fancy giving it a go for the first time? Why not take part in our fantastic film contest?
Australia Lodges International Case Against Whaling
Australia has lodged its case against Japan's whaling program in the International Court of Justice.
'Burke's Protected Area Plans Fail The Whales'
NGO groups express concerns over the Commonwealth's proposed South-west Marine Reserve. Please write to him today.
Deepwater Horizon One Year On: Has Anything Changed?
On 20th April 2010, one year ago, an explosion on the oil rig Deepwater Horizon killed 11 people and resulted in the largest oil spill in the history of the United States of America, creating an ecological disaster.
BP TO DRILL IN THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN BIGHT
4 exploration leases have been granted to BP in the Great Australian Bight, three of which overlap the Great Australian Bight Marine Park.
Further Risks For Blue Whales
Summer feeding grounds for the blue whale off the Victorian coast have been threatened by the release of new oil and gas exploration zones
NZ Wave Power Concerns Voiced
A proposal to establish New Zealand’s first tidal-driven power station on the North Island has attracted concerns over its impact on marine species, including the critically endangered Maui dolphin
Good News – Scarlett Makes A Welcome Return To The Port River
Dr Mike Bossley was out on one of his regular research trips in the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary on the weekend when he came across an old friend.
Stranded Whales Helped Back To Sea
11 surviving long-finned pilot whales have been returned back to sea after a pod of 30 stranded themselves on South Bruny Island in Tasmania.
Working With South Pacific Projects
South Pacific Projects is supporting WDCS in the Pacific with the establishment of a new Spinner dolphin research and conservation project in Fiji.
Conservation Groups Voice Strong Support For SA Marine Parks
Negative claims about proposed marine parks in SA threaten to mislead coastal communities about the significant benefits these parks deliver in protecting fish and the marine environments
Australian Government Permits BP To Explore New Oil Reserves
BP given permits to explore for oil in endangered blue whale breeding grounds.
Largest Conservation Decision In Australian History Hangs In The Balance
Please write to the Australian government asking it to support the proposal to create the biggest network of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the world. A decision is due in the next few weeks.
Clever Dolphins Learn To Walk On The Wild
Studies in Australia by WDCS have revealed a growing number of dolphins in the wild are teaching themselves to walk.
Reinventing The Whale
A new report by WDCS released today reveals the real reason behind the whaling nations desire to lift the whaling moratorium – they have long-term plans to develop new commercial applications for whale oil including in pharmaceuticals and animal feed.
WDCS Launches New Film To Support Whaling Campaign
WDCS has launched a graphic film featuring model, Alice Dellal to move millions of people to sign up to our online e-protest against the proposed lifting of the commercial whaling ban.
Australia Takes Japan To Court
In an official press statement earlier today (May 28th), the Australian Government has announced legal action against Japanese whaling at the International Court of Justice.
Leading European Actor Lends His Voice To Anti-whaling Campaign
Leading European actor, Mario Adorf, has added his voice to the anti-whaling movement by narrating a moving 90 second campaign film, 'Jenny', on behalf of WDCS.
Port River Dolphins’ Mystery Ailment
A gruesome ailment is afflicting the skin of two Port River bottlenose dolphins. The two dolphins, mother and calf Wave and Tallula, have lost most of the skin from the upper part of their flanks. The problem was first reported by members of the public on
Australian And New Zealand Tax Payers To Fund Commercial Whaling
In a proposal being drawn up for the International Whaling Commission (IWC), Australian and New Zealand tax payers may have to pay for a return to commercial whaling.
A Good Deal For Whalers And A Poor Deal For Whales
In April's New Scientist magazine, two experts from WDCS deliver an important critique of the increasingly controversial proposal to be put to the vote at the next International Whaling Commission meeting in June.
Australian Marine Environment Suffers Another Oil Spill
The latest spill from the Shen Neng 1 off Rockhampton into the waters of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park has so far released about a thousand litres of fuel oil but there are fears that many thousands still on board will also pollute the area.
WDCS Concerns About Possible Port River Development In The Heart Of The Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary
NZ Dolphin Protection Measures Still Not Adequate
Maui’s and Hector’s dolphins are unique to NZ. Their numbers have been in steep decline over the past fifty years, primarily as a result of being killed in nets. They are now classed as endangered.