Study Identifies Whale Blow Microbiome
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Published: 10 October 2017
WHOI scientists discovered a shared respiratory microbiome in healthy humpback whales’ blow using drones. This breakthrough offers a noninvasive method to assess whale health and may aid in disease detection and conservation efforts for endangered whales.
Keywords: humpback whales, microbiome, WHOI, drone, respiratory health, bacteria, conservation
Seamounts expedition discovers 'Coraltropolis' and scratching shark
Ocean Networks Canada
Published: 14 August 2019
n July 2019, DFO and the Nuu-chah-nulth Nation, supported by ONC, explored Canada’s largest underwater volcano—Explorer Seamount—during the #PacificSeamounts2019 expedition, revealing its ecological significance for marine protection efforts.
Keywords: Explorer Seamount, underwater volcano, marine protected area, DFO, Nuu-chah-nulth, ONC
Endangered southern resident killer whales return to a quieter Salish Sea
Ocean Networks Canada
Published: 31 July 2020
73 endangered southern resident killer whales returned to the Salish Sea in 2020, including a pregnant J-pod member. Experts hope quieter COVID-era seas may improve their foraging and birth success, but long-term recovery hinges on salmon availability.
Keywords: southern resident orcas, Salish Sea, J pod, COVID-19, salmon, photogrammetry, underwater noise
