We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
The effects of seismic surveying and environmental variables on deep diving odontocete stranding rates along Ireland’s coast
Summary
A study along Ireland's coast found that offshore seismic surveying operations increased strandings of long-finned pilot whales, suggesting underwater noise from oil and gas exploration disturbs deep-diving whale species. The research highlights the value of cetacean stranding records for detecting the impacts of human activities on marine mammals.
Most deep diving toothed whales rarely come into contact with humans due to their preference for deep offshore waters. In recent years many studies have connected underwater acoustic disturbances with unusual stranding events of deep diving species. Strandings can provide a valuable opportunity to learn about the ecology of stranded specimens and investigate the cause of mortality. The study determines how environmental and anthropogenic variables such as sea surface temperature, wave height, wave period, wind direction and seismic surveying can influence strandings events of deep diving odontocetes. The results of these analyses suggest that the occurrence of offshore seismic surveying operations increase the number of strandings of long-finned pilot whales, which are probably the most abundant deep diving species in the north Atlantic. The study also demonstrates the value of cetacean stranding schemes and how they can be utilised to establish the natural and anthropogenic processes that contribute to stranding events.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Incidence of marine debris in cetaceans stranded and bycaught in Ireland: Recent findings and a review of historical knowledge
This study examined stranded and bycaught cetaceans in Ireland and found plastic debris — including microplastics — in a substantial portion of the animals, with ingestion increasing over the sampling period. The findings highlight that marine mammals in Atlantic waters face growing exposure to plastic pollution.
Analyzing 13 Years of Cetacean Strandings: Multiple Stressors to Cetaceans in Taiwanese Waters and Their Implications for Conservation and Future Research
A 13-year postmortem study of 73 cetacean strandings in Taiwan identified multiple stressors including disease, fishing gear entanglement, and pollution, with findings informing future conservation priorities for cetaceans in Taiwanese waters.
Analysis of Cetacean Strandings Along the Moroccan Mediterranean Coast: Spatial and Temporal Patterns
Researchers analyzed 187 cetacean stranding events along the Moroccan Mediterranean coast from 2016 to 2024, finding 14 species affected — predominantly toothed whales — with bycatch, ship strikes, and marine pollution (including plastics) among the leading identified mortality causes.
The genomic footprint of whaling and isolation in fin whale populations
Researchers analyzed whole genomes from 50 fin whales in the Eastern North Pacific and Gulf of California, finding that 20th century industrial whaling caused a 99% collapse in effective population size. A small, isolated Gulf of California population avoided whaling and retained genetic viability largely due to rare but crucial gene flow from neighboring populations.
Collecting baleen whale blow samples by drone: A minimally intrusive tool for conservation genetics
Researchers used drones to collect exhaled breath samples from humpback and fin whales in coastal British Columbia for conservation genetics studies. The study demonstrated that this non-invasive approach can successfully yield DNA for genetic analysis without disturbing the animals. Evidence indicates that drone-based blow sampling represents a valuable minimally intrusive tool for monitoring whale populations and supporting conservation efforts.