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Scuba News
November 29, 2024 by HAL
Fewer than 7% of key areas where whales are at risk of collisions with ships have any protection measures. These measures help lower the chances of ship strikes, which are a leading cause of death for large whales. The study highlights that regions with high risks often lack speed limits for vessels, even within marine […]
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November 19, 2024 by HAL
The FEED the North Project aims to support Arctic communities as they face changes due to climate change. Rising ocean temperatures and melting sea ice are leading to an influx of new species and fishing interests in the Arctic. Collaboration between Ocean Wise and the Inuit-led non-profit Ikaarvik focuses on integrating Inuit knowledge into sustainable […]
November 4, 2024 by HAL
Kelp forests are vital habitats for many ocean animals, providing food and shelter. Six notable species depend on kelp for survival. The giant Pacific octopus uses kelp for camouflage and as a hunting ground. Kelp crabs rely on kelp for both food and protection from predators. Sea otters, key players in this ecosystem, help control […]
The Kelp Summit in Vancouver gathered stakeholders to discuss the kelp industry and its environmental impact. Participants highlighted the importance of respecting Indigenous knowledge in kelp restoration practices. They emphasized the need for a shared approach to monitoring restoration success and balancing urgency with careful planning. The summit also focused on building a sustainable kelp […]
October 31, 2024 by HAL
Technology plays a vital role in monitoring ocean health through the Pollution Tracker program. This initiative collects and analyzes data on pollutants in British Columbia’s coastal waters, using tools like EarthSoft’s EQuIS™ and Power BI to create visual reports. These resources help identify pollution hotspots, enabling quicker responses to environmental threats. They also assist in […]
October 22, 2024 by HAL
Ocean Wise and the Kelp Forest Alliance have released a new guidebook for monitoring kelp forest ecosystems. This guide aims to standardize how kelp forests are assessed for biodiversity, health, and ecosystem benefits. Kelp forests are crucial for marine life and combatting climate change, but they have been declining. The guide will help conservationists measure […]
October 18, 2024 by HAL
Recycling plays a crucial role in keeping plastics out of the ocean and environment. While only nine percent of plastics in Canada are recycled, the diversion rate has increased significantly, meaning more waste is being kept from landfills. Local recycling programs allow residents to recycle materials like glass, plastic, and metals. To recycle effectively, items […]
October 17, 2024 by HAL
The 2024 Whale Blitz featured whale watching events from July 13th to 17th in British Columbia. This annual celebration engages community members in citizen science and whale conservation. A total of 674 people participated, spotting species like humpback and killer whales. Live sightings alerts were sent to mariners to help avoid collisions with whales, generating […]
October 15, 2024 by HAL
Choosing seafood from sustainable fisheries helps prevent overfishing and protects ocean health. With increased global demand, many fish populations are declining, putting species at risk. Consumers often struggle to find sustainable seafood due to lack of information and transparency in labeling. Supporting local small-scale fisheries can strengthen communities and reduce carbon footprints while ensuring a […]
October 11, 2024 by HAL
This month, the focus is on reusing items to help protect the ocean. Instead of throwing away single-use plastics, like water bottles, consider using reusable options. A reusable bottle is more durable and can save you money, plus it helps reduce plastic waste. Before buying new items, think if you can use something you already […]
October 9, 2024 by HAL
Chippin is a pet food company turning invasive Silver Carp into nutritious dog treats. Silver Carp, introduced to the U.S. in the 1970s, have disrupted Midwest waterways and threaten native fish species. By using this invasive fish, Chippin aims to alleviate pressure on overfished species while promoting ecological balance. Their goal is to replace one […]
October 3, 2024 by HAL
Circular Economy Month emphasizes the importance of “Reduce” in waste management, especially for scuba divers and ocean lovers. Reducing waste prevents its creation and helps protect the ocean. For example, instead of buying plastic water bottles, drink tap water or use a reusable container. Small changes, like refusing disposable items or bringing your own cutlery, […]
September 30, 2024 by HAL
Each star sign has an ocean creature that represents its traits. For example, Capricorn is linked to kelp for its organized nature, while Pisces connects with the humpback whale due to its artistic and empathic qualities. Other associations include the socially intelligent dolphin for Gemini and the resilient sea turtle for Sagittarius. Learning about these […]
September 26, 2024 by HAL
The Ocean Wise Pollution Tracker program investigates contaminants in British Columbia’s waters, including in Prince Rupert. The program involves collecting sediment and mussel samples from various sites every three years. Mussels help researchers understand the pollution levels as they filter water and accumulate contaminants. By analyzing these samples, the program aims to raise awareness about […]
September 24, 2024 by HAL
Lobster and snow crab fishing is vital for Canada’s East Coast economy, but it presents a serious conservation issue. The North Atlantic Right Whale is endangered, with fewer than 350 remaining, and fishing gear entanglement is one of its biggest threats. Innovative solutions, like on-demand fishing gear, aim to reduce these entanglements by using a […]
September 19, 2024 by HAL
Over July and August 2024, humpback whales dominated whale sightings, with 1,699 reports. Highlights included a humpback pec slapping 46 times near Savary Island and encounters with up to 40 humpbacks in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Citizen scientists’ sightings are crucial for monitoring and protecting at-risk whale species. The Whale Report Alert System […]
Teamwork in conservation is vital for studying and protecting whales. Recently, the Southern and Northern field teams united to assess humpback whales using drones. This collaboration led to documenting a rarely seen group of Bigg’s killer whales. The data collected will help ongoing research and increase our understanding of whale health. Such teamwork not only […]
September 3, 2024 by HAL
The Ocean Wise Mobile Education team recently completed a summer tour across Atlantic Canada, part of their Waves of Change Program. They visited Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick, engaging over 14,000 people through interactive experiences like the Ocean Wise Sea Dome. Their goal was to share ocean and climate education with […]
August 30, 2024 by HAL
Ocean Wise’s Shoreline Cleanup program utilizes citizen science to collect litter data, which plays a crucial role in driving environmental policy and research. The data gathered helps identify pollution trends and influences laws like Canada’s single-use plastics ban. This information has also been used in important studies, showing the high prevalence of plastic litter on […]
August 26, 2024 by HAL
Ocean Wise is expanding its Whale Report Alert System to help protect endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales in critical habitats. This system uses underwater microphones, or hydrophones, to detect whale calls and send real-time alerts to nearby commercial vessels. By raising awareness among mariners, the initiative aims to decrease the risk of ship strikes on […]
August 22, 2024 by HAL
Kelp forests are vital for ocean health, supporting diverse marine life while carbon sequestering. These ecosystems are suffering due to climate change and pollution, prompting restoration efforts like the Ocean Wise Kelp Nursery. In its first year, the project successfully grew kelp from spores and planted it in coastal waters, demonstrating promising results and learning […]
August 20, 2024 by HAL
Researchers from Ocean Wise have made a breakthrough in identifying the sex of killer whales using environmental DNA (eDNA) collected from seawater. This non-invasive method analyzes DNA shed by whales in the water, allowing for more efficient data collection compared to traditional methods, such as skin biopsies. The new approach could improve understanding of whale […]
Ocean Wise is studying winter whale populations in the Salish Sea to learn how these animals survive during colder months. They focus on endangered species like southern resident killer whales and use innovative techniques such as collecting environmental DNA to understand their health and habits. The research highlights the important role of prey like salmon […]
August 15, 2024 by HAL
Sighting reports from citizen scientists are essential for monitoring whales and sea turtles. In British Columbia, 12 of the 23 species of cetaceans are at risk due to vessel strikes and noise. The Ocean Wise Sightings Network (OWSN) helps protect these marine animals by collecting data and increasing awareness among boaters. Read the full article […]
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