The ocean is home to thousands of mysterious, beautiful and magical creatures; many of which we will never have the chance to see for ourselves. Luckily, deep sea explorers have been able to capture stunning images of creatures so rare and unusual looking that you would think that they were dreamt up by an artist. Check out this truly incredible series on Ted Talk: Ocean Wonders and discover a world of magic in the deep, dark sea. Read more →
This year’s Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species was a successful one for several shark species and shark conservationists. The convention, which brings almost 200 nations together biannually, ruled five species of shark endangered. Three species of Hammerhead, the Oceanic Whitetip and Manta Rays now require permits to be exported, which is a step in the right direction. Read more →
Australian Scientists have successfully attached tracking devices to two Blue Whales in the antarctic. The exciting developments are the fruition of The Southern Ocean trip of The Antarctic Blue Whale Project. The Scientists were able to locate the whales by following their songs with state-of-the-art acoustic technology. Read more →
Biologists have recently discovered the merits of using high tec, mini flying “hexacopters” to track whales. The hexacopter, which boasts six quiet engines and a GPS, has incredible maneuverability and is able to collect a vast amount of detailed data. Read more →
Twenty pilot whales beached themselves in Cape Town, South Africa yesterday. Authorities and volunteers worked around the clock to help the whales. However, despite their best efforts, only six of the whales survived. Read more →
Multi-media artist, Byrant Austin, had the courage to do what most people only dream of doing. He quit his job in pursuit of his passion- whales. Byrant sold everything he owned and set sail on the seas, equipped with camera and an intent to photograph whales as they had never been photographed before. His risk has paid off, as he looks forward to another solo exhibition, this time at the Museum of Monterey, California. Read more →
One of the most mysterious of all whale species is the Beaked Whale. The unusual beauty is one of the most extreme divers of the whale family, which has contributed to the lack of knowledge on its behaviours. Furthermore, the Beaked Whale is thought to have a low population, adding to both its mysterious and the frustations in researching such an elusive creature. Read more →
New Research reveals that genetics or family ‘care giving’ theories do not play a part in why whales beach themselves.
A recent study, led by Marc Oremus of Auckland University in New Zealand, examined the DNA of almost 500 beached whales. The genetic data revealed that the ‘care-giving model of beaching,’ where whales are thought to follow a sick or distressed member of the pod in to shore, is no longer valid. Read more →
Can you believe that millions of years ago whales used to have four legs and walked on land? According to paleontologists, gentle giants used to be semiaquatic. Fossil evidence has revealed the preliminary stages in the evolution of the whale, as it transformed from a land-dwelling creature to today’s king of the ocean. Read more →
Last week Wellington was treated to an incredible visit from a pod of Orca Whales. The stunning pod of seven came into the harbour to hunt stingray last Monday. Evidently the Killer Whales enjoyed it so much that they returned on Tuesday, much to the delight of Wellingtonians walking by the harbour.
The lively pod seemed to be on a tour of the bay, making appearances at Frank Kitts Park, Oriental Bay and finally Evans Bay. Incredible images were captured by both photographers and video-makers who were in the right place at the right time. Read more →
Major Supporters
