Exploring the Discovery of a New Oceanic Orca Population with Josh McInnes
Release Date: 03/25/2024
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How To Protect The Ocean
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Fish feed in aquaculture, understanding what goes into feeding farmed fish
How To Protect The Ocean
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How To Protect The Ocean
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Seagrass Decline in Moreton Bay: What Long-Term Research Reveals About Ocean Change
How To Protect The Ocean
Seagrass meadows are among the most vital yet overlooked ecosystems on our planet. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin explores a new 19-year study from Moreton Bay, Australia, which shows that seagrass coverage and diversity are declining over time despite short-term recovery periods. This long-term research reveals that while short-term studies might show seagrass bouncing back after storms or floods, the bigger picture tells a story of gradual loss and ecological transformation. The episode also highlights why this decline matters: seagrass meadows are nurseries for...
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Animals Affected by Climate Change: How Seabirds Reveal the Hidden Impacts of Warming Oceans
How To Protect The Ocean
Animals affected by climate change are showing us how fragile our ecosystems have become. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin speaks with Dr. Helen Killeen, a marine ecologist whose research connects seabird reproduction to shifting ocean temperatures, prey diversity, and climate pressures across the northern hemisphere. Animals affected by climate change, from seabirds in the Arctic to those in the Pacific, serve as living indicators of ocean health. Helen explains how changes in prey diversity and warming oceans disrupt seabird breeding success, what this means for...
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Marine Conservation Projects: Why Recent Wins for Endangered Species Matter
How To Protect The Ocean
Marine Conservation Projects are driving real wins: green sea turtles downgraded to least concern in many regions, North Atlantic right whales showing a small but meaningful uptick, and a new vaquita calf sighting offering hope. In this episode I explain the common thread behind these stories, targeted local projects, science monitoring, and laws that actually get enforced, and I share practical ways you can support the people doing the work. From night patrols that protect turtle nests to whale disentanglement teams and community programs in Mexico that replace gillnets, you will hear how...
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Bill Gates & Climate Change: Why His Latest Comments Shocked the Climate Community
How To Protect The Ocean
Bill Gates and Climate Change have become a trending topic after the billionaire philanthropist argued that the world is too focused on cutting carbon emissions and not focused enough on improving human welfare. In this episode, I unpack what Gates said, why it caused such a reaction, and how his argument connects to decades of work in climate justice and climate equity. Many climate justice organizations have long emphasized that people struggling with hunger, illness, or poverty cannot prioritize environmental action until their basic needs are met. Gates’s claim—that people fighting to...
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Are These Whales Doing Better?
How To Protect The Ocean
North Atlantic right whales have been teetering on the edge of extinction for decades, with fewer than 400 individuals left. But recent reports hint at a small sign of hope: the population may finally be stabilizing, or even slightly increasing. In this episode, Andrew Lewin explores what that really means. Conservation efforts, from slower ship speeds to ropeless fishing gear, are starting to make a difference—but are they enough to ensure these whales survive? Andrew breaks down the latest science, the hard numbers from NOAA’s newest technical memo, and why every calf, especially every...
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Art and Ocean Science: How Creativity Reveals the Deep Sea’s Hidden Stories
How To Protect The Ocean
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Nova Scotia Whale Sanctuary Approval: What It Means for Captive Whales and Ocean Conservation
How To Protect The Ocean
Nova Scotia Whale Sanctuary has officially received provincial approval, marking a monumental step toward creating Canada’s first ocean refuge for retired whales. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin explains how this decision moves the Whale Sanctuary Project closer to reality, what challenges remain before the sanctuary opens, and why this could change the way the world cares for marine mammals. Andrew also dives into how the Whale Sanctuary Project built the foundation for this historic milestone through years of environmental assessment, scientific planning, and...
info_outlineAndrew Lewin interviews Josh McInnes from the University of British Columbia about his groundbreaking research on killer whales. They discuss Josh's work on transient orca populations and the discovery of a potential new orca population in oceanic waters. Learn about Josh's background, including his experience working on whale watching boats and delivering lectures on orcas. Dive into the reasons behind Josh pursuing a master's degree and explore the fascinating world of orca research and conservation.
Tune in for an insightful look at orcas and the exciting discoveries in marine science!
Connect with Josh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-mcinnes-69236197/
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Discovery of a Potential New Oceanic Population of Killer Whales
The podcast episode highlighted a significant observation regarding the potential discovery of a new oceanic population of killer whales. The observation dates back to 1997 when a large herd of female sperm whales was encountered 200 kilometers off the California coast. Renowned cytologist Bob Pittman observed these sperm whales being attacked by a group of 35 unknown killer whales, exhibiting cookie-cutter bite marks, indicating a unique and unidentified population.
This initial observation led to further research into these unknown killer whales. Subsequent fieldwork off the California and Oregon coasts revealed more interactions with these mysterious killer whales that did not align with the typical descriptions of resident or transient killer whale populations in the area. These findings have sparked the development of a potential new oceanic population of killer whales.
The significance of this discovery lies in shedding light on previously unknown or poorly understood killer whale populations. Understanding the presence and behavior of these new populations is crucial for conservation efforts and marine ecosystem management. By identifying and studying these unknown killer whales, researchers can gain insights into their ecological roles, interactions with other species, and potential threats they may face. This information is vital for developing targeted conservation strategies to protect these newly discovered populations and ensure the overall health of marine ecosystems.
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The designation of protective status for orcas in the state of Oregon, in addition to federal protection, is crucial for emphasizing the need for conservation efforts at both state and federal levels. State-level protection in Oregon signifies a proactive approach towards safeguarding the orca population within state waters, complementing existing federal protections. This dual protection ensures that orcas are safeguarded against various threats, including ship strikes, vessel noise, pollution, overfishing, and habitat degradation.
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The state-level protection in Oregon is particularly significant due to the state's unique role in providing essential habitat for orcas, such as the Columbia River Chinook salmon population, which is crucial for the Southern resident killer whales. By designating orcas as protected species within state waters, Oregon can enforce regulations and management strategies to mitigate threats and ensure the conservation of these iconic marine mammals.
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The collaboration between state and federal authorities in protecting orcas sets a precedent for effective conservation efforts that recognize the importance of addressing threats at multiple levels. By working together, state and federal agencies can coordinate conservation measures, share resources, and implement comprehensive strategies to protect orcas and their habitats. This integrated approach enhances the effectiveness of conservation initiatives and promotes the long-term sustainability of orca populations in Oregon and beyond.
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Overfishing: Josh mentions that overfishing is a significant threat to killer whales, especially for populations like the Southern Resident killer whales that rely heavily on Chinook salmon for their diet. Declining fish stocks due to overfishing can lead to food scarcity for killer whales, impacting their energetic and caloric intake. This highlights the importance of sustainable fishing practices and effective fisheries management to ensure an adequate food supply for killer whales.
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Vessel Noise: Another threat discussed during the interviewis vessel noise, which can disrupt the communication and hunting behaviors of killer whales. The increasing number of boats, including whale-watching vessels, can contribute to underwater noise pollution, affecting the ability of killer whales to navigate, communicate, and locate prey. Mitigation measures such as reducing vessel speed, implementing noise-reducing technologies, and establishing marine protected areas can help minimize the impact of vessel noise on killer whales.
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Pollution: Josh also mentions the presence of pollutants in killer whales, including new toxins from sources like wildfires. Pollution can accumulate in the blubber and bodies of killer whales, affecting their endocrine systems and overall health. Addressing pollution sources, implementing stricter regulations on chemical discharges, and promoting ecosystem health can help reduce the exposure of killer whales to harmful pollutants and ensure their well-being.
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Hatchery Salmon Quality: The quality of hatchery salmon is highlighted as a concern for killer whales, as hatchery fish may not provide the same nutritional value as wild salmon. If hatchery salmon outcompete wild salmon, killer whales may receive fewer nutrients from their primary food source, impacting their overall health and reproductive success. Ensuring the availability of high-quality wild salmon through habitat restoration, sustainable fisheries practices, and monitoring hatchery operations can support the dietary needs of killer whales.
In conclusion, the various threats faced by killer whales, including overfishing, vessel noise, pollution, and hatchery salmon quality, underscore the need for comprehensive conservation strategies. These strategies should focus on sustainable fisheries management, reducing anthropogenic disturbances, addressing pollution sources, and promoting the health of marine ecosystems to safeguard the well-being of killer whale populations.