Southern Oceans

This region represents one of the areas likely to face the most acute effects of climate change. In addition cetaceans are still hunted by scientific whaling fleets. The international fishing industry is known to be expanding their krill harvest for aquaculture feed and science, further depleting this critical food source. Noise pollution, chemical pollution and marine debris are also issues to manage in the southern ocean.

WDCS research and conservation in the region focuses on distribution and abundance research, using Southern Ocean tourist vessels as platforms of opportunity for long and short term population monitoring of minke, fin, humpback and other cetacean populations.

Stop Bloody Whaling A new threat to the world-wide ban on commercial whaling is looming. For years, Japan, Norway and Iceland have tried to overturn the moratorium on commercial whaling that was imposed by the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in 1986. 2008-February-20

Creating Sanctuary The importance of protecting the habitats critical to the survival of whales and dolphins is at the core of WDCS’s mission and our work around the world. 2008-February-20