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We quantified the stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) as well as the total mercury (Hg) concentration in muscle samples from 20 common minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) stranded along the coast of Hokkaido, Japan. We investigated the relationship between the quantified values and the body length (BL) of the whales to examine the BL at which ontogenetic changes, such as nursing and weaning, occur. The whales investigated consisted of 12 calves (BL ≤ 5 m), including newborns, and eight sexually mature whales (7.2 to 10.2 m BL). The δ15N values in the calves were in the range of 11.2 to 13.8‰ and were fitted to a quadratic function (F10 = 4.588, R² = 0.505, p = 0.0423). The δ15N-enriched peak was calculated to be 4.0 m BL, which may correspond with the onset of weaning. In contrast, the δ15N values of the mature whales showed no particular change regardless of growth (10.8 to 12.4‰). The δ13C values in the calves showed no particular pattern (-18.3 to -20.0‰), probably due to the large variation in the lipid concentration in milk, while those in the mature whales tended to decrease with growth (F6 = 3.400, R² = 0.362, p = 0.115). The Hg concentrations in the muscle samples were trace but increased linearly with an increase in BL (F18 = 87.68, R2 = 0.830, p < 0.0001). The δ15N and Hg levels of mature whales were lower than respective levels observed in odontocetes stranded along the coast of Hokkaido, suggesting that mature whales feed mainly on zooplankton and small fish containing low Hg concentrations at low trophic positions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on Bryde's whales also known as Balaenoptera edeni with details on their foraging region which lies near the Weizhou Island of China in the Beibu Gulf. Topics discussed include occurrence of Bryde's whale strandings along the coasts of China, conduction of vessel-based photo-identification surveys of the whales and details on their sightings.

Mass stranding events (MSEs) of beaked whales (BWs) were extremely rare prior to the 1960s but increased markedly after the development of naval mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS). The temporal and spatial associations between atypical BW MSEs and naval exercises were first observed in the Canary Islands, Spain, in the mid-1980s. Further research on BWs stranded in association with naval exercises demonstrated pathological findings consistent with decompression sickness (DCS). A 2004 ban on MFASs around the Canary Islands successfully prevented additional BW MSEs in the region, but atypical MSEs have continued in other places of the world, especially in the Mediterranean Sea, with examined individuals showing DCS. A workshop held in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, in September 2017 reviewed current knowledge on BW atypical MSEs associated with MFAS. Our review suggests that the effects of MFAS on BWs vary among individuals or populations, and predisposing factors may contribute to individual outcomes. Spatial management specific to BW habitat, such as the MFAS ban in the Canary Islands, has proven to be an effective mitigation tool and mitigation measures should be established in other areas taking into consideration known population-level information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The management of stranded whale carcasses is a logistical, environmental and economic challenge concerning a number of different stakeholders. In this paper, we review the current carcass disposal methods, stakeholders involved, and identify research needs and gaps. Examples of carcass disposals from all over the world are presented with Australia used as an example of current governance procedures and related challenges. Current management options include (1) leaving a carcass to decompose in situ , (2) beach burial, (3) oceanic tow, and (4) transport to waste management facility or rendering plant. Leaving a carcass to decompose in situ is the most cost effective and natural method, but raises issues of sight, smell, changes in sediment and groundwater chemistry, and shark attraction. Beach burials remove the sight and smell of a carcass and are relatively cost effective, but the extent to which carcass burial alters beach groundwater and attracts sharks to the surf due to leachate transported via submarine groundwater discharge is unknown. Oceanic tows are a simple disposal method, but carcasses can become boating hazards and may return ashore. Transporting carcasses to a waste management or rendering plant is costly, but effectively removes most social and environmental issues associated with a carcass stranding. The management of stranded carcasses involves a number of stakeholders with differing missions and priorities, from government agencies to conservation groups. Differences in priorities often cause tensions between groups increasing the complexity of carcass disposals. This review identifies key challenges and potential issues to guide decisions that are often made at a local scale. We recommend that clear legislation and organisational responsibilities are needed to prevent ambiguity when managing carcass disposal. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Whale carcass strandings on beaches are increasing as populations recover. • We review the benefits, issues, and uncertainties of carcass management methods. • Many stakeholders involved in whale carcass management create ambiguity. • Clear legislation and protocols around whale carcass management are needed. • Research on implications of whale carcass disposal is needed to inform managers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1815, the naturalist Constantine S. Rafinesque described a new species of cetacean, Balena gastrytis, from Sicily, based on a whale that stranded on Carini beach near Palermo. In comparing the characteristics of his new whale with known species, Rafinesque also took the opportunity to name a new genus, Cetoptera, to replace . Unfortunately, few of Rafinesque's contemporaries saw his article, which appeared in Il Portafoglio, a local journal that he published and distributed. The journal remains rare, and awareness of the whale remains minimal, despite its relevance to cetacean taxonomy and understanding of whale diversity and distribution in the Mediterranean. We describe the circumstances of the stranding of the Sicilian whale and provide Rafinesque's original description of the whale, as well as an evaluation of its reported characteristics and its current identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Each spring, most Bowhead Whales (Balaena mysticetus) of the Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort (BCB) population migrate to the Canadian Beaufort Sea and Amundsen Gulf for summer feeding. Occasionally, Inuvialuit hunters and others observe beachcast (stranded) or adrift Bowhead Whale carcasses. From 1987 to 2016, 26 such occurrences were recorded. Most (65%) were found by Inuvialuit hunters travelling on the land, with the majority (54%) reported during 2000-2006. Bowhead Whale carcasses were found widely distributed throughout the region, with twice as many in Amundsen Gulf (65%) compared with the southeastern Beaufort Sea (35%). It was possible to measure or estimate standard length for 17 of 26 specimens, and all were either provisional 'subadults' (7-9.5 m; n = 10; 59%) or provisional 'mature adults' (13-16 m; n = 7; 41%). The cause(s) of mortality was not determined for any of the specimens. Whales in the 'subadult' group were likely 1-4 years old, while the 'mature adult' group were likely mostly mature animals (~25 y), including some potentially very old (>100 y). There was evidence or direct observation of Polar Bears (Ursus maritimus) and/or Grizzly Bears (U. arctos) scavenging at 60% of the carcasses for which presence or absence of bears or bear sign (scats and/or tracks) was reported. It is important to continue to record incidental observations of beachcast Bowhead Whales, as this may enable stranding rates to be evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on topics related to beaked whales. Topics mentioned include the rostrum deformities of whales, its behavior, and the species diversity of whales. Topics mentioned include the health management of marine mammals, the stranded northern bottlenose whale, and the causes of deformities in whales including acquired malformations, predation, and competition.

The beaching and disposal of the carcase of a 25t humpback whale was observed in the Strand, South Africa, just before Christmas in 2015. Despite the impending holiday, municipal services needed to dispose of the carcase timeously to prevent a risk to public health. As the beaching of whales in Cape Town occurs not infrequently, a protocol does exist. The carcase was dragged off the rocks and up the beach by bulldozers. After the road was closed, it was loaded on to a low bed trailer parked near the sea wall. As the trailer proved to be too small, it was reloaded on to a larger, replacement trailer. The carcase was then driven to the municipal landfill site at Vissershok for disposal. Background information is provided about the migratory habits of the Humpback whales that brought this specimen to Cape waters in the first place. Whale hunting in False Bay before the international moratorium in 1982 is also described. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents a critique of the article "Captive killer whale (orcinus orca) survival" by Jett and Ventre. The critic declares inappropriate the inclusion of data of stranded animals without information on the nature of stranding nor the health of the animal postranding, the direct comparison between captive and wild animal survival, and the comparisons of age-specific population survivorship using visual estimation of Kaplan-Meier curves.

Meynecke, J-O. and Meager, J., 2016. Understanding strandings: 25 years of humpback whale strandings ( Megaptera novaeangliae) in Queensland, Australia In: Vila-Concejo, A.; Bruce, E.; Kennedy, D.M., and McCarroll, R.J. (eds.), Proceedings of the 14th International Coastal Symposium (Sydney, Australia). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 75, pp. 897-901. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. Cetacean strandings are well-known phenomena in all parts of the world. In most cases the underlying reasons are unknown. Incidents have been associated with factors including changes in magnetic fields, diseases, unusual weather events, vessel strikes, pollution and fishing. Quantitative analyses over large spatial and time scales can provide insights into stranding hotspots, trends and relationships with physical drivers. Here we collated and combined available information on humpback whale ( Megaptera novaeangliae) incidents that occurred in Queensland, on the east coast of Australia between 1989 and 2014. This study provides a first overview of incidents for humpback whales for the east coast of Australia over a 25 year period. Incidents included reports of carcasses, vessel strikes, injured animals found stranded, entrapped in shallow water, entangled or floating offshore. The location, timing, age class and types of over 200 incidents were analysed for trends and compared with oceanic and physical processes. The majority of incidents involving calves or juvenile humpback whales occurred during the austral winter (peak in August). The rate of strandings was associated with the position of the East Australian Current, and lagged Southern Oscillation Index (SOI). Our study demonstrates the importance of long-term strandings records to allow for the investigation of trends over spatial and temporal scales relevant to migratory species. A comprehensive strandings program is an important conservation and monitoring tool to better understand long-term trends and to quantify key threats to cetaceans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minke whale, Balaenoptera acutorostrata Lacépède, 1804, is known as a visitor species in the Mediterranean Sea. On 10 April 2015, a female minke whale stranded in Yumurtalık on the eastern Mediterranean coast of Turkey. The body length and body weight were measured as 3.55 m and 400 kg, respectively. The carcass was necropsied, however the reason of the stranding was not evident due the advanced stage of decomposition. This is the second case of minke whale stranding in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data on 27 mesoplodont whales are compiled from the original nineteenth century published records from Britain, Ireland, Europe and the United States. These data comprise the type specimen of Sowerby's beaked whale (Mesoplodon bidens) and 26 other records, all referred to the taxon M. bidens. Records may include the following information: specimen total length, sex, date of discovery and the locality, pigmentation pattern, external morphology, osteology and soft-tissue anatomy. This information is summarized here from the original descriptions. Only a handful of these specimens was externally complete when described at first hand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On 16 June 1979, a herd of 41 sperm whales stranded near the mouth of the Siuslaw River in Florence, Oregon. The stomach contents from 32 whales were collected, identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible, enumerated, and measured. A total of 20,247 cephalopod lower beaks that represented 24 species from 14 different families were recovered. The most numerous species were Histioteuthis hoylei (25.9%), Taonius borealis (12.9%), Galiteuthis phyllura (11.2%), Gonatopsis/ Berryteuthis type (10.9%), and Moroteuthis robusta (10.7%). Reconstructed estimates of mass indicated that M. robusta contributed almost 50% of the total mass of cephalopods consumed, followed by H. hoylei (19.3%), and T. borealis (7.0%). The most important species in the diet of stranded whales were M. robusta, H. hoylei, T. borealis, G. phyllura, Octopoteuthis deletron, and Gonatopsis/Berryteuthis type. There were significant differences in the diet of males and females, but no differences between sperm whales of different age groups. Overall, sperm whales primarily consumed small cephalopods that were likely eaten south of 45ºN in or near the California Current System. This study provides new estimates of the food habits of sperm whales in the northeast Pacific from one of the largest strandings of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sites of larger live mass strandings (10 to 250 individuals) for five selected odontocete (toothed whale) species around Australia are examined to see if they have any characteristics or properties which might be related to the strandings. Bays are the significant coastal unit in the 66 events reported over a 100 year period; only three events were not within bays but on open sandy coastlines. Species, species adult size and bay size do not appear to be factors in these larger stranding events. The reason for the association of bays with larger mass strandings is not obvious. Many of the bays have simple planform and uncomplicated bathymetry. However, they share some properties previously associated with strandings that are a consequence of the processes of bay formation. Coastal locations other than particular types of bays do not necessarily have all of these properties, potentially explaining why these bays dominate the Australian mass stranding record. A chain of geomorphological, physical, and biological factors can be constructed to explain the role of the bays in mass strandings. Regardless of this possible explanation, there is an observed correlation of particular site properties with larger live mass strandings about Australia which might be expected to have predictive power in indicating potential mass stranding sites. This is particularly apparent when key properties of stranding sites are defined and compared in terms of simple quantitative thresholds. The sites of herd strandings around New Zealand generally exhibit the expected properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent cetacean mass strandings in close temporal and spatial association with sonar activity has raised the concern that anthropogenic sound may harm breath-hold diving marine mammals. Necropsy results of the stranded whales have shown evidence of bubbles in the tissues, similar to those in human divers suffering from decompression sickness (DCS). It has been proposed that changes in behavior or physiological responses during diving could increase tissue and blood N2 levels, thereby increasing DCS risk. Dive data recorded from sperm, killer, long-finned pilot, Blainville's beaked and Cuvier's beaked whales before and during exposure to low- (1-2 kHz) and mid- (2-7 kHz) frequency active sonar were used to estimate the changes in blood and tissue N2 tension (PN2). Our objectives were to determine if differences in (1) dive behavior or (2) physiological responses to sonar are plausible risk factors for bubble formation. The theoretical estimates indicate that all species may experience high N2 levels. However, unexpectedly, deep diving generally result in higher end-dive PN2 as compared with shallow diving. In this focused review we focus on three possible explanations: (1) We revisit an old hypothesis that CO2, because of its much higher diffusivity, forms bubble precursors that continue to grow in N2 supersaturated tissues. Such a mechanism would be less dependent on the alveolar collapse depth but affected by elevated levels of CO2 following a burst of activity during sonar exposure. (2) During deep dives, a greater duration of time might be spent at depths where gas exchange continues as compared with shallow dives. The resulting elevated levels of N2 in deep diving whales might also make them more susceptible to anthropogenic disturbances. (3) Extended duration of dives even at depths beyond where the alveoli collapse could result in slow continuous accumulation of N2 in the adipose tissues that eventually becomes a liability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the species identity and local use of cetaceans on the Gilbert Islands, Republic of Kiribati. Working with the Kiribati Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agricultural Development and Fisheries Division, we visited the islands of Tarawa, Tabiteuea ( North), Butaritari and Onotoa from June to July 2009, and collected 24 bones, bone fragments or teeth attributed to recent strandings. The mitochondrial DNA control region or cytochrome b was successfully amplified from 12 bones or bone fragments and used to identify four species: Mesoplodon sp. representing a new species or subspecies of beaked whale, the dense-beaked whale Mesoplodon densirostris, Cuvier's beaked whale Ziphius cavirostris and the pygmy sperm whale Kogia breviceps. This is the first confirmed identification of the dense-beaked, Cuvier's and pygmy sperm whales from the Gilbert Islands. All specimens were reportedly used for human consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

James Sowerby's life in London, his zoological works, and his natural history collections are briefly reviewed. The location and date of the stranding and subsequent description of the type specimen of Mesoplodon bidens is discussed. This and other information pertaining to the two original publications by Sowerby is reviewed and the history of the type cranium and mandible is described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Killer whales ( Orcinus orca) are widely distributed throughout the world's oceans, yet little has been documented about their stranding patterns. Knowledge of stranding patterns improves our ability to examine and sample carcasses and provides a foundation for understanding killer whale natural history, diet, reproduction, anthropogenic stressors, emerging diseases, and patterns of unusual mortality. We compiled published and unpublished killer whale stranding data to describe stranding patterns in the North Pacific Ocean. Between 1925 and 2011, 371 stranded killer whales were reported in Japan (20.4%), Russia (3.5%), Alaska (32.0%), British Columbia (27.4%), Washington (4.0%), Oregon (2.7%), California (5.1%), Mexico (3.8%), and Hawaii (0.8%). Strandings occurred at all times of year, but regionally specific seasonal differences were observed. Mortality and annual census data from Northern and Southern Resident populations were extrapolated to estimate that across the North Pacific, an average of 48 killer whales die annually. However, over the last two decades, an average of only 10 killer whale carcasses were recovered annually in this ocean, making each event a rare opportunity for study. Publication of a standardized killer whale necropsy protocol and dedicated funding facilitated the number of complete postmortem necropsies performed on stranded killer whales from 1.6% to 32.2% annually. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the presence of the Longman's beaked whale, Indopacetus pacifus, in Maui, Hawaii based on a stranding and necropsy findings. It emphasizes that the presence of such whale is confirmed through genetic testing of the specimen. It mentions the detection of morbillivirus infection in the species. It also notes the role of encephalitis in the stranding if there is a neurological dysfunction in the whale.

Since 28 May 2001, Whale shark Rhincodon typus Smith, 1828 have received the highest protected status for an animal in India through the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 Schedule-1. However, landings have still been recorded off the Indian coast since 2001, mostly as incidental bycatch in commercial fishing operations, and other sightings have also been reported. In the 1990's, a targeted whale shark fishery existed off the Gujarat coast following increased demand for the flesh in some other Asian countries. Since the ban, landings of whale sharks have decreased substantially with only 79 recorded between 2001 and 2011. Landings were recorded in each year and in each month of the year with the highest landings in January and February. Between 2001 and 2011, the smallest specimen reported from Indian waters was a 94 cm TL individual and the largest was a 13.7 m TL individual, with most individuals recorded in the 4-6 m TL size class. Small juveniles of less than 3 m TL are rarely recorded in the literature and appear to be rarely observed globally. Between 2006 and 2011, seven juveniles of less than 3 m TL were recorded from two landing sites. Despite the continued landing of whale sharks along the Indian coasts since 2001, the protection of this species appears to have substantially reduced the catches with only incidental landings and strandings now evident. The protection status of whale sharks in India is generally well understood by fishers, but still there is need for further education regarding the current national legislation and vulnerability of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mass strandings of whales and dolphins have puzzled biologists since Aristode. Aldiough environmental factors are often assumed to initiate strandings, social forces must also influence the dynamics of many of these events, particularly for the primary species involved in mass strandings, the long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas). Here, we test two hypotheses derived from common assumptions about die social dynamics of long-finned pilot whales by identifying maternal lineages from mtDNA haplotypes and inferring kinship from microsatellite genotypes of 490 individuals from 12 stranding events. Contrary to the "extended matriline" hypothesis, we found that muitiple maternal lineages were present in at least 9 of the 12 mass strandings. Contrary to the "kinship cohesion" hypothesis, we found no correlation between spatial distribution and kinship along the stranding beach. Most notably, we documented the spatial disruption of the expected proximity between mothers and their dependent calves. These results challenge the common assumption that kinship-based behavior, such as care-giving, are a primary factor in these mass strandings. We suggest instead that disruption of kinship bonds could result from interactions among unrelated social groups during feeding or mating aggregations, perhaps playing a causal role in these events. Our finding that dependent calves were often spatially separated or absent from their mothers has important implications for humane management of rescue efforts. To improve our understanding of the social causes and consequences of mass strandings, future documentation of strandings should include exhaustive DNA sampling, with accompanying spatial and temporal records. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) are among the most common cetaceans to engage in mass strandings in the southeastern United States. Because these are primarily pelagic, continental shelf-edge animals, much of what is known about this species has derived from mass stranding events. Post-release monitoring via satellite-linked telemetry was conducted with two adult males determined on-site to be healthy, and released directly from a mass stranding of 23 pilot whales in May 2011, near Cudjoe Key, Florida. Tracking provided an opportunity to evaluate the decision for immediate release vs rehabilitation, and to learn more about the lives of members of this difficult-to-study species in the wild. The two pilot whales remained together for at least 16 d before transmissions from one pilot whale (Y-404) ceased. Dive patterns and travel rates suggested that Y-404's condition deteriorated prior to signal loss. Pilot Whale Y-400 was tracked for another 51 d, moving from the Blake Plateau to the Greater Antilles, remaining in the Windward Passage east of Cuba for the last 17 d of tracking. Once he reached the Antilles, Y-400 remained in high-relief habitat appropriate for the species and made dives within or exceeding the reported range for depth and duration for this species, following expected diel patterns, presumably reflecting continued good health. Telemetry data indicate that he made at least one dive to 1,000 to 1,500 m, and several dives lasted more than 40 min. Although the fates of the two released pilot whales may have been different, the concept of evaluating health and releasing individuals determined to be healthy at the time of stranding appears to have merit as an alternative to bringing all members of mass-stranded pilot whale groups into rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on pilot whale Globicephala macrorhynchus (G. macrorhynchus) which displays mass stranding. It states that these whales migrate seasonally inshore and offshore in response to the dispersal of their prey. It mentions that mass stranding of G. macrorhynchus was first reported in salt lakes near Kolkata, India in 1852 followed by the second mass stranding of this species in Manapad coast, Gulf of Mannar on 14 January 1973 in which 147 pilot whales died.

The article presents a study which investigates the increased behavior of beaked whales (BW) in Aleutian Islands, Alaska due to several mass strandings that have been linked to military sonar exercises. It mentions that the study deployed a high-frequency acoustic recording package to BW. It notes that due to inaccessible and remote location of sea during much of the year, longterm autonomous acoustic monitoring may guide to further understanding of the ecology and behavior of beaked whales.

This essay examines the cometary theory of Johannes Kepler and his claim that an "ethereal spirit" could lead a comet to appear at a providential place and time. In his account of the comet of 1607, Kepler suggested that a spirit served as a navigational principle that steered the comet on a particular course. I argue that this principle was an extension of Kepler's celestial physics and part of his larger conception of causes at work in the heavens. I also explore the critical response Kepler received from the theo-logical faculty at the University of Leipzig, where he planned to publish his account. I explain why Kepler turned to natural philosophy to resolve the opposition of his religious authorities and how this was received as a foreign incursion on Sacred Scrip-ture. In my final analysis, I discuss whether Kepler ultimately abandoned spiritual principles in his cometary theory and arrived at a system of celestial physics that was fully free of animistic ideas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the guest editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics including the mass strandings of cetaceans in Thailand, the threats to cetaceans in Sri Lankan island, and cetacean sightings and strandings in Maldives.

From January to May 2008, the first historical strandings of Peponocephala electra Gray (Melon-headed Whale) and Lagenorhynchus acutus Gray (Atlantic White-sided Dolphin) were recorded in South Carolina. A mass stranding of three Melon-headed Whales (2 males, 1 female) was recorded on 11 January 2008 along the Horry County coast in the cities of Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach. Three additional Melon-headed Whales (1 male, 1 female, and 1 unknown sex) stranded as single individuals over the next two months at locations along the South Carolina coast. Lengths of the animals ranged from 161 to 250 cm, and the ages ranged from 1 to 24 years. On 4 May 2008, a single 263- cm, 17-year-old, male Atlantic White-sided Dolphin stranded in Horry County. The most striking commonalities observed during the Melon-headed Whale and Atlantic White-sided Dolphin necropsies were severe pulmonary distress and reactive lymphadenopathy. The strandings reported herein are the first records of Melon-headed Whales and Atlantic White-sided Dolphins in South Carolina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beaked whales have mass stranded during some naval sonar exercises, but the cause is unknown. They are difficult to sight but can reliably be detected by listening for echolocation clicks produced during deep foraging dives. Listening for these clicks, we documented Blainville's beaked whales, Mesoplodon densirostris, in a naval underwater range where sonars are in regular use near Andros Island, Bahamas. An array of bottom- mounted hydrophones can detect beaked whales when they click anywhere within the range. We used two complementary methods to investigate behavioral responses of beaked whales to sonar: an opportunistic approach that monitored whale responses to multi-day naval exercises involving tactical mid-frequency sonars, and an experimental approach using playbacks of simulated sonar and control sounds to whales tagged with a device that records sound, movement, and orientation. Here we show that in both exposure conditions beaked whales stopped echolocating during deep foraging dives and moved away. During actual sonar exercises, beaked whales were primarily detected near the periphery of the range, on average 16 km away from the sonar transmissions. Once the exercise stopped, beaked whales gradually filled in the center of the range over 2-3 days. A satellite tagged whale moved outside the range during an exercise, returning over 2-3 days post-exercise. The experimental approach used tags to measure acoustic exposure and behavioral reactions of beaked whales to one controlled exposure each of simulated military sonar, killer whale calls, and band-limited noise. The beaked whales reacted to these three sound playbacks at sound pressure levels below 142 dB re 1 μPa by stopping echolocation followed by unusually long and slow ascents from their foraging dives. The combined results indicate similar disruption of foraging behavior and avoidance by beaked whales in the two different contexts, at exposures well below those used by regulators to define disturbance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers a response to historian Michael Connor's criticism of the historiography behind an alleged Aboriginal massacre at a site known as the "Convincing Ground," in Portland, Victoria. The author attempts to refute various criticisms made by Connor on topics involving the origins of the name of site of the massacre, paying special attention to a dispute between whalers and Aboriginal Australians involving a beached whale in Portland. Connor's concerns over the estimated death toll of the massacre and its date of occurrence are addressed.

Unusually high concentrations of the neurotoxin domoic acid (DA) were detected in a minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) carcass recovered during a severe harmful algal bloom (HAB), which occurred in southern California in April 2007. Cell fragments of the toxigenic diatom Pseudo-nitzschia australis were observed in whale gastric fluid and feces, corresponding to a dominance of Pseudo-nitzschia spp. in the phytoplankton community at the time of stranding. A high abundance of otoliths from a prominent DA vector, the northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax), were recovered in whale stomach contents, indicating trophic transfer of DA via the food web. Whale feces contained 258 μg DA per gram sample, exceeding DA concentrations reported for any marine mammal. DA intoxication was identified as the cause of mortality of this animal, expanding on the limited understanding of the impacts of DA-producing HABs on large whales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The causes of dolphin and whale stranding can often be difficult to determine. Because toothed whales rely on echolocation for orientation and feeding, hearing deficits could lead to stranding. We report on the results of auditory evoked potential measurements from eight species of odontocete cetaceans that were found stranded or severely entangled in fishing gear during the period 2004 through 2009. Approximately 57% of the bottlenose dolphins and 36% of the rough-toothed dolphins had significant hearing deficits with a reduction in sensitivity equivalent to severe (70-90 dB) or profound (>90 dB) hearing loss in humans. The only stranded short-finned pilot whale examined had profound hearing loss. No impairments were detected in seven Risso's dolphins from three different stranding events, two pygmy killer whales, one Atlantic spotted dolphin, one spinner dolphin, or a juvenile Gervais' beaked whale. Hearing impairment could play a significant role in some cetacean stranding events, and the hearing of all cetaceans in rehabilitation should be tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-finned pilot whales are highly social odontocetes found in temperate and subpolar regions. This species is particularly known for its interaction with fisheries as well as its mass strandings. Recent tagging work has provided some information about pilot whales in the wild but, even though they have been successfully kept in captivity, little is known about their sensory capabilities. This study investigates the hearing abilities of a rehabilitated 2 year old male long-finned pilot whale. A complete audiogram was collected using auditory evoked potential techniques that included measurements of nine frequencies from 4 to 100kHz presented as sinusoidally amplitude-modulated tones. The results indicated that the region of best hearing was between 11.2 and 50 kHz and the subject had relatively poor high frequency hearing compared with other odontocete species. This study emphasizes the importance of collecting basic hearing measurements from new species, understanding diagnostic life histories as well as continuously increasing the sample size of audiometry measurements within and between odontocete species as animals become available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a research study on cetacean strandings from 1851 to 2009 in the San Diego County, California comprising 717 strandings of mysticete and odontocete species. Percentages of commonly stranded dolphins include the short-beaked dolphins and long-beaked dolphins at 43.2%, gray whales at 11.0% and Pacific white-sided dolphins at 7.0% mostly observed in Coronado/Imperial Beach and Jolla Beach areas. Observed were extralimital strandings of harbour porpoises seen to be associated with oceanographic condition changes. Results indicated biomodal strandings trend with the average stranding rate at 15.% from 1972 to 2008 during the months of March through August and seasonality strandings for short-and long-beaked dolphins peaking from March to July.

The article presents a study which assesses the public reactions and behavioural shifts to mass stranding and mortality events involving cetacean in Italy. It examines the responses of 118 individuals regarding the seven sperm whales Physeter macrocephalus mass stranding at the Adriatic Sea coast in Italy. It states that the responses the change in the public perception of whales which revolve across the emergence of sadness, a sense of loss and compassion.

1. The cetacean fauna of the west coast of Africa is poorly described. Therefore, literature on the occurrence of cetacean species in the waters of 13 potential West African range states from the Gulf of Guinea to Angola was reviewed, including sighting, stranding, capture, bycatch and whaling records. 2. At least 28 species of cetacean were documented in the study region, comprising seven baleen whale species and 21 species of toothed whale (including at least 17 delphinid species). 3. Cetaceans could be broadly split into seven ecological categories, based on their distribution. A warm temperate/tropical deep-water cetacean community dominated the study area. Cooler water from the Benguela Current influenced southern Angola (≤16°S latitude) and at least three cetacean species occurred predominantly in this region. 4. Only three or fewer species were confirmed in the waters of Togo, Nigeria, Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Seventeen or more species were documented in Ghana, Gabon and Angola, where dedicated cetacean research projects have been initiated in recent years. Angola had the most diverse documented cetacean community: 28 confirmed species. 5. The humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae was the most widely recorded species, and was documented in 11 (85%) countries. Sperm whales Physeter macrocephalus, Bryde's whales Balaenoptera cf. brydei, bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus and Atlantic spotted dolphins Stenella frontalis were recorded in over half of the countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) are distributed worldwide, and although severely depleted by commercial whaling, their abundance off the California coast now appears to be increasing. Little is known about natural causes of mortality of blue whales, but human-related mortality continues despite legal protection. Ship strikes are a significant mortality factor for other species of baleen whale, and changes in shipping traffic have been advocated to minimize further deaths. Between 1988 and 2007, 21 blue whale deaths were reported along the California coast, typically one or two cases annually. Three pulses in strandings were observed, with three carcasses observed in fall 1988, three in 2002, and four in fall 2007. Two of the four animals in 2007 were first observed dead in the Santa Barbara Channel and had wounds typical of a ship strike. Blue whale strandings were spatially associated with locations of shipping lanes, especially those associated with the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and were most common in the fall months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study's objective was to investigate mandibular fractures in 50 short-finned pilot whales, Globicephala macrorhynchus, from two mass strandings. Based on current theories that this species is sexually dimorphic and polygynous, hypotheses were: (1) males should suffer more frequent or more substantial mandibular fractures than should females, and (2) fracture occurrence should increase with male reproductive maturity and potential correlates of maturity, such as age and length. Fractures were described and correlated with physical characteristics to infer possible explanations for injuries. Mandibular fractures were surprisingly common in males and females, being found in more than half of the animals examined (27/50, or 54% overall; 17/36 or 47% of females and 10/14 or 71% of males). Length was the only correlate of fracture presence; the proportion of animals showing evidence of fracture increased with length. These results offer some support to initial hypotheses, but there must be another set of consequences that contribute to mandibular fractures in females. A combination of intra- and interspecific interactions and life history characteristics may be responsible for fractures. Further research from a larger sample of this and other cetacean species are suggested to help elucidate both the causes and implications of mandibular fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mass strandings of beaked whales (family Ziphiidae) have been reported in the scientific literature since 1874. Several recent mass strandings of beaked whales have been reported to coincide with naval active sonar exercises. To obtain the broadest assessment of surface ship naval active sonar operations coinciding with beaked whale mass strandings, a list of global naval training and antisubmarine warfare exercises was compiled from openly available sources and compared by location and time with historic stranding records. This list includes activities of navies of other nations but emphasizes recent U.S. activities because of what is available in publicly accessible sources. Of 136 beaked whale mass stranding events reported from 1874 to 2004, 126 occurred between 1950 and 2004, after the introduction and implementation of modern, high-power mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS). Of these 126 reports, only two reported details on the use, timing, and location of sonar in relation to mass strandings. Ten other mass strandings coincided in space and time with naval exercises that may have included MFAS. An additional 27 mass stranding events occurred near a naval base or ship but with no direct evidence of sonar use. The remaining 87 mass strandings have no evidence for a link with any naval activity. Six of these 87 cases have evidence for a cause unrelated to active sonar. The large number of global naval activities annually with potential MFAS usage in comparison to the relative rarity of mass stranding events suggests that most MFAS operations take place with no reported stranding events and that for an MFAS operation to cause a mass stranding of beaked whales, a confluence of several risk factors is probably required. Identification of these risk factors will help in the development of measures to reduce the risk of sonar-related strandings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

`There have been several incidents when Navy sonar operations at sea coincided in time and location with the mass stranding of marine mammals, particularly beaked whales. Filadelfo et al. (this issue) compiled historical data on large-scale naval exercises and found significant correlations with whale mass strandings in some locations but not in others. In the present study, we compile information on Navy operations off southern California and single strandings of several cetacean species to see if there is a correlation between strandings and Navy exercises in this area. We use information on the state of decomposition of the stranded animals to treat the actual time of stranding as a random variable, and we simulate the correlation between Navy activity and strandings with a Monte Carlo model. For gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus), the 95% confidence interval (CI) for the ratio of odds of a stranding occurring as a result of Navy exercises to the odds of a stranding occurring naturally was (0.879, 1.582), consistent with the null hypothesis of no difference in stranding rates between times of Navy exercises and other times. For other species, the 95% CI for the odds ratio was (0.716, 1.394), which is, again, consistent with the null hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the diet and diet composition of pygmy sperm whales stranded in Hawaiian waters. According to the study, the contribution of deep-water fish to the Hawaiian pygmy sperm whale was the same to that of South African whales. It states that the significant diet component of pygmy sperm whales were crustaceans. It presents cephalopods as the primary prey of the whale species.

Strandings and sightings of sperm whales ( Physeter macrocephalus) in Swedish waters are rare. Only two strandings are recorded from the eighteenth century. The oldest of 1718 is not widely known, whilst hitherto the more recent one of 1749 was little known to zoologists. Details are provided of the two strandings, and of two ink-and-wash drawings of the 1749 stranding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variations in the distribution and radiocarbon ages of postglacial bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) remains throughout the Canadian Arctic Archipelago indicate that the range of this whale expanded and contracted several times during the Holocene. Since the annual bowhead migration reflects the preference of this species for an ice-edge habitat, fossil bowheads have been used to infer that significant variations in summer sea-ice extent occurred throughout the archipelago during the last 10.5 thousand years. Previous studies have demonstrated that climatic amelioration, concomitant with enhanced meltwater flux from the retreating Laurentide Ice Sheet, cleared sea ice from the inter-island channels of the central archipelago, enabling early Holocene bowhead whales to extend beyond the range of contemporary populations. A 10.4 ka BP bowhead whale skull was discovered on Ellef Ringnes Island in the northern Canadian Arctic Archipelago, 700 km north of its previously reported early Holocene range. Consequently, sea ice along the polar margin of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago is inferred to have been less extensive than previously recognized. Both biological evidence and glaciological evidence suggest that this reduction in sea-ice extent was the result of climate forcing, amplified by meltwater-driven outflows from the rapidly retreating marine-based sector of the Innuitian Ice Sheet. Following a reduction of these outflows at ∼9 ka BP, sea-ice conditions worsened, despite ongoing climatic amelioration, preventing additional bowhead whale incursions until ∼4 ka BP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To find ultra-quiet modern submarines, the Navy uses high-powered active sonar. However, active sonar is also linked to marine mammal strandings and other types of harms to whales, dolphins, fish, and sea turtles. This connection has led to over a decade of challenges against the Navy's active sonar training exercises in the Pacific, culminating in the U.S. Supreme Court's November 2008 decision in Winter v. Natural Resources Defense Council. This Article suggests that the Supreme Court's failure to reach the merits of the case--the actual legality of the Navy's training exercises off the southern California coast--is the most troubling part of the Court's somewhat cabined analysis of the lower courts' preliminary injunctions. Specifically, this Article argues that the Navy sonar litigation represents a progressive elimination both of flexibility in the applicable environmental requirements and effective oversight of military actions that could ensure that neither national security nor environmental goals are unnecessarily sacrificed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]