Researchers baffled by sudden porpoise die-off

Leading marine biologists are at a loss to explain the sudden die-off of dozens of harbor porpoises along the US East Coast.

The animals were found washed up on beaches from North Carolina to New York in recent weeks, with many displaying signs of trauma, including bleeding and bruising.

In some cases, the porpoises' eyes and internal organs were also missing.

"This is definitely a puzzle," said Rachel Whitaker, a biologist at Cornell University's Atkinson Laboratory.

So far, the bodies of around 60 porpoises have been recovered, but marine experts believe that the true number of casualties may be much higher, as many sick or injured animals are likely to have died at sea.

While officials have not yet determined the cause of death, Whitaker said that possibilities range from parasites and viruses to boat collisions or climate change-related changes in ocean currents or food availability.

"We just don't know at this point," she said.

Harbor porpoises are one of six species of porpoise found in coastal waters around the world. They typically weigh around 75 pounds and measure about five feet in length.

Endangered vaquita porpoise spotted near San Diego

A group of scientists studying the endangered vaquita porpoise have spotted one of the animals swimming near San Diego. This is a promising sign, as there are only about 30 vaquitas remaining in the wild.

The vaquitas are found in the Gulf of California, and are threatened by illegal fishing and habitat destruction. Mexico has made efforts to protect the species, but they remain at risk of extinction.

This latest discovery gives hope that the vaquita population may be able to rebound. The scientists will continue to study these animals and work to protect their habitat.

Porpoises thriving in the Thames River

The porpoises living in the Thames River are thriving and adapting to their changing environment, according to a new study.

Porpoises were once rare in the Thames, but their numbers have increased in recent years. The study found that the porpoises are now using different parts of the river and estuary to feed and breed.

The researchers used aerial surveys and acoustic monitoring to track the movements of the porpoises. They found that the animals were feeding in areas near central London as well as in more rural areas near Windsor and Maidenhead.

"This is great news for these charismatic creatures, which have bounced back from dangerously low levels in the past," said Gill Westcott, a senior research associate at University College London (UCL) who led the study.

The porpoises are believed to be adapting to changes in the river such as increasing water pollution and decreased food availability. They are also using different habitats at different times of year, depending on their needs.

"Our findings suggest that Thames porpoises are highly resilient and capable of adapting to changing conditions – a finding which is encouraging given ongoing changes in the river environment," said Westcott.

Fishermen concerned about increasing porpoise population

The increasing population of harbor porpoises is a concern for local fishermen. These marine mammals are known to eat fish, and with their population on the rise, there could be less fish for fishermen to catch.

Rob Ward, a commercial fisherman in Bristol Bay, Alaska, has seen a noticeable increase in the number of porpoises around his boats in recent years. "They're following the boats, and they're getting closer and closer," Ward said. "It's almost like they're waiting for us to dump our nets so they can eat everything."

While harbor porpoises are not currently classified as a endangered species, their population is growing at an alarming rate. In some areas, they are now outnumbering common dolphins. This could end up having a significant impact on the fishing industry.

Porpoises are attracted to areas where there is lots of food, such as near fishing boats. When they feed on fish, it can create competition for fishermen and lead to fewer catches. It can also cause problems for fisheries by damaging nets and gear.

Fishermen are calling on the government to do more research on the impact of porpoises on their livelihoods. They would also like to see better management of these animals in order to protect the fishing industry.

Baby porpoise rescued from fishing net

A baby porpoise was rescued from a fishing net by volunteers in Peru. The animal was found tangled in the net and unable to move, but after a few minutes of work, the volunteers were able to free it.

The porpoise appeared to be healthy and was swimming away quickly after being freed. This is the second such rescue this month; earlier this month, volunteers in Morocco rescued a baby porpoise that was also trapped in a fishing net.

Porpoises are sometimes caught in fishing nets as they swim near the surface of the water. This can lead to injury or even death for the animals. Fortunately, there are many people around the world who are willing to help these creatures when they become trapped.

Thank you to all of the volunteers who work tirelessly to protect these animals!