In a recent article and short film produced by the Associated Press, Dr. Joe Pallin and Dr. Ari Friedlaender from UC Santa Cruz have provided their valuable insights on the critical issue of large-scale krill fishing in the Antarctic.
The article, titled “Factory fishing in Antarctica for krill targets the cornerstone of a fragile ecosystem.” and the accompanying film delve into the potential environmental repercussions of extensive krill harvesting in the Southern Ocean. Dr. Pallin and Dr. Friedlaender, known for their pioneering research on marine ecosystems, discuss how this practice could disrupt the delicate balance of the Antarctic ecosystem and threaten the survival of numerous wildlife species dependent on krill as a primary food source.
In the feature, Dr. Pallin explains, “Krill are the foundation of the Antarctic food web. Overfishing them could have cascading effects on the entire ecosystem, from the smallest microorganisms to the largest marine mammals.” His concern is echoed by Dr. Friedlaender, who adds, “We must consider the long-term impacts of our actions on the environment. Sustainable practices are essential to preserving these fragile ecosystems for future generations.”
The article and film highlight the need for stricter regulations and more comprehensive research to understand the full impact of krill fishing. They also emphasize the role of international cooperation in ensuring the sustainability of Antarctic marine resources.
Drs. Pallin and Friedlaender’s contributions to the discussion underscore their commitment to environmental conservation and their ongoing efforts to inform and influence policy through scientific research. Their work continues to play a vital role in raising awareness about the challenges facing our planet’s most vulnerable ecosystems.
The full article can be read and the short film is available for viewing.
On June 5, 2023, Science Focus published an article titled “How the Latest Tech is Shaping the Future of Whale Conservation,” featuring the groundbreaking work of Dr. Ari Friedlaender and his research team from the University of California, Santa Cruz. The article, authored by freelance journalist James Fair, elaborates on how the team utilizes advanced technology, including drones, suction-cup tags, and biopsy equipment, to gather crucial data on whale behavior in the Antarctic.
In the article, James Fair describes how the team employs drones to capture stunning aerial footage of whales, revealing intricate behaviors such as bubble-net feeding that are not easily observable from the water’s surface. These drones provide a unique perspective, allowing researchers to understand the precise movements and techniques whales use to corral and consume krill, their primary food source in Antarctica.
Dr. Friedlaender and his team also use suction-cup tags equipped with accelerometers and video cameras to track the whales’ movements and feeding habits over extended periods. These tags record data on the whales’ diving patterns, feeding lunges, and the environmental conditions they encounter, offering a comprehensive view of their daily lives and behaviors.
Additionally, the team employs biopsy equipment to collect small samples of whale skin and blubber. These samples are analyzed to assess the whales’ stress levels and reproductive status, providing valuable insights into their health and the impacts of environmental changes.
The article highlights the importance of this research in understanding and protecting whale populations. By utilizing cutting-edge technology, Dr. Friedlaender and his team are uncovering new information that can inform conservation efforts and help ensure the survival of these majestic creatures.
Read the full article and learn more about the research team’s contributions
Our team has just finished an incredible field season in the Antarctic. We collected several hundred biopsies of whale tissue, paired many of these with measurable images of body condition using drones, placed tags on several animals, and conducted exposure experiments for a new study on the impacts of tourism on whale behavior. A film team from NowThis Earth joined one of our teams on an Intrepid Travel ship to tell our story.
The Antarctic Adventure
This past season has been a whirlwind of activity and discovery. Our primary goal was to understand the health and behavior of whale populations in the rapidly changing environment of the Antarctic Peninsula. As one of the fastest-warming regions on the planet, the Antarctic is experiencing dramatic shifts in sea ice coverage, directly impacting the availability of krill, the main food source for many whale species.
Biopsies and Body Condition
One of our major tasks was collecting biopsies from whales. These tissue samples are invaluable for studying the health, genetics, and diet of the whales. Paired with drone-captured images of their body condition, we can gain insights into how these majestic creatures are faring in their changing habitat. The drones allow us to get a comprehensive view of the whales’ physical state without disturbing them, providing a non-invasive method to monitor their health over time.
Tagging and Tracking
We also placed tags on several whales, which will help us track their movements and understand their migratory patterns. These tags provide critical data on how whales are navigating the increasingly ice-free waters and adjusting their feeding habits in response to diminishing krill populations. Understanding these patterns is crucial for conservation efforts, as it allows us to predict how whale populations might shift in the future and what measures can be taken to protect them.
Impact of Tourism
Another significant aspect of our research was conducting exposure experiments to study the impacts of tourism on whale behavior. The Antarctic Peninsula sees a growing number of tourists each year, and while tourism can raise awareness about the importance of this pristine environment, it also poses potential risks to wildlife. Our experiments aim to understand how close encounters with tourist vessels affect whale behavior and stress levels, which is vital information for developing guidelines to ensure that tourism remains sustainable and minimally invasive.
The Role of Whales in the Ecosystem
Whales play a critical role in maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems. They contribute to nutrient cycling by releasing fecal plumes that fertilize the ocean, promoting the growth of phytoplankton, which absorbs significant amounts of carbon dioxide. This process helps mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon in the ocean. Moreover, when whales die, their bodies sink to the ocean floor, providing a feast for deep-sea creatures and further contributing to the ocean’s carbon storage.
Our findings underscore the importance of protecting whale populations as a means of preserving ocean health and combating climate change. Whales are our allies in this fight, and their conservation is not just about saving these magnificent creatures, but about ensuring the future of our planet.
Watch Our Journey
To get a closer look at our research and the breathtaking beauty of the Antarctic, watch the video produced by NowThis Earth. Their film crew joined us on an Intrepid Travel ship and captured the essence of our mission and the challenges we face. Watch the video here.
As we continue our research and advocacy, we hope to inspire more people to take action to protect our oceans and the incredible wildlife that calls them home. Whales may indeed help save the planet, but it’s up to all of us to ensure they have a fighting chance.
In an exciting partnership with the Earth Species Project, we’re working on our ability to understand species, like whales. There could be a number of benefits, and challenges, involved with decoding the language of other animals.
Partnership with the Earth Species Project
The Earth Species Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to decoding animal communication, has teamed up with our lab to explore the complex vocalizations of whales. This partnership brings together cutting-edge technology and expert knowledge in marine biology to tackle the challenges of understanding whale language.
Panel Discussion Highlights
On October 25, 2022, Professor Friedlaender, a key member of our research team, participated in an insightful panel discussion led by Aza Raskin at the World Economic Forum in San Francisco. The panel delved into the potential benefits and challenges of decoding animal languages, highlighting the profound implications for conservation and human-animal interaction.
Watch the full panel discussion to learn more about the challenges and benefits.
Ppanel discussion led by Aza Raskin from the World Economic Forum held in San Francisco on October 25, 2022.
Monitoring Whales from Space: A Groundbreaking Approach
In a pioneering effort, scientists have harnessed high-resolution satellite imagery to monitor whale populations from space. This innovative method, spearheaded by the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), marks a significant advancement in marine research, offering a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional ship-based surveys.
Revolutionary Research
The BAS team compared satellite images with data collected from ship-based surveys, confirming that satellite monitoring is a viable technique for estimating whale populations. This research, detailed in a press release by BAS and the scientific article published in Scientific Reports, showcases the potential of this technology to revolutionize how we study marine life in remote and inaccessible regions.
Key Advantages
Cost-Effectiveness: Satellite monitoring significantly reduces the expenses associated with traditional ship-based surveys, making it a more sustainable option for long-term research.
Accessibility: This method allows scientists to study whale populations in areas that are difficult or dangerous to reach, such as the Antarctic.
Non-Invasive Approach: Monitoring whales from space minimizes disturbances to their natural habitats, providing a more accurate representation of their behavior and population dynamics.
Methodology and Findings
The research team utilized high-resolution images from the WorldView-3 satellite to identify and count whales in the Golfo Nuevo, a coastal bay in Argentina. These satellite images were then compared to data from ship-based surveys conducted in the same area. The results demonstrated a strong correlation between the two methods, validating the accuracy and reliability of satellite-based monitoring.
This breakthrough represents a major leap forward in our ability to monitor and conserve whale populations globally. By providing a scalable and efficient method for studying these majestic creatures, satellite monitoring can enhance our understanding of whale behavior, migration patterns, and population dynamics, ultimately contributing to more effective conservation strategies.
For a comprehensive understanding of this groundbreaking research, read the full scientific article in Scientific Reportshere.
Researchers from UC Santa Cruz deploying a motion-sensing and dive recording tag on a humpback whale off the western Antarctic Peninsula. Research conducted under NMFS Permit 23095, ACA Permit 2015-014, and IACUC Friea1706.
Our lab at UC Santa Cruz, the Friedlander Lab, has teamed up with the British Antarctic Survey to track whales using super-detailed satellite images. This new method lets us count whales in hard-to-reach places, giving us important data that we can’t get from ships alone. This partnership is helping us learn more about whale populations and their recovery in the Southern Ocean. Check out more details on the British Antarctic Survey website and the Scientific Reports study.
We are excited to share that our groundbreaking research on blue whale heart rates has been featured in The New York Times and CNN! The study, co-authored by Professor FriedLaender and colleagues, reveals fascinating insights into the cardiac function of the world’s largest animals.
Key Highlights:
The study recorded heart rates of blue whales in the wild for the first time.
Findings suggest that blue whales’ hearts can beat as slowly as twice per minute during deep dives.
This research helps explain how these giants can sustain their enormous size.
Dr. Ari Friedlaender from our lab emphasized the importance of understanding these majestic creatures in light of current environmental challenges: “Whales are challenged by everything that’s happening in the ocean right now. If we’re going to make good decisions about how to manage and protect them, we need to understand what makes them tick.”
Read the full article in The New York Times and CNN to learn more about our exciting findings.
The World Wildlife Fund’s 2018 collection of conservation photography, featuring the work of the Friedlaender Lab, offers a glimpse into the diverse and fragile ecosystem of Antarctica. These images, available on the WWF’s website, plays a crucial role in conservation, bridging the gap between scientific research and public awareness. By sharing these captivating images, we can inspire a deeper appreciation and urgency for protecting our planet’s most vulnerable regions.
“As international whaling ramped up around the turn of the 20th century so did efforts by governments, activists, and the public to stop the practice. By 2016, more than half of the species’ 14 population segments were no longer considered endangered.” Check out the article which features BTBEL lab PhD student Logan Pallin’s work on pregnancy in Southern Ocean Humpbacks.
Check out the article in Bates magazine featuring Dr. Friedlaenders work on whales in the Antarctic. “… the more Friedlaender finds out about the whales, the more he understands how even the smallest change in climate has a huge impact on their lives.” Emily McConville writes.
