Unexplainable Why whales get beached
Nov 3, 2021
Dive into the mystery of why whales beach themselves, uncovering the complex interplay of human activities and natural factors. Explore how agricultural runoff and noise pollution might contribute to these strandings. Join an expert as she shares both emotional insights and quirky field experiences while investigating these marine mammal tragedies. Plus, learn about the unique beaked whales and the alarming impact of sonar technology on their well-being. It's a captivating blend of science, mystery, and conservation.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Ancient Strandings
- Nick Pyenson discovered fossilized whale skeletons in Chile, dating back millions of years.
- This suggests that strandings are not a new phenomenon and predate human activity.
Blurred Lines of Causation
- While natural events like algal blooms cause strandings, these blooms are now often caused by human agriculture.
- This makes it difficult to determine where natural causes end and human impact begins.
Strandings Remain a Mystery
- The difficulty in determining the human role in whale strandings stems from a lack of full understanding of strandings themselves.
- Each stranding event involves different species, locations, and conditions, making it hard to find a single explanation.
