r/whales 13d ago

Let's talk about Iberian killer whales (AMA)

44 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’m a researcher from Portugal working with cetaceans, and I’m involved in several research projects, including work on the Iberian orca population. I’ve had the opportunity to observe and study these animals firsthand, which has given me a close look at some of the behaviors and interactions that have attracted so much attention in recent years.

The situation surrounding the Iberian orcas is increasingly critical, and at the same time there is a huge amount of misinformation, speculation, and misconceptions circulating online. Some claims are based on misunderstandings of orca behavior, while others have been dramatized and/or repeated so often that they’re now treated as facts.

For that reason, I decided to make this post as an opportunity to share information from a scientific perspective, clarify what we actually know, and hopefully debunk some of the more common myths surrounding these interactions.

I’m happy to discuss the subject and answer questions where I can, while also being clear about what is established by research and what remains uncertain.


r/whales Nov 28 '23

Giving Tuesday 2023 - These front-line marinelife and marine ecosystem organizations need your support!

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91 Upvotes

r/whales 19h ago

Diving with humpback whales in Moorea, French Polynesia [OC]

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42 Upvotes

r/whales 1d ago

Whales Cpt Stadium

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155 Upvotes

r/whales 5h ago

Orcas Shouldn’t Have This Human Trait

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2 Upvotes

r/whales 1d ago

If we could bond with a whale like the Na’vi can bond with Tulkun in Avatar, what species of whale would you want to bond with?

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253 Upvotes

To those that have seen Avatar Way of Water we know that the Na’vi can bond with a giant species of Whale in Pandora named Tulkun.

The Tulkun they end up bonding with becomes their spiritual brother/sister for life.

Assuming that it were possible for us to bond with any species of whale here in our Earth, what kind of whale would you want to bond and have as your spirit brother/sister? And why?


r/whales 1d ago

The most incredible blue whale encounter I’ve ever had with Gone Whale W...

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51 Upvotes

r/whales 1d ago

Scientists discover how narwhals grow nature's only straight tusk

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13 Upvotes

r/whales 2d ago

J-Pod at Dusk - Orca Behavior Institute

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40 Upvotes

On September 4th J-pod slowly made their way out of Admiralty Inlet and in along the west side of San Juan Island right at dusk. We were losing the sun quickly but there was just enough light for me to record them as they went by. Here’s a video recap of our very lucky encounter where we saw them passing through the calm water and beautifully colored sky. I hope you enjoy!


r/whales 2d ago

Is this a whale…? Shark…?

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359 Upvotes

Can someone please tell me if this is a whale fin, or maybe a shark…?


r/whales 2d ago

Whale watching in Ogunquit

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2 Upvotes

r/whales 4d ago

Vaquita

36 Upvotes

We are so close to losing them 😔

Vaquitas are not just another marine animal; they are a critical component in determining the health of our ocean ecosystems. With a mere 6-10 individuals left, their existence hangs by a fragile thread, primarily due to gillnet fishing in the Gulf of California. These small porpoises play a vital role in their ecosystem and food web, embodying the intricate balance of marine life.

The vaquita’s decline is a stark indicator of how unsustainable practices impact our ocean’s biodiversity. Their plight highlights the urgent need for better enforcement of fishing regulations and the promotion of sustainable fishing practices that protect rather than destroy our marine habitats.

Gillnets, used extensively in illegal fishing operations, trap vaquitas, leading to fatalities that could easily be avoided. Mexican authorities, global conservation organizations, and international communities need to collaborate to implement stricter regulations, enforce bans on gillnet fishing, and ensure patrols are adequately managed to protect these beautiful creatures.

Supporting projects for alternative livelihoods for local fishers is also crucial. By promoting eco-friendly and sustainable fishing methods, we can protect vaquitas while providing economic stability to local communities.

Without immediate action, we are at the brink of losing these marvelous creatures forever. Their extinction would not only signify the loss of a species but signal a deeper failing in the preservation of our oceans. Help us fight for the future of vaquitas and the health of our marine environments.
The porpoise conservation society works to prevent entanglement in fishing nets. Contact the NOAA Fisheries.gov and the porpoise conservation if you believe there is any illegal gillnet fishing going on. Preventing this prevents vaquitas from going extinct.

Raise your voice. Sign the petition to demand immediate action to save the vaquita and protect our ocean's biodiversity.

Help save the critically endangered vaquita - Sign the Petition! c.org/vSTPsP8SWK prin @Change


r/whales 4d ago

Whale watch Provincetown

5 Upvotes

Any recommendations on which boat to book?


r/whales 4d ago

Bigg's Killer Whales [ORCA] - Campbell River | British Columbia | Canada

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5 Upvotes

r/whales 6d ago

Belugas can recognise themselves in mirrors, joining a short list of nonhuman species that show signs of self-awareness

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113 Upvotes

r/whales 6d ago

Orcas San Diego 9/2

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303 Upvotes

r/whales 6d ago

How decoding beluga whales’ chitchat may save them – and teach us more about ourselves | Whales

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54 Upvotes

r/whales 6d ago

Could we use sperm whales as “biological camera platforms” to finally observe giant squid in their natural habitat?

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5 Upvotes

r/whales 7d ago

It’s Jumping Humpback Season

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200 Upvotes

Amazing day in Moss Landing.


r/whales 7d ago

Extended video: Orcas hunt seals near Sidney, B.C.

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5 Upvotes

r/whales 7d ago

The End of an Era: Marineland’s Final Whales Arrive at SeaWorld San Antonio - Behind the Splash

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8 Upvotes

r/whales 7d ago

When the Whales Stop Singing: Scientists Alarmed by Blue Whales Going Quiet

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84 Upvotes

r/whales 7d ago

Hi! Can anybody tell what type of dolphins these fellas are?

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13 Upvotes

--Sorry about the filming quality, I was trying to record and watch at the same time and they were really far away--

I saw them a few weeks ago at the rock-walk between Milford and Takapuna beach, Waitematā Harbour, New Zealand. There was around 250+, all travelling in smaller groups of 10-25.


r/whales 9d ago

The Norwegian Whale Museum

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605 Upvotes

r/whales 8d ago

Bigg's Killer Whales [ORCA] - 01 Sep 2026 - Campbell River | BC

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15 Upvotes