Plasticizers added to plastics give them their properties, but these chemicals can leach into the oceans and harm marine life. Recent studies found plastic chemicals in marine mammals in Norway, raising concerns about their prevalence and impact. To help, reduce plastic use, recycle, and support policies to ban harmful chemicals and protect ocean creatures.
Toxic chemicals from plastics found in Norwegian marine mammals Read More »
The adult human brain weighs about 3 lbs, which is an incredible feat in it itself, as it is only supported by 7 vertebrae. But we really do not even come close to the biggest brain. One might think it belongs to the blue whale, as it is the largest animal on earth. One would
The award for the largest brain in the world goes to… Read More »
Dolphins typically have between 100 and 200 identical teeth. Their teeth are typically shaped like cones to grab, grip, and secure prey before swallowing it whole. Dolphins may also use them to tear apart large chunks of flesh from their prey. Baby dolphins are born without teeth, and they gradually erupt from 2 to 5
This species has the lowest teeth count of all dolphins Read More »
The idea of conservation has grown in popularity since “save the whales” kicked off in the 1960s and 70s. Over the past 50 years, interest in environmentalist and conservation spaces has exploded along with the youth interest in climate change activism. This post will talk about the history of whale conservation and break down three
How are we protecting endangered cetaceans around the world? Read More »
A rare albino fur seal was spotted off the Eastern coast of Russia. Being different in the wild comes with many challenges. In this post, we will explain albinism in marine mammals. The curious case of the ginger seal In early September, marine mammologist Vladimir Burkanov made a surprising discovery on Tyuleny Island, in Russia.
Dare to Be Different: Albinism in Marine Mammals Read More »
Whales, dolphins, and porpoise occupy a wide variety of habitats. They range from the small harbor porpoise found in shallow coastal waters to massive sperm whales diving below 1000 meters to catch the perfect squid! The underwater world can be like a labyrinth, and at times can have limited visibility-, especially below 200m, in the
Echolocation 101: How dolphins see with sound Read More »
Hi all, my name is Naomi Mathew. I am a PhD study in marine mammal bioacoustics at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. I am the co-founder of Whale Scientists. Here is my story. Texan world traveller Born and raised in Houston, Texas, I grew up with the Gulf of Mexico as my backyard. My
Whale Scientists is a blog created by two grad students to share knowledge about marine mammals. Meet our founders Anaïs Remili & Naomi Mathew met in Italy in 2016 We met in June 2016. We were both moving to Italy for a bit to work on whales and dolphins of the Ligurian Sea. We ended
Recently, we’ve personally been asked questions from undergrad students wanting tips on how to find the right master program in marine mammal science. We are here to tell you it’s ok to have it not figured out yet. What you need to know is that there is no secret magic recipe to become a whale
How to find the right master program? Read More »
Come learn a thing or two about marine mammals from early-career scientists. What is “Whale Scientists”? Whale Scientists is a blog created by two grad students to share knowledge about whales and dolphins. Our website aims to be a platform where people from all backgrounds can learn a thing or two about marine mammals. We
