Illiterate fishermen in Pakistan have become citizen scientists, playing a crucial role in collecting data and monitoring the endangered Indus River dolphin population. This citizen science initiative has empowered the fishermen and contributed to conservation efforts.
In a novel titled 'The Dolphin House' by Audrey Schulman, the story explores mind control, misogyny, language learning, and interspecies connections at a marine research facility in the 1960s. The protagonist, Cora, based on real-life Margaret Howe Lovatt, works as an assistant to scientist John C. Lilly on the Caribbean island of St. Thomas. The novel delves into the implications of Lilly's studies, including attempts to communicate with dolphins and the controversial topic of interspecies sex. Schulman's book combines elements of scientific overreach, language acquisition, love, and postwar American misogyny. The narrative highlights Cora's journey as she navigates the male-dominated research environment and forms a unique bond with the dolphins. The novel also touches on themes of tech hubris and species destruction. Schulman's writing is praised for its vivid descriptions of underwater encounters and its exploration of complex ethical and moral questions.
Recently, images of a pink dolphin off the coast of North Carolina went viral on social media. The dolphin was discovered abandoned on the shore after splashing out of its normal habitat. However, many social media users pointed out that the dolphin looked abnormally plastic, leading to speculation about the photos' veracity and whether they were AI creations. Experts from the Fisheries Southeast Regional Office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed that the photos are not real. The local media outlet WCNC also stated that there have been no reports or verified photos of pink dolphins in North Carolina waters.
On June 29, 2024, as many as 125 Atlantic white-sided dolphins stranded themselves on Cape Cod, with at least 10 dying. The International Fund for Animal Welfare launched an intensive rescue effort to keep the dolphins away from shallow waters. On June 30, rescuers found one group of 10 dolphins in a dangerously shallow area and managed to herd them into deeper water. Another group of 25 dolphins was found swimming close to the shore, and herding efforts were ongoing as the tide dropped. The stranding occurred at The Gut in Wellfleet, a site known for frequent strandings due to its hook-like shape and extreme tidal fluctuations. Misty Niemeyer, the organization's stranding coordinator, described the rescue effort as a 12-hour exhausting response in difficult mud conditions. The team used foot herding and small boats equipped with underwater pingers to guide the dolphins to safety. Over 25 staff members from the International Fund for Animal Welfare and 100 trained volunteers, along with support from other organizations, participated in the rescue effort.
Meanwhile, off the east coast of Vancouver Island in the Campbell River area, a search is underway for a humpback whale named Vector that is entangled in fishing gear. The whale was last seen on June 28 near Sentry Shoal, and efforts are being made to locate and disentangle the animal. The Marine Education and Research Society (MERS) has shared photos of the whale and is asking mariners to report any sightings to the DFO Incident Reporting Line. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) is actively searching for the whale using drones and boats and has a protocol for rescuing entangled whales under its Marine Mammal Response Program [93f8b6fc].
In Hong Kong, students are taking action to protect the Eurasian otter population. These otters have been greatly affected by hunting, pollution, oil spills, and land loss. The students are advocating for reducing oil and plastic use to create a more eco-friendly environment for the otters. They recognize that the otters' food source has decreased due to increased fishing and clam hunting, and the sea, rivers, and lakes are polluted with trash and toxins. By raising awareness and promoting sustainable practices, the students hope to contribute to the conservation of these endangered otters [1d7641a4].
Additionally, students in Hong Kong are sharing their experiences at school. One student discusses their passion for flexibility tricks, which they use to relieve stress and boredom. They find inspiration from their idol, Anna McNulty, and explore different flexibility tricks on Pinterest. Another student recounts their enjoyable Multi-Intellectual Learning Day at school. The day was filled with activities such as mini-Olympics, arts and crafts, toy exchanges, and game booths, all centered around the theme of the Paris Olympics. These students highlight the importance of fun and engaging experiences in education [1d7641a4].