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A pair of orcas in the Pacific Northwest. In the Pacific Northwest there are three types of killer whales: resident. transient, and offshore. Transient orcas are rarely observed. They move quickly through an area feeding on seals and other marine mammals.

Potential New Orca Population in Northeastern Pacific

Researchers from the University of British Columbia (UBC) have uncovered compelling evidence of a potentially new population of killer whales in the Northeastern Pacific, distinct from known orca ecotypes. 

This discovery, documented in a recent study published in Aquatic Mammals, is based on observations of 49 orcas exhibiting unique hunting behaviours, including predation on sperm whales and sea turtles, off the coasts of California and Oregon.

Steamship Milwaukee

1886 Steamship 'Milwaukee' Found Remarkably Intact in Lake Michigan

The Michigan Shipwreck Research Association (MSRA) has uncovered the remarkably preserved steamship Milwaukee, which vanished in 1886 after a collision and has been resting in 360ft (100m) of water for over a century.

MSRA located the Milwaukee in June 2023 using side-scan sonar and documented it extensively with an ROV. Still, the discovery was only revealed to an enthralled audience in a live announcement during their annual film festival.

A National Park Service diver documents one of five coral-encrusted cannons found during a recent archeological survey in Dry Tortugas National Park

Florida shipwreck identified as the 50-gun frigate HMS Tyger

Maritime historians and archaeologists, following years of meticulous research and underwater exploration, have confirmed the identity of the HMS Tyger. The ship, originally launched in 1741, played a pivotal role in British naval operations before succumbing to a fiery end in 1742.

Aerial shot showing a turtle being released from a dinghy. Beside the dinghy is a boat.
A leatherback turtle being released after being successfully tagged with a satellite tag which records location, depth and temperature data.

Feeding grounds for leatherbacks along US Atlantic coast identified

A new study offers fresh insights into leatherback sea turtle migration and foraging patterns along the Northwest Atlantic shelf, with implications for conservation strategies.

Published in the Journal Frontiers in Marine Science, the research tracked 52 leatherback sea turtles from 2017 to 2022 during their migration from the South and Mid-Atlantic Bights during the warmer months to the food-rich areas in the north, near New England and Nova Scotia, Canada, and then their journey back during the winter.

Diving Talks 2024

Whether you are a diving professional looking to expand your network, an enthusiast seeking to deepen your knowledge, or an industry leader wanting to stay updated on the latest trends, Diving Talks promises to be an event that will leave a lasting impact.

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Renowned speakers, interactive panel discussions, and hands-on workshops that will blow your mind! We're talking about everything from marine conservation to mind-blowing underwater photography and technical diving!

Lolita performs
Lolita performing (Averette at English Wikipedia/ CC BY 3.0)

Eviction Notice Served to Miami Seaquarium Amidst Controversy Over Animal Welfare

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava addressed the issue in a statement posted on social media platform X, revealing that The Dolphin Company had consistently fallen short in maintaining the premises and ensuring the safety and well-being of the animals under their care. She emphasized that the current state of the Miami Seaquarium is deemed unsustainable and unsafe.

New deep-sea worm species identified

Marine scientists at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego have discovered a new species of deep-sea worm in the waters near a methane seep about 50 kilometres off Costa Rica's Pacific coast.

Named Pectinereis strickrotti, the worm hails from the ragworm family and is distinguished by their feathery appendages that carry its gills. It was first discovered by Greg Rouse and Bruce Strickrott in 2009 when they were inside the submersible Alvin during an expedition at a depth of 1,000 metres.

Sawfish
Sawfish/Georgia Aquarium CC BY-SA 3.0

Mysterious Sawfish Strandings Baffle Scientists in the Florida Keys

Sawfish, recognized for their distinctive long, narrow, flattened rostrum lined with teeth resembling a saw, are among the largest fish species. Often referred to as the “living fossils” of the ocean, they have long been shrouded in mystery due to their elusive nature and unique appearance.