Latest news with #dolphins
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Science
- Yahoo
'Fabulous' sight in shallow Aussie bay captured on drone video
'Fabulous' footage captured off Australia's coast this week has provided a glimpse into the 'beautiful' relationship between whales and dolphins. What started out as a 'drizzly day' in Bunbury, south of Perth, quickly turned into "quite a lot of excitement' when staff at the nearby Dolphin Discovery Centre were alerted to a young humpback whale that appeared to have gotten 'a bit lost' and wandered into a shallow bay popular with tourists. Employees set out with their scopes and binoculars to make sure the migrating animal wasn't injured, but were unable to get close enough, prompting them to deploy a drone and a boat. 'This time of year, tens of thousands of humpback whales are travelling past our coastline,' the non-profit group posted online, adding sometimes the creatures get 'spooked' by a predator or entangled in fishing gear and seek shelter in calmer waters. However, after observing the whale from the air and the vessel, staff were relieved to see that it was not injured, and in fact seemed to be having a ball with a handful of new friends. Stunning footage shows at least four very vocal dolphins greet and play with the humpback as it rolls around in the ocean. 'The dolphins took over and while playing and interacting with each other, they slowly guided their large cousin out of the bay towards the deeper waters of Geographe Bay heading back up north,' the Dolphin Discovery Centre explained, thrilling thousands of Aussie viewers who shared their excitement over the 'cool' sight. 📸 Visitors spot incredible sight in tiny Aussie bay: 'Very special' 🐳 Photo of elusive creature off Aussie coast reveals incredible feat 🌊 Amazing drone footage confirms start of exciting phenomenon off coast Speaking to Yahoo News, Dr Vanessa Pirotta, a wildlife scientist in the Marine Predator Research Group at Macquarie University, also couldn't contain her elation over the 'fabulous' video which shows a 'very playful humpback whale' interacting with bottlenose dolphins. 'It's really beautiful to see. The dolphins next to this school bus-sized whale offers a great size comparison,' she said. 'During the winter migration, we sometimes see whales and dolphins swimming together. Most of the time this is fleeting, but sometimes, like this footage, you get cracker interactions like this. The whale is rolling around, [and] they appear to be looking at each other. 'Whales use low frequency sounds, while dolphins make high frequency sounds, so I would assume these dolphins may have been buzzing around this whale. All in all, it looks like a very playful and innocent interaction between these two species.' Dr Pirotta said that while drones offer a great perspective on such interactions, which are often not seen from a boat or on land, both whales and dolphins are protected in Aussie waters, requiring spectators to follow certain restrictions. In WA, drones must stay a minimum of 60 metres away from both species. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
CTV News
12 hours ago
- CTV News
$5K fine, social media ban for B.C. jet skier who got too close to dolphins
Fisheries and Oceans Canada provided this image of a man who was found guilty of disturbing marine mammals. A B.C. man caught jet skiing too close to a pod of dolphins while taking video has been fined $5,000 and banned from posting 'anything' related to marine mammals on social media, according to officials. Stephen Michael White was found guilty of violating federal Marine Mammal Regulations that set minimum 'approach distances' as part of a prohibition disturbing killer whales, dolphins or porpoises, Fisheries and Oceans Canada said in a news release Thursday. 'Mr. White was recorded speeding toward a pod of Pacific white-sided dolphins on his jet ski, coming within just a few feet while filming them on his cellphone – much closer than the 100-metre legal approach distance,' the statement from DFO said. 'The court determined his actions were negligent and reckless.' The incident unfolded in August of 2022 in the Broughton Strait near Port McNeill and was reported 'immediately,' DFO said. White was convicted last year, and the penalties were handed down in provincial court last month. In addition to the fine and social media ban, White was prohibited from 'operating any motorized vessel on water' for a period of six months, the statement from the agency said, adding that White was the first person successfully prosecuted for violating minimum approach distances. DFO's statement also explained some of the risks associated with too-close encounters. 'Toothed whale species, including dolphins and killer whales, rely on echolocating – using sound to navigate their environment,' the agency said. 'Close encounters with a vessel can disrupt their natural behaviours and interfere with essential sound signals used for communication, foraging, and socialization.' The legislated minimum approach distances vary depending on location and type of marine mammal but they apply to all watercraft, as well as swimmers and scuba divers.
CBC
13 hours ago
- CBC
B.C. jet skier fined $5K for approaching dolphins too closely
Social Sharing Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is reminding people that there are rules around approaching marine mammals after a man was fined $5,000 forgetting too close to a pod of dolphins. Stephen Michael White was fined last month after being found guilty in November 2024 of violating a section of the Marine Mammal Regulations. The incident took place in August 2022, in Broughton Strait near Port McNeill on Vancouver Island's northern coast, according to a media release from DFO. White was recorded speeding toward a pod of Pacific white-sided dolphins on his jet ski, coming within a few feet of the creatures while filming on his phone — much closer than the 100-metre legal approach distance. Witnesses immediately reported the incident. Evidence presented in court included images from White's own social media, as well as testimonies and images from witnesses. The court found his actions to be negligent and reckless, leading to a six-month ban from operating any motorized vessel on water. White is also prohibited from posting anything related to marine mammals to social media. DFO says the case's guilty verdict and court-ordered fine reinforces the rules' importance to prevent disturbances. Under the regulations, disturbances include approaching the animal to feed, swim, or interact with it; move it or cause it to move from the immediate area in which it is found; separate it from members of its group or go between it and its calf; trap it or its group between a vessel and the shore, or between a vessel and one or more other vessels; or approaching the animal to tag and mark it. Toothed-whale species, including dolphins and killer whales, use sound to navigate their environment, also called echolocation. The release says "close encounters with a vessel can disrupt their natural behaviours and interfere with essential sound signals used for communication, foraging, and socialization." DFO is reminding British Columbians and anyone taking to open waters this summer of legal approach distances: 400 metres from all killer whales in southern B.C. coastal waters. 200 metres from all killer whales in all other Canadian Pacific waters, and when a whale, dolphin or porpoise is in a resting position or with a calf. 100 metres away from other whales, porpoises, and dolphins. The restrictions apply to all motorized and self-propelled watercrafts, swimmers, and scuba divers — part of a host of protective measures designed to protect marine mammals in B.C. waters.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
MARINELAND DOLPHIN ADVENTURE and DOLPHIN CONNECTION RECEIVE A TOTAL OF SEVEN BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS FROM GULF WORLD MARINE PARK
ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. and DUCK KEY, Fla., June 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On May 20, 2025, The Dolphin Company (TDC) announced the public closure of its Gulf World Marine Park facility in Panama City Beach, Florida. With this closure, the plan was to move Gulf World's dolphins as soon and as safely as possible. We are happy to report that last week we completed the move of the final seven dolphins housed at Gulf World. On June 10, four of the bottlenose dolphins, Sandy, Soleil, Capri, and Comet, joined the family at Marineland Dolphin Adventure in St. Augustine. On June 11, Dolphin Connection in Duck Key welcomed an additional three bottlenose dolphins, Luna, Cajun and Striker. All seven dolphins are being monitored, trained and acclimated by TDC's Florida Team, with the oversight of TDC's recently retained animal welfare consultant. Both Marineland and Dolphin Connection welcomed their new dolphins with open arms and are excited to be able to provide a safe, healthy, and enriching home for these dolphins. The dolphins at both facilities are attentive, eating, and acclimating well to their new homes. This movement of the Marineland and Dolphin Connection dolphin populations occurs amid changes occurring at TDC at an executive level. In recent months, TDC has undergone Board and executive management changes, appointing Steven Strom as Independent Director and Robert Wagstaff as Chief Restructuring Officer. These appointments underscore the Company's commitment to stabilizing operations, preserving value, and executing a viable path out of the Chapter 11 process. Steve and Rob are leading the Company with an emphasis on employee safety, animal welfare and safety, and maximizing recoveries for stakeholders. TDC acquired Dolphin Connection in 2018 and Marineland Dolphin Adventure in 2019. Guests can visit and for more information about the facilities and available guest experiences. Additional information, including court filings and claims details, is available at or by calling 888-733-1434 (U.S./Canada) or 310-751-2633 (International). ABOUT THE DOLPHIN COMPANY The Dolphin Company is an aquatic park operator with a global presence, operating 30 parks and dolphin habitats in 8 countries, focusing on interactive experiences with marine mammals and promoting environmental stewardship through education and conservation efforts. View original content: SOURCE Leisure Investments Holdings LLC, et al. (The Dolphin Company) Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Sun
6 days ago
- The Sun
I visited the Jurassic Park-like lagoon right by one of the most beautiful beaches – here's how to get there
AS I kayak on Florida's Indian River Lagoon, I'm lost for words. With its ancient mangrove forests and prehistoric-looking pelicans dive-bombing the water, this wouldn't be out of place in Jurassic Park. 8 8 8 But then comes the real excitement, as 20-plus dolphins start splashing around just metres away. And they're having plenty of fun as they jump out of the water and even swim right under me. This body of water is 156 miles long and the most ecologically diverse estuary in North America. I'm taking a paddle on an uncharacteristically overcast morning, but it's usually baking hot and packed with even more wildlife, including manatees and all manner of birds. I'm staying in the city of New Smyrna Beach, on Florida's east coast, which offers something entirely different from what might spring to mind when you first think of the Sunshine State. It's only about an hour's drive from the theme parks Florida is known for, but presents an entirely different experience. I'd rented my kayak from the Marine Discovery Center, which offers daily guided tours. But out of the water, there's plenty more to see in this vibrant beach city, which is popular with surfers and about as laid-back as it gets. The main boulevard, Flagler Avenue, is peppered with independent shops, bars and restaurants and feels like it's straight out of a Hallmark movie. I grabbed a spot on the veranda of the Flagler Tavern, where I sipped on a deliciously tall cocktail and explored the menu packed with American seafood specials. Martin Lewis gives travel advice about checking your passport It was then just a short stroll back to my hotel, Marriott's SpringHill Suites. Rooms here are huge and feature walk-in wardrobes, but the real selling point is the fabulous view you get over the Atlantic Ocean and New Smyrna's amazing beach. Next morning, I was up early to get the sand between my toes. Om Sunshine Yoga runs community classes on weekend mornings, with all the gear provided. They even offer paddleboard yoga, although I soon found out my balance is bad enough on dry land — let alone the water. Gopher tortoises Even before attempting to get into a downward dog, the beach took my breath away — its fine white sand is set against expansive blue skies which have to be seen to be believed. In fact, because the sand is so compact, you can even drive on it — so that's how I decided to explore the coastline. Pedego Electric Bikes offers guided tours to see the three miles of coast at speed. I took in the sights, sounds and sunshine, while feeling the sea breeze in my hair, as I cycled north to the Smyrna Dunes Park. Here you can see the striking Ponce de Leon lighthouse — the tallest in the state at 175ft — as well as explore the park with its boardwalks and wildlife. Try to go at sundown for the best chance to spot gopher tortoises. 8 8 8 If you're looking for something more upmarket for dinner, then Riverpark Terrace is a great spot, with a tropical garden and fancy menu. In fact, it is known as the area's most romantic restaurant. And love was in the air as I travelled across town and checked into luxury guesthouse Victoria 1883 to continue my stay in New Smyrna Beach — it doubles as a sought-after wedding venue and overlooks the Indian River. It is also the oldest property in the area and steeped in history but was renovated and opened as a boutique B&B in 2022, with a gorgeous lounge, garden and speakeasy-style bar. While the urge to relax here was strong, I took a ten-minute stroll to the creative district of Canal Street, where shops sell art, bric-a-brac and homeware, and there is brilliant vinyl at Spinning Records. At newly refurbished restaurant General Public, I filled up on hearty Southern cuisine then headed to the Sugar Works Distillery for a drink. This independent bar and distillery has some of the best cocktails I've ever tasted. They are created using the distillery's spirits, which are largely made from produce within a ten-mile radius. New Smyrna Beach is a beautiful escape from the bustle of Orlando, so a great way to vary your time during a Florida getaway. I flew Aer Lingus from Heathrow via Dublin, which gives a sneaky benefit when travelling to the States — you go through pre-clearance US passport control at Dublin airport, meaning you don't have to bother with the faff of security when you touch down on the other side after the long-haul flight. But it turned out that wouldn't be the only memorable flight on my holiday, as New Smyrna Beach is just 60 miles from the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, where rockets are launched into space once or twice every week. So one of the most unforgettable moments came when, just past midnight, I stood on the beach and watched as a Space X rocket rose through the sky and blasted off into the solar system. Just like that, this holiday was out of this world. 8
