Ocean Roundup: Orcas Can Shift Vocal Sounds around Dolphins, Larval Fish Found to Make Noise, and More - Oceana USA
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October 8, 2014

Ocean Roundup: Orcas Can Shift Vocal Sounds around Dolphins, Larval Fish Found to Make Noise, and More

– Humans, cetaceans, and some birds are some of the only species known to practice vocal learning—communicating with sounds that aren’t just innate. Researchers found orcas not only practice this, but orcas engage in cross-species vocal learning, meaning they shift sounds depending on who they’re hanging out with. Science Daily

– Officials say mass coral reef bleaching is occurring in near-shore waters off Hawaii from higher-than-average ocean temperatures. About 75 percent of coral in Hawaii’s Kaneohe Bay are showing signs of bleaching. The Associated Press

North Carolina temporarily closed several bays and waterways from commercial flounder fishing in an effort to protect endangered sea turtles. The fishery can shut down if too many turtles are incidentally caught, so officials preemptively shut the fishery down to keep fishermen from hitting their permit takes. North Carolina Public Radio

– A new study has found that fish larvae can produce sound, making “knocking” and “growling” sounds that can help larvae stay together in the dark. The first study to uncover this, scientists say the discovery helps uncover communication practices in young fish. Science

Op-Ed:

– This New York Times opinion piece looks at the recent walrus beaching event in Alaska as a platform to examine how politicians are reacting to climate change. Some politicians, especially those of states like Louisiana that are on the frontlines of climate change, argues the author, are not taking climate change seriously. The New York Times