Latest news with #Bryde
The South African
03-06-2025
- Science
- The South African
Blood in the water: Why the sardine run is a predator's paradise
Every year, the eastern coastline of South Africa transforms into one of the most explosive feeding frenzies on Earth. Billions of sardines – driven by cold water currents and ancient instinct – form massive shoals stretching for miles. To the casual observer, it's a shimmering silver ribbon in the sea. To predators, it's a buffet with no end in sight. Welcome to the sardine run: a high-stakes spectacle where blood hits the water and nature's most efficient killers gather for a feast. The sardine run typically kicks off between May and July, when ocean temperatures drop along the coast. Pilchard sardines, scientifically known as Sardinops sagax, migrate northward from the southern tip of Africa in staggering numbers, following the nutrient-rich cold water of the Agulhas Bank. It's not just a migration, though, – it's a trigger. The moment those sardines move, a chain reaction starts. Dolphins, sharks, whales, seabirds, and even humans gear up to intercept the moving mass. What makes the sardine run unique is the sheer density and diversity of predators. Common dolphins work in coordinated teams to herd sardines into tight balls – called bait balls – that make for easier pickings. Once the bait balls are formed, all hell breaks loose! Sharks – usually bronze whalers, blacktips, and duskies – charge through the chaos with mouths wide open. Bryde's whales also lunge from below, swallowing tons of sardines in a single gulp. Cape gannets are known to divebomb from the sky at 97kph, folding their wings mid-air to pierce the ocean like living missiles. Even seals and game fish like tuna and king mackerel join the frenzy. The ocean turns into a swirling storm of fins, beaks, teeth, and blood. Despite their numbers, sardines have little to no defense once the predators close in. Their main strategy is to stick together and rely on safety in numbers. But in the face of such a coordinated and varied assault, it often just delays the inevitable. Nature doesn't play fair, and the sardine run is proof. The predators aren't just hunting; they're optimising. Dolphins push, sharks scatter, birds pick off stragglers, and whales clean up what's left. It's a study in efficiency – an oceanic assembly line of death. When it happens, the sardine run is unmatched – a primal display of life and death, speed and precision. It's not just a feeding event; it's a revelation. In those chaotic, bloody waters off South Africa, you see nature without filters: brutal, brilliant, and real. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Miami Herald
19-05-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
Elusive sea creature seen on Canada coast. See why officials are ‘deeply concerned'
An elusive whale recently washed ashore in Canada, leaving local officials 'deeply concerned.' The deceased marine mammal was found on Port McNeill Bay — located on Vancouver Island in British Columbia — on May 14, according to a news release from the 'Namgis First Nation, a local government office. In photos, it can be seen laying on its stomach amid a vast stretch of wet sand. Its mouth was agape, revealing rows of white bristles. The creature was initially thought to be a Minke whale, but officials at the site later confirmed it was a young Bryde's whale — 'a species rarely seen in these northern waters.' Bay Cetology, a conservation non-profit that helped identify the whale, described the animal in a Facebook post as 'a very unusual visitor.' The organization added that, 'This is British Columbia's first record of a Bryde's whale that we are aware of.' As a result, officials said they were disturbed by the finding. 'The Nation is deeply concerned by the death of any whale, but the rarity of this species appearing so far north makes this event particularly significant,' 'Namgis First Nation said. Officials were dispatched to the site to educate onlookers and to ensure the carcass was treated with respect. A necropsy was conducted May 16, but the cause of death has not been revealed, according to the Whale Interpretive Center, another conservation non-profit, which described the finding as 'a surprise.' Bryde's whales — pronounced 'broodus' — are a baleen species named after Johan Bryde, an early 20th century whaler, according to the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration (NOAA). The animals, which can grow up to 55 feet and weigh up to 90,000 pounds, are typically found throughout warmer parts of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. 'They are rarely seen in waters north of 35° latitude,' according to 'Namgis First Nation, which is 'roughly the same latitude as Los Angeles, California.' This means the recently discovered whale was found about 1,000 miles outside the species' typical range. The solitary creatures consume upwards of 1,000 pounds of food per day, with their diet largely consisting of shrimp, krill, crabs and schooling fish, according to NOAA. The population of the species is unknown becuase of a lack of data, and the species is protected throughout its range by the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
The Province
17-05-2025
- General
- The Province
Young Bryde's whale, rarely seen in B.C., washes up dead on Vancouver Island
First Nation leaders are very concerned that the warming ocean due to human-caused climate change is contributing to whale mortality. A dead whale, known as a Bryde's whale, is pictured washed up on the beach in Port McNeill Bay on northern Vancouver Island. The whale was discovered on May 14, 2025 and has been confirmed by the Marine Education and Research Society, the 'Namgis First Nation, and the Fisheries Department as being a type of whale rarely seen in B.C. waters. Photo by Marine Education and Research So A young Bryde's whale, which is rarely seen in B.C., has been found washed up dead on Vancouver Island, according to the 'Na̱mg̱is First Nation. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The Nation's leaders are very concerned that the warming ocean due to human-caused climate change is contributing to whale mortality, especially since Bryde's whales don't usually travel this far north. News of the Bryde's whale comes after two dead grey whales washed up off the B.C. coast in the past week. The 'Na̱mg̱is were informed on Wednesday that a dead whale had washed ashore in Port McNeill Bay, located on the northern part of the Island. The Marine Education and Research Society, the 'Na̱mg̱is and the Fisheries Department are working together to figure out what happened to the whale. A dead whale, known as a Bryde's whale, is pictured washed up on the beach in Port McNeill Bay on northern Vancouver Island. The whale was discovered on May 14, 2025 and has been confirmed by the Marine Education and Research Society, the 'Namgis First Nation, and the Fisheries Department as being a type of whale rarely seen in B.C. waters. Photo by Marine Education and Research So A dead whale, known as a Bryde's whale, is pictured washed up on the beach in Port McNeill Bay on northern Vancouver Island. The whale was discovered on May 14, 2025 and has been confirmed by the Marine Education and Research Society, the 'Namgis First Nation, and the Fisheries Department as being a type of whale rarely seen in B.C. waters. Photo by Marine Education and Research So Initial photos suggested the whale was a Minke whale, but once on site, MERS confirmed — with the support of Bay Cetology, a cetacean research group based in Alert Bay — that the whale was a Bryde's whale, a species rarely seen in northern waters, according to a 'Na̱mg̱is press release. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Nation is deeply concerned by the death of any whale, but the rarity of this species appearing so far north makes this event particularly significant. 'Na̱mg̱is Guardians were dispatched on May 15 to monitor the site, educate onlookers, and ensure public and pet safety with respect for the animal, the release said. A necropsy has been planned to help determine the cause of death. DFO spokesperson Melanie McNabb said in an email Saturday that the department is still working on identification but said it has been preliminarily identified as a Bryde's whale, which is 'extremely rare' in B.C. waters. McNabb said the DFO will not be able to confirm cause of death until after the necropsy is performed and final reports are complete, which usually takes two to three months. 'Where possible, DFO's marine mammal response team works with partners to recover biological samples and conduct necropsies on dead whales to further our understanding of the populations and the causes of death,' McNabb added. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. In the meantime, the Na̱mg̱is First Nation said it will hold a blessing ceremony to honour the whale. Chief Victor Isaac said he's concerned the whale's death is connected to global warming and the pollution of the oceans. Last year, an international study found that the ocean floor is covered in plastic debris. Also last year, UBC and Ocean Wise scientists found that plastics can harm or even kill zooplankton, reducing a food source for many types of marine life. ''Na̱mg̱is First Nation is very sad and concerned with the climate crisis and the health of our oceans,' said Isaac in a statement. 'We will work with all parties to determine what has happened to this individual and hopefully come to better understand how to be the best stewards of our awi'nakola — our territory.' A dead whale, known as a Bryde's whale, is pictured washed up on the beach in Port McNeill Bay on northern Vancouver Island. The whale was discovered on May 14, 2025 and has been confirmed by the Marine Education and Research Society, the 'Namgis First Nation, and the Fisheries Department as being a type of whale rarely seen in B.C. waters. Photo by Marine Education and Research So Bryde's whales are baleen whales that feed primarily on plankton and small schooling fish. They are rarely seen in waters north of a 35-degree latitude — roughly the same latitude as Los Angeles, California, said Isaac. ticrawford@ Read More
Vancouver Sun
17-05-2025
- General
- Vancouver Sun
Young Bryde's whale, rarely seen in B.C., washes up dead on Vancouver Island
A young Bryde's whale, which is rarely seen in B.C., has been found washed up dead on Vancouver Island, according to the 'Na̱mg̱is First Nation. The Nation's leaders are very concerned that the warming ocean due to human-caused climate change is contributing to whale mortality, especially since Bryde's whales don't usually travel this far north. News of the Bryde's whale comes after two dead grey whales washed up off the B.C. coast in the past week. The 'Na̱mg̱is were informed on Wednesday that a dead whale had washed ashore in Port McNeill Bay, located on the northern part of the Island. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The Marine Education and Research Society, the 'Na̱mg̱is and the Fisheries Department are working together to figure out what happened to the whale. Initial photos suggested the whale was a Minke whale, but once on site, MERS confirmed — with the support of Bay Cetology, a cetacean research group based in Alert Bay — that the whale was a Bryde's whale, a species rarely seen in northern waters, according to a 'Na̱mg̱is press release. The Nation is deeply concerned by the death of any whale, but the rarity of this species appearing so far north makes this event particularly significant. 'Na̱mg̱is Guardians were dispatched on May 15 to monitor the site, educate onlookers, and ensure public and pet safety with respect for the animal. A necropsy has been planned help determine the cause of death. Postmedia has left messages with the DFO asking for more information. ''Na̱mg̱is First Nation is very sad and concerned with the climate crisis and the health of our oceans,' said 'Na̱mg̱is Chief Victor Isaac. 'We will work with all parties to determine what has happened to this individual and hopefully come to better understand how to be the best stewards of our awi'nakola—our territory.' Bryde's whales are baleen whales that feed primarily on plankton and small schooling fish. They are rarely seen in waters north of a 35-degree latitude — roughly the same latitude as Los Angeles, California, said Isaac. More to come … ticrawford@
Global News
17-05-2025
- General
- Global News
Whale never seen in B.C. waters washes up dead on Vancouver Island beach
A whale, never before seen in B.C. waters, washed up dead on northern Vancouver Island. A man walking his dog on Wednesday morning discovered the dead whale in Port McNeill at the end of the bay in the estuary. 'This is the only Bryde's whale that has ever been seen in British Columbia waters, with all the collective knowledge through First Nations, DFO (Department of Fisheries and Oceans),' said Jackie Hildering, whale researcher and director of education and communications with the Marine Education and Research Society. She said they first thought it was a minke whale but then a member of the team noticed this whale did not have the diagnostic minke mittens, or white bands on its flippers that distinguishes a minke whale from others. Hildering said Bryde's whales, a member of the baleen whale family, which includes blue whales and humpback whales, have rostral ridges and are known for having three parallel ridges on their upper jaw. Story continues below advertisement View image in full screen A close-up view of the rostral ridges on the Bryde's whale's head. Marine Education & Research Society 'A Bryde's whale has never been seen in B.C. waters,' she added. 'The closest has been in Puget Sound. We know of two cases in 2010 of two whales, one dead already, one that ended up dying. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'They are typically known only up to Los Angeles.' Paul Cottrell, the marine mammal coordinator with the DFO, said the whale is young and just over seven metres in length. He said while this is a sad event, it gives them a chance to study these whales and learn more about them. Lots of experts came together on Friday to share their knowledge and honour the animal. Hildering said the male's death is still a mystery but there's nothing to suggest an obvious vessel strike. Story continues below advertisement 1:59 Dead grey whale washes ashore in Tofino DFO officials performed a necropsy on the whale on Friday and more tests will be undertaken in labs and samples will be sent around the world, Cottrell said. Following the necropsy and a blessing ceremony that was held on Thursday, the Namgis Nation is gifting the skeleton to the Whale Interpretive Centre, which is being rebuilt in Telegraph Cove after a devastating fire on Dec. 31. 'So the cascade of how this whale's death may count, its skeleton is going all the way to, and will be of huge significance, to the rebuild of the Whale Interpretive Centre,' Hildering said.
