Latest news with #ChrisJohnson
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Alarming map surrounding Australia highlights growing danger to $3.8 billion industry
Populations of whales that survived decades of hunting now face new threats as they migrate from Antarctica to Australia. On Wednesday, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) launched an interactive map of the world highlighting where the routes of 1,400 whales collide with threats from ships, noise, fossil fuel projects, pollution, fishing and climate change. Whales are critical to ocean health and play an important role in tourism, creating US$2.1 billion (A$3.8 billion) in global revenue and supporting 13,000 jobs. It's hoped the publicly accessible platform will help stop more species of whale from becoming extinct by pinpointing where the dangers occur. And there are plans to gradually add more data from rarely seen species like beaked whales, of which very little is known. Of particular concern to WWF is the North Atlantic right whale which continues to be killed by ships and fishing gear entanglement, and with fewer than 70 breeding females left, the species is showing no signs of recovery. Southern right whales that we see in Australia are also of concern because their numbers have cryptically stagnated at a level far below pre-whaling levels. Related: Carloads of Aussies flock to water's edge for whale migration ritual Chris Johnson, the global lead for WWF's Protecting Whales and Dolphins Initiative, said the project is designed to be another 'building block' as researchers try to fill gaps in our knowledge about the oceans. 'Whales are these ocean giants that we absolutely love, particularly in Australia, and we still know so little about their migratory patterns,' he told Yahoo News from Melbourne. 'I study sperm whales and there's very little satellite tagging of them, and we don't do a lot of research offshore. We're still discovering new beaked whale species and they're the size of elephants.' More than 50 global research groups were involved in the map's creation. As more data is added to the platform, researchers will be able to gain new insights into the cumulative impact of multiple man-made threats on whales. 📸 Incredible whale spotted just metres from shore thrills tourists 😳 Disturbing photos emerge of famous orcas linked to 'dangerous myth' 🏝️ Tourists stunned by whale encounter off the Aussie coast For instance, the Queensland government announced last week it would be investing $88 million to expand its shark control program, which will include nets known to frequently entangle whale mothers and calves. An average of six whale entanglements a year may not seem like many, but it's adding to a massive global problem. Johnson said the announcement was 'disappointing' because there are modern alternatives to problematic nets. 'It's concerning because bycatch is probably the biggest issue for cetaceans worldwide. Around 300,000 a year die from entanglement and that's an issue from 25 years ago, so the problem is now probably much bigger,' he said. Today, seven of the world's 14 great whale species are threatened with extinction, and their migration routes are critical to their breeding and feeding. Shipping, fishing and gas and oil drilling have been important to industrialisation and the advancement of human interests. Transporting new phones and electric vehicles across the globe, and catching more fish for oil supplements, will continue to enrich our lives, but as more species are lost, the planet becomes less complex and arguably less interesting. By highlighting where the biggest problem areas are, companies will be empowered to make changes to lessen their impact on whales. Johnson said there are examples of this already occurring. In the North Atlantic, companies are altering their fishing methods, with some no longer using rope so whales aren't entangled. In Greece, shipping lanes have been modified to reduce the chances of collisions, and similar changes are being made in Asia. 'Off Sri Lanka, there's a big habitat for blue whales in the northern Indian Ocean. It's one of the busiest shipping lanes on Earth,' he said. 'But research has shown if you move the shipping lane 15 nautical miles further south, it'll reduce ship strikes.' While the government has been slow to respond, shipping companies themselves have been altering their routes in order to reduce the number of strikes. If all of them agree to reroute, the risk of collision would be reduced by 95 per cent. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
Maps reveal 'obstacle course' for migrating whales
Whales are forced to pick through a maze of hazards on their annual voyages north, including shark nets and busy shipping routes, mapping suggests. Whale-watching season is in full swing along Australia's east and west coasts as the underwater giants make the long trek to warmer waters. Humpbacks spend winter breeding in warm tropical waters before returning to southern Antarctica during summer to feed. Yet world-first interactive maps from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and more than 50 global research groups reveal a "dangerous and sometimes fatal obstacle course" for whales migrating through Australian waters. The publicly available maps overlay whale migration routes with shipping, fishing, climate and other information to better understand whale journeys. Global lead of the fund's protecting whales and dolphins initiative, Chris Johnson, said ship strikes, fishing gear, underwater noise, plastic pollution and climate change all posed hazards for the giant marine mammals. "Ship strikes, entanglement in fishing gear and shark nets are a growing concern on Australia's east coast, especially during humpback whale migration season," Mr Johnson said. The geographic information could help inform speed restrictions and vessel re-routing to minimise collisions, he said. A better understanding of whale migration patterns could also help the design of no-take zones and marine parks protected from fishing. "This platform transforms decades of science into a tool for action - showing when, where and how to protect whales in a rapidly changing ocean," Mr Johnson said. The maps have been released ahead of a major United Nations ocean conference in France in June, with greater protections for critical marine habitats top of the agenda. Securing the 60 country ratifications needed to lock in the all-important high seas biodiversity agreement would lay the foundation to safeguard 30 per cent of the world's oceans in marine sanctuaries by 2030. High temperatures and marine heatwaves are also influencing whale migration cues, with sightings on NSW's far south coast as early as March thought to have been linked to climatic changes in the Antarctic depleting food stocks. Krill, the tiny crustaceans baleen whales feed on, have been declining in some regions as their sea ice habitats shrink. Mr Johnson said patchy prey availability was potentially behind shifting migration patterns but there were still many unknowns and more research was needed. Healthy whale populations support the well-being of the entire ocean, with whales found to fertilise oceans and help boost phytoplankton production, which captures carbon dioxide and generates oxygen. "Thriving and healthy whale populations benefit nature and people," Mr Johnson said.
West Australian
2 days ago
- Politics
- West Australian
Maps reveal 'obstacle course' for migrating whales
Whales are forced to pick through a maze of hazards on their annual voyages north, including shark nets and busy shipping routes, mapping suggests. Whale-watching season is in full swing along Australia's east and west coasts as the underwater giants make the long trek to warmer waters. Humpbacks spend winter breeding in warm tropical waters before returning to southern Antarctica during summer to feed. Yet world-first interactive maps from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and more than 50 global research groups reveal a "dangerous and sometimes fatal obstacle course" for whales migrating through Australian waters. The publicly available maps overlay whale migration routes with shipping, fishing, climate and other information to better understand whale journeys. Global lead of the fund's protecting whales and dolphins initiative, Chris Johnson, said ship strikes, fishing gear, underwater noise, plastic pollution and climate change all posed hazards for the giant marine mammals. "Ship strikes, entanglement in fishing gear and shark nets are a growing concern on Australia's east coast, especially during humpback whale migration season," Mr Johnson said. The geographic information could help inform speed restrictions and vessel re-routing to minimise collisions, he said. A better understanding of whale migration patterns could also help the design of no-take zones and marine parks protected from fishing. "This platform transforms decades of science into a tool for action - showing when, where and how to protect whales in a rapidly changing ocean," Mr Johnson said. The maps have been released ahead of a major United Nations ocean conference in France in June, with greater protections for critical marine habitats top of the agenda. Securing the 60 country ratifications needed to lock in the all-important high seas biodiversity agreement would lay the foundation to safeguard 30 per cent of the world's oceans in marine sanctuaries by 2030. High temperatures and marine heatwaves are also influencing whale migration cues, with sightings on NSW's far south coast as early as March thought to have been linked to climatic changes in the Antarctic depleting food stocks. Krill, the tiny crustaceans baleen whales feed on, have been declining in some regions as their sea ice habitats shrink. Mr Johnson said patchy prey availability was potentially behind shifting migration patterns but there were still many unknowns and more research was needed. Healthy whale populations support the well-being of the entire ocean, with whales found to fertilise oceans and help boost phytoplankton production, which captures carbon dioxide and generates oxygen. "Thriving and healthy whale populations benefit nature and people," Mr Johnson said.
Business Wire
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Maxar Space Systems Selected to Build High-Power EchoStar XXVI Satellite
PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Maxar Space Systems, a trusted partner in satellite design and manufacturing, today announced it has been awarded a contract by EchoStar Corporation (Nasdaq: SATS) to manufacture EchoStar XXVI, a high-power geostationary communications satellite based on the Maxar 1300™ platform. EchoStar XXVI will deliver robust coverage to DISH TV customers across all 50 U.S. states, including Puerto Rico, and is engineered for dual orbital slot performance, giving EchoStar enhanced operational flexibility to meet evolving customer and network demands. 'EchoStar's selection of the Maxar 1300™ platform underscores our commitment to delivering high-performance satellites that meet our customers' most demanding requirements,' said Chris Johnson, CEO, Maxar Space Systems. 'We're proud to continue supporting EchoStar's mission with another spacecraft that offers the proven reliability that Maxar Space Systems is known for in the industry.' The satellite will support EchoStar's mission of providing coverage and continue to ensure high-capacity direct-to-home services across its customer base. EchoStar XXVI is scheduled for delivery in 2028. 'EchoStar is committed to delivering an unmatched experience with DISH TV,' said Gunter Kamper, SVP of DISH Technologies, EchoStar Corporation. 'Our ongoing investments across the board—especially with EchoStar XXVI—will ensure long-term access to our award-winning, satellite entertainment platform. Maxar Space Systems has been, and remains, a trusted partner in this mission.' EchoStar XXVI marks the latest chapter in a decades-long collaboration between EchoStar and Maxar Space Systems. It joins a long line of EchoStar satellites built by Maxar Space Systems, reinforcing the strength of the partnership and the reliability of the Maxar 1300™ platform. With more than 95 Maxar Space-built geostationary satellites currently on orbit, this mission adds to Maxar Space Systems' proud legacy of delivering advanced space systems that power global connectivity and innovation. About Maxar Space Systems Maxar Space Systems is a leading satellite manufacturer and provider of advanced solutions for space exploration. We deliver innovative solutions to commercial and government customers helping them unlock the promise of space to solve problems on Earth and beyond. We address a broad spectrum of needs for our customers, including mission systems engineering, product design, spacecraft manufacturing, assembly, integration and testing. Maxar Space Systems is a trusted partner in commercial and government missions, combining more than 65 years of deep mission understanding and industry leading performance. For more information, visit About EchoStar Corporation EchoStar Corporation (Nasdaq: SATS) is a premier provider of technology, networking services, television entertainment and connectivity, offering consumer, enterprise, operator and government solutions worldwide under its EchoStar®, Boost Mobile®, Sling TV, DISH TV, Hughes®, HughesNet®, HughesON™, and JUPITER™ brands. In Europe, EchoStar operates under its EchoStar Mobile Limited subsidiary and in Australia, the company operates as EchoStar Global Australia. For more information, visit and follow EchoStar on X (Twitter) and LinkedIn. ©2025 EchoStar. Hughes, HughesNet, DISH, and Boost Mobile are registered trademarks of one or more affiliate companies of EchoStar Corp. Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements that reflect management's current expectations, assumptions, and estimates of future performance and economic conditions. Maxar Space Systems cautions investors that any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and future trends to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Maxar Space Systems disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, other than as may be required under applicable securities law.
ABC News
6 days ago
- Health
- ABC News
Good dog: Survival of the friendliest
'Man's best friend' sure sounds better than 'obligatory symbiont', but what are the true dynamics at play? There's no denying the bond people feel and the attachment dogs have for their humans, but if we put that beautiful relationship under scientific scrutiny, does it hold up? Can any dog go 'full Lassie' if you (or Timmy) gets stuck down a well? Will your dog save you? Featuring: Professor Clive Wynne, animal psychologist, Arizona State University Professor Clive Wynne, animal psychologist, Arizona State University Dr. Mia Cobb, Chaser Innovation Research Fellow (Canine Welfare Science), Animal Welfare Science Centre at the University of Melbourne Dr. Mia Cobb, Chaser Innovation Research Fellow (Canine Welfare Science), Animal Welfare Science Centre at the University of Melbourne Professor Chris Johnson, the University of Tasmania Professor Chris Johnson, the University of Tasmania Dr. Annika Bremhorst, founder of Dogs and Science, and canine scientist at the University of Bern Further reading: Production:
