Aquatic Animal Tracking: The North Atlantic Right Whale

Beyond Research

Coastal communities are increasingly having to better understand the marine environment, including balancing prosperous fisheries and endangered aquatic species. It’s estimated that more than 90% of large oceanic fish have disappeared since the 1950s due to over exploitation, habitat destruction, and a changing climate. Listen to learn how the Ocean Tracking Network (OTN) became the world’s aquatic animal tracking network, deploying state-of-the-art ocean monitoring equipment around the world to inform conservation initiatives, including the protection of the North Atlantic Right Whale.

Find our transcript here: https://researchns.ca/beyondresearch-aquatic-animal-tracking-the-north-atlantic-right-whale/

In Season 1, Episode 10 – Aquatic Animal Tracking: The North Atlantic Right Whale, we cover:

1:23 – What is the Ocean Tracking Network and what does it do?

4:02 – How are aquatic animals tracked?

9:45 – Importance of Right Whales, one of the most critically endangered species in the world

10:33 – Biggest threats to Right Whale’s existence

11:31 – Tracking to understand and prevent threats

15:35 – Public interest and engagement

19:04 – Tracking terrestrial vs. aquatic species

Thank you to our guest:

Dr. Sara Iverson is the Scientific Director of the Ocean Tracking Network (OTN) headquartered at Dalhousie University. OTN is a global monitoring network, providing the scientific foundation for sustainable oceans management.

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