The numbers are shocking. In this year alone, 537 innocent animals have been trapped in Queensland’s shark nets and drumlines – only 13 survived. Drones are currently being trialled at five beaches in Queensland to spot sharks and alert swimmers. These trials are only due to run the trial until the end of November, but View full story
Minjerribah, or North Stradbroke Island, is located on Queensland’s coast and is well known for its scenic headlands, rolling surf and white sandy beaches. Many of the island’s 375,000 yearly visitors are drawn by its precious marine life, their trip not complete without a visit to Amity Point to hand-feed the resident dolphins. But this View full story
By Zoe Bennett Late last month, French Ecology Minister Barbara Pompili announced a gradual end to dolphin and orca captivity. The three remaining marine parks in France are now prohibited from breeding or importing cetaceans, and direct contact between animals and the general public is no longer permitted. No new parks will be built and View full story
AFD has met with council members, MPs, and decision makers in Queensland to advocate for non-lethal alternatives to shark nets and lethal drumlines. Late last month, the state government finally approved a trial of shark spotter drones. This non-lethal technology is being used to identify sharks on five beaches in southern Queensland, the Sunshine Coast, View full story
On the 1st of September the annual Taiji dolphin hunting season began. Last year’s hunting season was horrific. A shocking 130 drive hunts took place killing 560 dolphins and taking a further 180 for captivity. Eight years ago AFD’s founder Sarah Lucas travelled to Taiji and witnessed the hunts first-hand. What she saw inspired her View full story
Earlier this month two beluga whales were successfully released into a sea-pen sanctuary in Iceland. Little White and Little Grey made international headlines as they settled into their new home – the world’s first open water sanctuary for belugas. A beluga is lowered by sling into the world’s first beluga sanctuary. Photo credit: SEA LIFE View full story
The stats on marine animals killed in Australia’s shark nets are staggering. Between 2001 and 2020 shark nets and lethal drumlines caught an enormous 15,188 animals in Queensland alone, including turtles, dolphins, dugongs, and rays. The technology behind shark nets was devised in the 30s and hasn’t been updated since. There are many solid and View full story
AFD has been working to remove shark nets from Noosa’s main beach. Just last year these nets caught a baby humpback whale – which struggled for three hours while its mother waited by its side. Council elections were recently held in Noosa – congratulations to Clare Stewart for becoming the new Mayor! With the change View full story
Fishing nets are the number one biggest threat to dolphins and porpoise worldwide. Every year, thousands are accidentally captured and killed in the UK. Their mutilated bodies wash up dead on beaches, tangled in nets or missing fins and tails. Current legislation means fishing boats under 12 metres do not need to monitor dolphin bycatch View full story
While it’s tough being stuck at home, it doesn’t mean you can’t keep busy saving marine life. There are many ways you can continue to help – read on to hear our top 8 ideas! Sign and share a petition Signing a petition is one of the best ways you can stay active on key View full story