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Sonar Blamed for Mass Stranding of Melon-Headed Whales

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Four years ago, about 100 melon-headed whales mysteriously entered a shallow lagoon system in northwest Madagascar and became stranded. Now scientists say the creatures’ demise was likely brought on by sonar used to map the ocean floor for ExxonMobil.

Previous research has suggested that sonar can be harmful to marine mammals. The underwater noise can mask the calls of dolphins and whales and scare them away from their feeding grounds. Naval exercises using sonar have been linked to a 2008 stranding of at least 60 dolphins along the coast of Cornwall, England.

But researchers say the new findings from Madagascar mark the first time a marine mammal mass stranding has been closely tied to high-frequency sonar mapping.

From May to June 2008, about 100 melon-headed whales (Peponocephala electra) swam into Madagascar’s shallow, tidal Loza Lagoon system, a highly unusually environment for the toothed whales, which usually stick to the open ocean.

An independent review panel made up of five scientists considered a wide range of possible explanations for the mass stranding, including disease, toxins, vessel strikes, storm conditions and unusual acoustic events.

The panel wrote in their newly published report that on May 29, 2008, a day before the first stranding occurred, a survey vessel contracted by ExxonMobil Exploration and Production (Northern Madagascar) had been using a high-power 12 kHz multi-beam echosounder system to map the ocean floor about 40 miles (65 kilometers) offshore. Multibeam sonars send out sound waves in a fan shape beneath a ship’s hull to produce a map of the seafloor.

The 12 kHz sonar emitted by the survey vessel is within the frequency of best hearing sensitivity for melon-headed whales, the panel wrote. But these sounds at the 120-decibel level would be well above the hearing threshold the whales.

The scientists concluded that the sonar mapping was the most “plausible and likely behavioral trigger for the animals initially entering the lagoon system.”

“Implications go well beyond the hydrocarbon industry, as these sonar systems are widely used aboard military and research vessels for generating more precise bathymetry (underwater mapping),” Howard Rosenbaum, director of the Ocean Giants program for the Wildlife Conservation Society, said in a statement.

“We now hope that these results will be used by industry, regulatory authorities, and others to minimize risks and to better protect marine life, especially marine mammal species that are particularly sensitive to increasing ocean noise from human activities,” Rosenbaum said.

ExxonMobil, meanwhile, disputed the findings.

“ExxonMobil believes the panel’s finding about the multi-beam echo sounder is unjustified due to the lack of certainty of information and observations recorded during the response efforts in 2008,” said Patrick McGinn, a spokesman for the company.

Gear News

Introducing the RF-40 Fins from DYNAMICNORD

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With the sporty RF-40 open-heel fin by DYNAMICNORD, you enjoy maximum effectiveness and fun. The innovative design guarantees ease and power – exactly what every diver wants.

Designed and engineered in Germany. Made in Europe.

The RF-40 open-heel fin delivers. Its harder blade will especially delight sporty divers.

The powerful blade of the RF-40 fin and its dynamic design with innovative water channels allow to perform both technical and recreational kicks with maximum propulsion. The power is efficiently transmitted from the foot pocket and sole to the blade for outstanding kick stability and manoeuvrability. With the RF-40 fin, sporty divers are guaranteed to have a blast underwater.

The foot pocket of the open-heel fin is comfortable, and the smart bungee strap enables to make small length adjustments without using any tools. This way, the fin can be used with neoprene boots or with a drysuit. The heel pad has a large finger loop that is easy to grasp even when wearing gloves, making donning and doffing the fin a breeze.

The RF-40 fins are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers in six great colours.

Recommended sales price: £127.00

Sizes: M-XL

Colours: Blue, grey, orange, purple, red, yellow

DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.

www.dynamicnord.com

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Master Your GoPro: Join an Underwater Video Workshop in the Cayman Islands with Carlos Villoch

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underwater video

Capture Your Best Dive Moments in April 2025 at Ocean Frontiers

For the first time, Ocean Frontiers presents an exclusive underwater video workshop series, hosted by renowned videographer Carlos Villoch at the award-winning Compass Point Dive Resort, Grand Cayman. Designed for GoPro enthusiasts, this workshop is your chance to master your camera and capture documentary-quality footage beneath the waves.

underwater video

Why Join?

Expert Training: Carlos Villoch, a BBC-Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year and underwater videography expert, will teach everything from GoPro basics to advanced techniques.

Unparalleled Access: Dive with a dedicated boat, curated dive sites, and expert guidance to help you shoot action-packed, frame-worthy footage.

Custom Gear: Try out Carlos’ unique ‘Glowdive’ accessories, specifically designed for GoPro filming, and take advantage of GoPro features developed with Carlos’ input.

World-Class Diving: Enjoy 15 dives, including reef, wall, wreck, and macro dives, as well as snorkel trips to Stingray City Sandbar.

 

underwater video

2025 Workshop Dates

 
Workshop 1: April 5th to 12th, 2025
 
Workshop 2: April 12th to 19th, 2025
 

Dive and Learn Itinerary Highlights

 
15 dives and 2 snorkel trips, featuring iconic Cayman dive sites.
 
4 classroom sessions on video techniques:
 
*Basics of underwater video*
 
*Accessory usage for optimal results*
 
*Mastering GoPro settings*
 
* Advanced lighting, movement, and editing techniques*
 
Dedicated time with Carlos for personalized guidance and gear testing.
 
Unique dives, including Stingray City, the Kittiwake wreck, and a macro-focused dive.
Social events: Welcome Cruise, optional group dinner, and Farewell Caribbean Buffet.
 
underwater video
 

Stay at Compass Point Dive Resort

 
Experience the ultimate “liveaboard on land” with beachfront condos, roll-out-of-bed access to dive boats, and top-tier amenities. Voted the Caribbean’s Best Dive Resort for two consecutive years, Compass Point is the perfect home base for your underwater videography adventure.
 
underwater video
 

Rates

Dive & Stay Packages (7 nights):

1-bed condo, double diver: US$2,995 per person

2-bed condo, double diver: US$3,395 per person

2-bed condo, quad diver: US$2,570 per person

Add-ons:

Unlimited Nitrox: US$99

Little Cayman Bloody Bay Wall Expedition (3-tank): US$325 (weather permitting)

Diving Only Package:

Workshop & dives: US$1,695 per person

underwater video

Book Now!

Email: reservations@oceanfrontiers.com

USA Toll-Free: 1-800-348-6096

Cayman Direct: 1-345-640-0000

www.oceanfrontiers.com

 

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