#kristi west
New technology detects deadly whale, dolphin diseases
New marine mammal surveillance revolutionizes the response to mass stranding events by allowing immediate, on-site detection.
Human-caused trauma, infectious disease found in more than 65% of investigated whale and dolphin strandings
From land-borne pathogens to high-speed vessel strikes, Pacific whales and dolphins are caught in a “perfect storm” where human-caused trauma and infectious diseases were found in more than 65% of investigated strandings. A study spanning nearly two decades by University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa researchers provides insights into the threats whales and dolphins face in the Pacific Islands.
Morbillivirus Disease Found in Deceased Dolphin on Maui in 2018, Raises Concerns
After two years of investigating the cause of death of a Fraser’s dolphin that was stranded on Maui in 2018, researchers discovered a novel strain of morbillivirus, a marine mammal disease responsible for deadly outbreaks among dolphins and whales worldwide.
Researchers Laud Recovery of Stranded Rare False Killer Whale
Only three Hawaiian false killer whales have been reported stranded in the past 18 years. “With less than 200 individuals alive today, every piece of information is critical,” says Dr. Kristi West, head of Hawaiʻi Pacific University’s stranding program.
