The Center for Cetacean Research and Conservation was founded nearly two decades ago by President and Director Nan Hauser on the island of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. The Cook Islands Whale Research Project investigates the humpback whale population that travels through the equatorial South Pacific. Research topics within the project are diverse, ranging from satellite tagging and migration to acoustics and climate change.
To read more about Nan and her work, please visit our sister site at nanhauser.com.
Many people underestimate the impact marine life has on climate.
Recently, the impact of whales on climate has been further explored and astounding conclusions have reached. The interdisciplinary nature of marine science is demonstrated in so many oceanic processes. The “whale pump” is an oceanic process in which chemistry, geology, physics and biology intertwine to reveal a significant decrease in atmospheric CO2 because of whales.
What’s the secret to whales saving the climate? Poo. Seriously.
Conservation of large marine mammals has become a tool that we can use to combat climate change. Though many more steps need to be taken to promote a healthy atmosphere, preservation of marine species, including humpback whales, is an important factor to consider. Click the link above or click the video to the right to learn about how whale poo impacts our atmosphere.