Topic: Marine Biology

Researchers have discovered evidence that "Biggs" or non-resident orcas from Russia are hunting and eating Southern Resident orcas off the coast. This is a significant development as Southern Residents were previously thought to have no natural predators. The hosts jokingly refer to this as the "Orca War."

A beluga whale nicknamed "Valdimir" has gained international attention after appearing off the coast of Norway wearing a harness labeled "Property of St. Petersburg." Marine biologists believe the whale was trained by the Russian military, as it responds to human signals and retrieves dropped items like cameras and phones. Similar sightings of beluga whales in the Seine River have fueled theories about aquatic mammal training programs.

The discovery of an 18-foot oarfish off Catalina Island and a rare beaked whale in Venice Beach sparks a discussion on marine anomalies. The segment highlights a Japanese legend suggesting that oarfish beachings serve as a warning for impending earthquakes, citing similar occurrences before the 2011 Fukushima disaster.

Residents of West Seattle have reported a mysterious low-frequency hum keeping them awake. While some suggest industrial machinery or a "motorized Stargate," marine biologists from the University of Washington attribute the sound to the mating calls of the midshipman fish.

The Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology reports that mass strandings of dolphins and whales are likely caused by powerful military sonar rendering the animals deaf. The sonar acts as a blinding force for marine life that relies on echolocation, leading them to beach themselves in search of quiet. Despite various legal challenges, the military continues to use high-powered sonar in sensitive habitats.