Animating the Ocean with Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC)

We’ve always been so inspired by Whale and Dolphin Conservation’s commitment to challenge and change international policy and are proud to support their fight to create safe ocean spaces for whales and dolphins - our climate allies. We can’t wait for updates on this exciting campaign and learn more around how whales help restore the ocean and heal our planet.

WDC, is the leading charity dedicated to the conservation and protection of whales and dolphins in the UK and beyond. Driven by the vision of a world where every whale and dolphin is safe and free, WDC is embarking on the next steps of their epic Climate Giants Project.

The Climate Giants Project intends to unlock the potential of our planet’s largest nature-based solutions to the climate crisis. We’re honoured to be part of WDC’s journey, by supporting their revolutionary ‘Animating the Ocean’ research.

Find out more about our involvement in the Climate Giants Project via our Animal Welfare Blog.

What is Animating the Ocean?

Animating the Ocean, also referred to as ‘AnimOcean’, is a research project that aims to use the latest computer modelling technology to measure the oceanic impact of marine mammals.

As the first computer model of its kind, AnimOcean will empower WDC to assess how marine mammals, like whales and dolphins, capture and lock away carbon.

The data collected through AnimOcean will become more robust over time, allowing WDC to enhance marine protected area management and conservation efforts.

(A ‘computer model’ refers to a plan or design, created using computer technology, that is intended to simulate and study complex systems through a combination of maths and science.)

How does AnimOcean work?

AnimOcean will work by pulling together wide-ranging data and running it through state-of-the-art computer modelling, to improve our understanding of marine mammals’ contribution to the carbon cycle and ocean health.

By studying the daily behaviours of marine mammals, then integrating that data into an oceanographic computer model, WDC can learn how whales and dolphins affect ocean processes.

The significant outputs of AnimOcean will span science, conservation, management, education, and outreach – for example:

• Publishing 4-6 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals (in other words, articles about AnimOcean will be examined by other scientists, to ensure they’re providing correct, high-quality information before being published).
• Making the REMAP-Marine model, and NEMO ocean model, available as a tool for global conservation.
• Allowing the calculation by AnimOcean tools and data to determine marine mammals’ contribution to ecosystems and carbon services.
• Ensuring data and analysis results provide information as to the ecophysiology (response to environmental conditions) and prey of marine mammals, to better support wild populations.
• Exhibition and attendance at key events, including UNFCCC COP, UN Ocean Conference, the Ecological Society of America, and World Wilderness Conference.

How will AnimOcean make a difference?

Did you know? The ocean captures 25% of all carbon dioxide emissions; whales support this, since their poo fertilises phytoplankton – which captures the same amount of carbon annually as 148 billion trees!

Shockingly, despite the significance of their role in biodiversity, marine mammals have never been included in global ocean computer models before – their contributions aren’t taken into account within international agreements. So, AnimOcean intends to fill gaps in research, as identified by the International Whaling Commission (IWC) Scientific Committee.

Understanding the impact of marine mammals on the health of our oceans, through AnimOcean, will enable them to be considered within the Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change reports and recommendations.

An acknowledgement of marine mammals as helpful in tackling climate change should aid in international policy making, too.

Plus, by illustrating the importance of protecting precious species, like whales and dolphins, WDC can encourage the setting of conservation goals and guide management programmes on behalf of marine mammals.

Where can I learn more about WDC?

To learn more about WDC and discover the many ways you can get involved in helping marine mammals today, please visit the WDC charity page.

Don’t forget to listen to our ‘fintastic’ podcast episode with Whale and Dolphin Conservation, where you’ll uncover some fascinating facts about magnificent marine mammals!