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Vanessa Pirotta

Vanessa Pirotta

The Conversation

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A 5.3 million‑year‑old whale graveyard has been found on the floor of the Indian Ocean

Chinese scientists have discovered hundreds of ancient whale carcasses deep in the Diamantina Zone off the coast of Western Australia.

11.06.2026 10

The Conversation

Vanessa Pirotta

Seahorses and shark fins are illegally trafficked. An AI tool could help stop this crime

Many marine creatures are among the 4,000 species affected by wildlife trafficking.

08.06.2026 20

The Conversation

Vanessa Pirotta

Timmy the stranded whale is dead. Please, let’s put animal welfare first and human emotion second

Like everyone, I cared about Timmy. We all did. But our responses need to be ethical.

20.05.2026 10

The Conversation

Vanessa Pirotta

Squeak up! I can’t hear you: pilot whales are shouting to hear themselves over ship noise

A new study highlights how noise pollution in the ocean is changing animals’ behaviour.

08.05.2026 10

The Conversation

Vanessa Pirotta

Drone footage captured orcas crafting tools out of kelp – and using them for grooming

For the first time, orcas have been seen making and using tools out of seaweed. The reason? Most likely as a form of social grooming.

24.06.2025 20

The Conversation

Vanessa Pirotta