Environment

Mexican navy says 24 beached whales die

Mexican soldiers and villagers try in vain to move beached whales into deeper waters.

Two dozen pilot whales have died after beaching themselves on the Baja California Peninsula despite efforts to move them into deeper waters, Mexico's navy says.

Japan gives green light to its whalers

A minke whale is unloaded in Kushiro, a port on Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, in 2013.

Japan has finally confirmed it will commence whaling in the Antarctic this summer, despite the weight of court decisions and scientific opinion against it.

Court fines Japanese whalers $1 million

Japanese whalers handle a minke whale alongside a harpoon ship in the Antarctic

Japan's whalers have been fined $1 million over their hunt in the Australian Antarctic whale sanctuary, on the eve of ministerial talks between the two countries.

Australian Antarctic director a bet on science

New Australian Antarctic Division director Nick Gales (left) with other scientists tagging a seal on Heard Island.

Science has been cemented at the top of national polar work, with the choice of the Australian Antarctic Division's internationally recognised Chief Scientist, Nick Gales, as its new Director.

Humpback whales doing swimmingly

On the increase: Humpback whales

Australia's humpback populations are rapidly recovering from the damage caused by whaling and could soon be delisted as a threatened species, scientists say.