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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

Thank you to all members who contributed time, energy and expertise throughout the year. We look forward to building on this momentum as we move into the next phase of HuDoNet’s journey. #HuDoNET #WorkingTogether #HumpbackDolphinConservation #Celebration

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

This was an informative and valuable step towards strengthening alignment with international policy frameworks. We also launched HuDoNet’s social media programme, helping to increase our visibility and communicate our work more broadly. #HuDoNET #WorkingTogether #HumpbackDolphinConservation

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

to share their research with the rest of our network. In addition, we strengthened our links with the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), hosting a workshop in which CMS introduced its instruments and mechanisms relevant to dolphin conservation. #ConservationResearch #Collaboration

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

Here our work was showcased alongside other cetacean networks at the Cetacean Specialist Group booth. Other highlights included an internal seminar that allowed HuDoNet members who had presented at the 2024 Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals (SMM) ... #humpbackdolphinconservation

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

where HuDoNet strengthened internal connections and expanded its visibility within the wider marine conservation community. In October, HuDoNet was represented at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, UAE by Ada Natoli. #HuDoNET #WorkingTogether #HumpbackDolphinConservation

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

the Sharjah International Conservation Forum for Arabian Biodiversity (SICFAB). Here we also found some new recruits, including members from Yemen — a country previously unrepresented in the network. In September, members from eastern, southern, and island Africa gathered in Kenya at WIOMSA,

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

which articulates 13 Priority Actions to work towards the conservation of the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin. HuDoNet was also well represented on regional and global platforms. In February, our Arabian members connected at... #HuDoNET #WorkingTogether #HumpbackDolphinConservation

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

As we reflect on 2025, there is much to celebrate. Most significantly among our highlights, this year marked a major collaborative milestone for HuDoNet: our collective effort to design a short- to medium-term roadmap for the network which culminated in HuDoNet's Network Action Plan, ... #HuDoNET

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

If you care about and are interested in marine conservation, follow the MRI Whale Unit’s journey and support the remarkable people pushing to secure a future for marine mammals. Pictures courtesy MRI Whale Unit #MRIWhaleUnit #UniversityOfPretoria #SouSA #HuDoNet #OceanScience #SouthAfrica

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

long-term coastal field research, the MRI Whale Unit is advancing science-based solutions that give humpback dolphins, and other marine mammals, a fighting chance. Their work is protecting not just marine mammal species — but the health of South Africa’s coastal ecosystems. #MakingADifference

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

Furthermore, the MRI Whale Unit is set to be a cornerstone of the upcoming South African Whale Centre in Hermanus — a major new hub for marine mammal research, education, and conservation outreach. From pioneering international cooperation to #MRIWhaleUnit #UniversityOfPretoria #SouSA #HuDoNet

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

as they directly contribute to the SouSA Consortium, conducting small-boat surveys for photo-identification and biopsy sampling in order to monitor humpback dolphin population structure and health along the coastline. #CetaceanResearch #MRIWhaleUnit #HuDoNet #OceanScience #SouthAfrica

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

thus leading crucial research and conservation efforts for the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin, among a plethora of important marine mammal research being conducted. This amazing team, led by Dr Els Vermeulen, is strengthening South Africa’s conservation response... #MRIWhaleUnit #HuDoNET

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

The Mammal Research Institute (MRI) Whale Unit at the University of Pretoria (UP) is this week’s spotlight member! UP’s MRI Whale Unit plays a crucial role in galvanising conservation action for humpback dolphins through their involvement as one of HuDoNET’s key partners, #MRIWhaleUnit #Research

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

Scottish Oceans Institute, who are also HuDoNet collaborators. Join us as we follow this expedition and provide updates—one paddle stroke at a time. You can also follow along on the website: oman3165.com #Oman3165 #MarineScience #OceanStewardship

oman3165.com

A Kayak Expedition Along The Coastline Of Oman- Oman3165

Starting in November 2025, Oman 3165 is 70 day journey by kayak along the coastline of Oman in celebration of World Maritime Day supporting maritime research.

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

As Mark will be travelling in shallow water near the shore, this offers a unique opportunity to evaluate Indian Ocean humpback dolphin presence along the entire coast of Oman. Analysis of the sounds (bioacoustic analysis) will be conducted by the University of St Andrews, [...] #OMAN3165Expedition

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

he will be gathering scientific data on ocean health and marine biodiversity. Most exciting (to us) is that Mark is collaborating with one of our HuDoNet members: Andrew Willson, of Future Seas. A hydrophone will be towed to record the sounds of whales and dolphins. #MarineScience #OceanStewardship

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

The expedition will be transmitted to the world via podcasts (lnkd.in/gVdGF8bi) and education outreach to schools and communities along the route. This kayak journey is conceived as a floating science platform: as Mark Evans paddles through diverse coastal habitats, [...] #OMAN3165 #HuDoNet

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

Today is World Maritime day and as such, we’d like to spotlight The Oman 3165 Expedition, which launched on 13 November 2025. It involves an ambitious 70-day, kayak expedition along Oman’s full 3165 km coastline. #Oman3165 #MarineScience #OceanStewardship #HuDoNET #Collaboration

oman3165.com

Expedition Podcasts - Oman3165

Once the Oman 3165 expedition starts in November 2025, a series of regular podcasts will enable you to follow the progress of the journey. Listen here.

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 21/11/2025

This is something we as IndoCet will begin to tackle, collectively. Asante sana to everyone driving this collective effort and to Globice for organising the meeting. #IndoCet #Globice #CetizenProject #HumpbackDolphins #MarineConservation #WesternIndianOcean #CetaceanResearch

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 21/11/2025

There were more projects showcased than can be mentioned, yet there are as many, if not more, threats to our cetaceans and everybody agreed that a regional action plan for research-based conservation and mitigation of threats is needed. #CetaceanResearch #IndoCet #Globice

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 21/11/2025

🔵 Kenya Marine Mammal Network, conducting marine mammal surveys while collaborating with communities on bycatch and other issues; 🔵 HuDoNet, galvanising conservation action for humpback dolphins. #IndoCet #Globice #CetizenProject #HumpbackDolphins #MarineConservation #WesternIndianOcean

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 21/11/2025

Other networks also showcased their work: 🔵 NeMMO: leveraging ships that are already engaged in other activities to collect marine mammal data; #IndoCet #NetworkofMarineMammalObservers #MarineConservation #WesternIndianOcean #CetaceanResearch

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 21/11/2025

The Cet’izen Project is another fabulous regional project, including Reunion, Madagascar, Mayotte and Kenya, led by Globice. They are developing educational tools and activities to engage citizens in cetacean science. Their pictures are worth a thousand words. Really professional! #CetizenProject

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 21/11/2025

Globice’s scientists shared new findings on the diffusion of humpback whale song across 17 different locations in the WIO. Their analysis found an eastward diffusion of songs between years, with a year’s delay, and complex connectivity within years. #IndoCet #Globice #Conservation #CetaceanResearch

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 21/11/2025

We’re wrapping up the IndoCet session summary by highlighting the diverse research and innovation happening across the WIO region — from whale songs to science communication to coordinated conservation networks. #IndoCet #Globice #CetizenProject #MarineConservation #CetaceanResearch

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 12/11/2025

understand both the ecological and social impacts of depredation, and work toward solutions that support coexistence. These are great examples that highlight the power of collaboration to scale up efforts and produce outcomes greater than the sum of their individual parts. #IndoCet #HuDoNET #WIO

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 12/11/2025

involving 5 countries, i.e. Comoros, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa, and France, is investigating how toothed whales interact with the fisheries industry. By studying depredation (when whales or dolphins take fish off lines), the team aims to [...] #IndoCet #Collaboration #Conservation

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 12/11/2025

💠 During the 2025 Synchronised Whale Counting Day, eight countries — Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Madagascar, South Africa, Réunion, Mayotte, and Mauritius — recorded 447 humpback whale sightings in a single day! 💠 Another key collaboration [...] #IndoCet #MarineResearch #HuDoNET #Collaboration

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 12/11/2025

SouthWest Indian Ocean, tracking the presence, movements, behaviour and ecology of a variety of marine mammals - and noise in their environment. 💠 Over 9,000 individual humpback whales have been identified through over 11,000 encounters on Happywhale @happywhale.bsky.social #IndoCet #Happywhale

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 12/11/2025

As we continue to speak about the Western Indian Ocean, we’re highlighting how IndoCet partners are joining forces to understand and protect cetaceans. Regional collaboration is thriving: 💠 Around 50 acoustic recorders are listening across the [...] #IndoCet #HumpbackWhales #Collaboration

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 08/11/2025

a collaboration focused on tracking migrating humpback whales to a network encompassing all cetacean species in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO). The message from the final day was clear: “Working together expands our impact exponentially.” #IndoCet #WIOMSA #HuDoNET #CetaceanResearch #WIO

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 08/11/2025

a diverse catalogue of cetacean research in the WIO region — from humpback whales to pygmy killer whales, false killer whales, melon-headed whales, sperm whales, and of course, Indian Ocean humpback dolphins. Since its founding in 2014, IndoCet has grown from [...] #IndoCet #CetaceanResearch

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 08/11/2025

On the final day of the 13th WIOMSA Scientific Symposium, the Indian Ocean Cetacean Consortium, known as IndoCet, hosted a Special Session, which brought researchers together, before saying “Kwaheri” to Mombasa, Kenya. The presentations revealed ... #IndoCet #WIOMSA image courtesy of Dave Hurwitz

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

anchor financial capital in natural capital at local scales to enable community stewardship and ensure they benefit. He advocates for maintaining 25% of every square km as (semi-) natural habitat so that our landscapes (and seascapes) are a mosaic where people and nature deliberately [...] #wiomsa

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

overcoming these needs systemic reforms (values, governance, economies, finance) plus protection for environmental defenders and removal of harmful subsidies. He ended with the “Shared Spaces” philosophy which proposes that, instead of discrete Protected Areas, we should [...] #sharedspaces

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

reform fragmented governance, and enable nature-positive, people-centred transformations. Their Transformative Change Assessment (2024) suggests that today’s nature decline is rooted in disconnection from nature, unequal power/wealth, and short-termism; #TransformativeChangeAssessment #WIOMSA

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

He outlined IPBES’s (2024) Nexus Assessment which synthesises how biodiversity, water, food, health, and climate interconnect, outlining integrated, just policies that deliver co-benefits, reduce trade-offs, [...] #wiomsa #IPBES #NexusAssessment #TransformativeChangeAssessment

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

He talked about coral reefs, climate change, “Burning Embers” and plausible futures. The situation is critical for corals as climate change accelerates. Conservation actions help but cannot keep up with the rate of change. Plausible futures are distressing. #wiomsa #TransformativeChangeAssessment

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

WIOMSA Day 3 highlight was an interesting plenary presentation entitled “Sustainability – balancing nature, economy and society”, delivered by Dr David Obura. He is the current chair of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. #wiomsa #day3 #IPBES #NexusAssessment

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

Other presentations in the session included a photo-id study of the enigmatic Omura’s whale (a beautiful creature) and study of the overlap of marine traffic and cetaceans in the SWIO, which highlighted hotspots where speed restrictions or rerouting could reduce impacts. #wiomsa #day2 #omuraswhale

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

the most important gaps and opportunities to understand and mitigate threats. The outcome was 13 Priority Actions that should strengthen evidence-based recommendations to galvanise humpback-dolphin conservation across the range. #wiomsa #hudonet #actionplan #threats #oneoceanonefuture

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

The other humpback dolphin presentation was given by Shanan Atkins, on behalf of HuDoNet and outlined the process and results of designing the Network Action Plan. It summarised current knowledge of this dolphin conservation system, and [...] #hudonet #actionplan #conservation #wiomsa

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

shallow habitats, with muddy bottoms and low salinity.All the dolphins sighted in Kenya were also seen in Tanzania, suggesting that management of the species needs a regional strategy that includes both countries. #hudonet #wiomsa #marineconservation

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

Gill Braulik presented “Dolphins Without Borders” about synchronized surveys of humpback dolphins conducted in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. They identified about 25 distinctive individuals and found they occurred exclusively in near-shore, shallow habitats,[...] #humpbackdolphinconservation

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

hunting, chemical pollution, plastics and more. Tackling these will take a coordinated strategy among scientists, managers and funders. The aim of the session was to provide explicit examples of work being undertaken. Two of the talks were about humpback dolphins: #hudonet #WIOMSA #humpbackdolphin

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HuDoNet @hudonet.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

Recapping Day 2 at the 13th WIOMSA Scientific Symposium, the highlight of the day was a mini-session focused on Management of threats to marine megafauna in the WIO. There are multiple threats such as fishing, [...] #wiomsa2025 #day2 #oneoceanonefuture #hudonet #oceanscience #marineconservation

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