Middle East conflicts a danger for whales off S.Africa: study

AI Summary

New research indicates that increasing conflicts in the Middle East are endangering whale populations off South Africa by rerouting shipping traffic through their habitats. This shift raises the likelihood of collisions and poses serious risks to marine life.

Conflicts in the Middle East are increasing dangers for whales off South Africa by shifting sea traffic into their habitats and heightening the risks of collision, researchers told AFP. The rerouting of shipping around South Africa and away from the Red Sea and Suez Canal since late 2023 has "substantially increased" the chances of ship strikes, they said in new research.