Andrew Lewin discusses the recent incident of a pod of orcas trapped in ice off the coast of Japan. He explains how a researcher discovered the stranded orcas and alerted the authorities, leading to widespread concern and viral footage. Andrew also touches on the importance of understanding why whales and orcas get stuck in ice. The episode was prompted by a listener, Eddie Benningfeld, who reached out to Andrew on Instagram. Tune in to learn more about this event and how it highlights the need for ocean conservation. Link to article: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68226423 Follow a career in conservation: https://www.conservation-careers.com/online-training/ Use the code SUFB to get 33% off courses and the careers program.   Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc    A pod of orcas off the coast of Japan recently made headlines when they were discovered trapped in ice. The distressing situation was captured on drone footage by a researcher who spotted the pod, consisting of about a dozen orcas, bobbing up and down in the ice. Concerned individuals quickly shared the footage online and contacted authorities in Japan for assistance. The video showed the orcas tightly packed together, with some reports even suggesting that they had blood on their jaws, indicating their attempts to find holes in the ice to breathe and break free. Orcas frequently come to the surface to breathe, so being trapped in ice can be life-threatening for them. Efforts were made to rescue the trapped orcas, with petitions signed and authorities contacted. In some cases, icebreakers were used to break up the ice and create pathways for the orcas to swim to safety. However, the fate of the trapped orcas remained uncertain until they were discovered to have disappeared. The disappearance of the orcas has led to speculation that they managed to escape from the ice. It is believed that they may have found a path with multiple holes in the ice, allowing them to navigate their way out. The exact details of their escape are unknown, but the fact that they are no longer trapped is a positive development. This incident highlights the vulnerability of orcas and other marine mammals to getting trapped in ice. While it is not uncommon for orcas to become stuck in ice, it is always a cause for concern due to the potential for injury or death. The rescue efforts and attention brought to this incident demonstrate the public's concern for the well-being of these iconic marine species. Continued monitoring of the situation is important to ensure the pod of orcas remains safe and does not become trapped again. The incident also serves as a reminder of the need to protect and conserve marine habitats to prevent such situations from occurring in the future. Orcas and other whales can become stuck in ice when hunting under the ice and surfacing to breathe. This is a common occurrence in the Arctic region, where these whales often venture to hunt. Orcas, in particular, are known for their frequent surfacing to breathe, unlike other whale species that can stay submerged for longer periods. When hunting, orcas swim beneath the ice and search for prey. They rely on small holes or openings in the ice to come up and breathe. However, sometimes the ice freezes around them or becomes too packed, making it difficult for them to find a way out. This can result in them getting trapped under the ice. The recent incident off the coast of Japan, where a pod of orcas was found trapped in ice, highlights the potential dangers these animals face. The drone footage captured by a researcher showed the orcas bobbing up and down in the ice, unable to move for several hours. The distressing video went viral, raising concerns among those who saw it. Efforts were ma