Two vessels set sail to research humpback whales
The South African Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), has together with several international scientists, embarked on a a 10-day voyage to study the humpback whales in the region.
The crew of scientists set out to sea on Wednesday in two research vessels, the RV Algoa and the FRS Ellen Khuzwayo, each belonging to the DEA and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (Daff) respectively.
DEA spokesperson Zolile Nqayi said the crew abroad the RV Algoa would “collect data on the humpback whale between Dassen Island and Groenriviermond off the West Coast of South Africa”.
The focus of the research is to “focus on environmental sampling for analysis of chemical make-up of the region; this will include checking the available nutrients, and available food for whales. In addition to environmental sampling, a dedicated team of researchers will be recording every whale seen along a pre-designed research path”.
The humpback whales usually visit Africa’s west coast every winter to breed. They traval 2,500km from and once the breeding season is over, they return to the island in late spring or early summer.
They also gather in South Africa for a “feeding frenzy that scientists believe is unique to South Africa in the Southern Hemisphere” and perhaps driving by climate change.
Nqayi said although an estimated 500 humpback whales are found in South African waters, “no evidence of breeding has been recorded off the West coast of South Africa, raising questions around their breeding locality”.
The FRS Ellen Khuzwayo’s crew would focus on looking at the “biological sampling of humpback whales encountered in the region”.
This sampling includes collecting DNA samples, photographing the whales’ tails or flukes which enable researchers to easily identify them, much like fingerprints in people, and attach satellite tracking devices.
The tracking devices would enable the researchers to understand the whales’ movements and behaviour along the West Coast and as they return to their feeding grounds in the Antarctica.
Humpback whales that are found in South African waters have interesting behavioural characteristics. Some of these whales have suspended their migration, opting to mill around South Africa through all seasons.
“Understanding the dynamics of humpback whales occurring off South Africa is important for population identification, abundance estimation and conservation management.” said Nqayi.
Nqayi said the research “is also part of South Africa’s continued efforts to understand our oceans” and is a DEA project in collaboration with the University of Pretoria’s Mammal Research Institute, Daff, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (USA), Oregon State University (USA), Aqualie Institute (Brazil) and invaluable contributions from Australian Department of Environment’s Marine Mammal Centre and BirdLifeSA.
South Africa is a founding member of the International Whaling Commission.