Researchers set off to study humpback whales

Researchers set off to study humpback whales

RDM News Wire | 28 October, 2015 16:26

A Humpback Whale. File picture
Image by: Gregory "Greg" Smith / Flickr

Two South African ships on Wednesday embarked on a 10-day scientific research voyage to collect data on the humpback whale off the West coast of South Africa.

The RV Algoa‚ which belongs to the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA)‚ and the FRS Ellen Khuzwayo‚ which belongs to the the Department of Agriculture‚ Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF)‚ will nake their way to an area between Dassen Island and Groenriviermond to conduct the research.

RV Algoa will 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‚” a statement released by the DEA said.

In addition to environmental sampling‚ a team of researchers will be recording every whale seen along a pre-designed research path.

The FRS Ellen Khuzwayo will sample humpback whales in the region - this includes collecting DNA samples‚ taking photographs of whale tails/flukes which serve as a unique identifier similar to finger prints in humans and attaching satellite tracking instruments in order to understand their movement and behaviour.

Small cameras will be attached on selected whales.

Humpback whales are a charismatic and acrobatic large whale species that typically visits the West coast of Africa every winter for breeding.

Upon completion of breeding activities‚ they begin their 2500km swimming journey to Bouvet Island‚ South West of Cape Town in late spring/early summer.

These whales were heavily exploited and reduced to low numbers until interventions by concerned states through the International Whaling Commission (IWC)‚ of which South Africa is a founding member.

The whales gather in South Africa for a feeding frenzy that scientists believe is unique to South Africa in the Southern Hemisphere.

It is suspected that changes driven by climate change have influenced this “unusual” behaviour.

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 question around their breeding locality
.