This is related to my last blog post about the Tongan humpback whale baby boom. According to this video, the numbers are up around Australia too. Beautiful graceful humpies! http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15731197
My mission: to scientifically understand and effectively protect the blue whales around Sri Lanka and to inspire the next generation of marine biologists who will take over from where I leave off...
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Tongan humpback whale baby boom!
American photographer and researcher Tony Wu has photo-identified and catalogued 48 new calves in the latest humpback whale breeding season in Tonga. These humpbacks calve in the winter around Vava'u in Tonga and in summer migrate past New Zealand's east coast to feed in the Ross Sea. This record number is positive news for the ongoing recovery of the southern hemisphere humpback whale populations.
The photographs are breath-taking and definitely worth your time. You can read the full report and see all the photos by clicking here: http://www.tonywublog.com/20111030/record-number-of-humpback-whale-babies-in-tonga-2011.html. While you are at it - don't forget to browse around for exciting photographs and 'miscellaneous musings' too!
The hidden beauty of pollination
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
BBC One: Frozen Planet
The latest series from BBC takes you to the ends of the earth - its 'the ultimate polar expedition'. Because the Sri Lankan blues don't particularly like the polar regions, they haven't been captured in this documentary but I've heard from a friend that there's some pretty amazing whale (and other) footage on the show. If you live in the UK I believe the second episode is being aired on the 9th of November on BBC One from 2100 hrs and the final episode is on the 13th of November at the same time.
Unfortunately I will not be able to indulge in the delights of this show just yet - but I do urge you to spare an hour and enjoy...for me as well!
Last chance to see a life size blue whale!
"Think before you close this window. This might be the last life size whale you will ever see."
A life size blue whale on your screen is the latest tool designed to raise awareness about the risk of whaling to whale populations. The banner, part of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society's Stop Bloody Whaling campaign, gives viewers a glimpse of a life size animated blue whale, the largest animal to ever roam the planet. The campaign highlights the growing danger to great whales from a cruel and increasingly aggressive commercial whaling industry.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Humpback whales off Santa Cruz pose a danger to sightseers
The whole point of going whale watching or any kind of wildlife watching should be to witness an animal engaging in natural behaviours in its natural environment. Getting too close only serves to harass and disrupt the activity it was engaging in - which might be vital for its survival. What purpose does that serve? In a country with no whale watching regulations in place, we see this 'cowboy'-esque behaviour all too often. Getting too close, driving too fast, accelerating suddenly, crossing in front of the whales are all sure-fire methods for us to disrupt and drive away these populations that already face a host of other threats. Do your part and only support responsible whale watching operations.
This article highlights that while its a real problem for the whales it also becomes a danger to sightseers. Whales are not called gigantic for nothing. One disaster could spell the demise of the entire industry. Then what?
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Passenger goes eye to eye with blue whale
Neat footage taken from the underwater viewing pod of a whale-watching vessel off Southern California. Click on the link below to join in the excitement!
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