ANNIMS 2011

It's been silent around here and I apologise - but I do have a justification. Last week was the 3rd annual Australia National Network in Marine Science conference. Its an event that brings together early career researchers from James Cook University, Queensland, the University of Tasmania, Hobart and the University of Western Australia. Appropriately, the theme of the conference was “Marine Science in Tropical, Temperate and Southern Oceans”. ANNIMS presents a great opportunity to learn about science happening around Australia, network and exchange ideas.

The paper I presented discussed drivers of inter-annual variability in blue whale distribution off Southern Sri Lanka. Basically, what causes changes in where we see the blue whales from year to year. I got some interesting feedback that will help me move forward with the work and have a more complete analysis for presentation at the Ocean Sciences Meeting in Salt Lake City next year.

I hope you all had a peaceful two weeks - don't get too used to it :)

  

Migrating whale numbers hit 50-year high

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

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

Excerpt from footage: A bat feeding on nectar while its baby clings to its stomach! 

Here is an incredible TED talk about pollination supported by some phenomenal footage. I realise this has nothing to do with the marine world, but could not resist sharing it. Please enjoy!!

http://www.ted.com/talks/louie_schwartzberg_the_hidden_beauty_of_pollination.html

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.

The animated whale banner can be seen at http://www.wdcs.co.uk/media/flash/whalebanner/content_us.html

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?

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-adv-whale-greeters-20111103,0,4500221.story

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!

http://www.grindtv.com/outdoor/blog/30788/passenger+goes+eye-to-eye+with+blue+whale+in+amazingly+close+encounter/

Leviathan Sanctuary

An interesting, well-balanced article about whale watching in Sri Lanka. Includes views from the tourism industry, whale watch operators and marine biologists. Definitely WORTH A READ because for once the writer, in this case Charitha Fernando, does not solely harp on the promotion of tourism as countless articles do - but highlights the importance of management and being responsible about protecting these resources we have been blessed with. Well done Charitha!

Click on the link to read the full article:

http://www.lbr.lk/fullstory.php?nid=201110271720167791

(Published in the Lanka Business Review on 27th October 2011)

A Colossal Convergence

A Sri Lankan elephant in Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka. Photo by Yasha Hetzel

A sperm whale flukes up off Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. Photo by Asha de Vos

As a Sri Lankan, I have always been fascinated with elephants. They are part of our past, present and I pray they will be a part of our future. 

One day I happened upon this article that compared the life histories and social structure of two of my favourite species; elephants and whales - in this case, sperm whales. It's an easy to read article and comes highly recommended. The first two authors, Weilgart and Whitehead spent a few years in Sri Lanka in the early 1980s conducting research on sperm whales as part of the 'Tulip' expedition. Some of the results from their research are included in this paper.

Abstract:

Sperm whales and elephants share similar life histories and social structures, which include social females and roving males. Weilgart et al discuss recent results from long-term studies of sperm whales and African savannah elephants, describing an interesting example of convergent evolution and highlighting the vulnerability to exploitation that results from the mode of life that these animals have evolved.

Click on this link to read the full text

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/brp/elephant/media/pdf/A%20colossal%20convergence.pdf