Best fishes for 2012!

World's largest blue whale colony?

As it happens, the channel 7 documentary on the amazing blue whales of Sri Lanka is doing its rounds again. But this time, it is accompanied by the title 'World's largest blue whale colony discovered in Sri Lanka' or 'World's largest blue whale discovered in Sri Lanka'. I guess this is where I set the record straight.....

Firstly, we do not have an inkling about how big or small the population of blue whales that visit our waters is.....the one thing we do know is that they are the least known population in the world and we are only beginning to unravel their secrets. On top of this, they are by no means the largest blue whales in the world...the whales around Sri Lanka are actually a variety of pygmy blue whale and as the name implies, they are smaller (25m vs. 30m!) than the blue whales off places like California. 

What is most important however is that we don't lose our fascination just because this particular population isn't the largest...Blue whales as a species (all the different populations in the world) do represent the largest animal to ever roam the planet after all. The mere fact that we live side by side with these giants should encourage us to work together to protect them for future generations. Do you feel lucky?

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/