Aerial Survey Unveils a Majestic Whale Bonanza

A number of parent/calf pairs were spotted during the survey.

In a thrilling spectacle that unfolded against the backdrop of Nature’s Valley, the 2023 annual southern right whale aerial survey commenced its mission to gather vital data about these magnificent creatures.

During the initial two days of the survey, their exclamations echoed the sentiment of awe as they witnessed an abundance of these majestic beings. “Many, many whales!” exclaimed Dr. Vermeulen. Their journey from Nature’s Valley to St Sebastian Bay revealed a striking sight: 37 females with calves and 11 unaccompanied adults. Keurbooms hosted five mother-calf pairs, while another five were spotted in Wilderness. Mossel Bay, a sanctuary for marine life, welcomed around 15 females.

Undeterred by challenging weather conditions near the Breede River Mouth, the team persevered, covering vast stretches from St Sebastian Bay to Struisbaai. The helicopter, hovering mere meters above the sea surface, captured detailed identification photos of the southern right whales.

Dr Els Vermeulen of the University of Pretoria’s mammal research institute (front) and her colleague, Chris Wilkinson, technical manager of MRI whale unit.

Dr. Els Vermeulen and Chris Wilkinson, experts from the University of Pretoria’s mammal research institute, took to the skies in their Eurocopter AS350 (Squirrel) helicopter under the permit of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment.

Every day, for six to nine hours, the team tirelessly documented the whales’ presence, ensuring no detail escaped their scrutiny. The collected data, a comprehensive record of the southern right whale population’s health, is meticulously recorded on their laptops.

Since 1979, these surveys have incorporated advanced techniques, including photo identification. Individual whales are identified through meticulous analysis of overhead photographs, focusing on the unique callosity patterns on their heads. The preliminary count surveys conducted in August painted a promising picture: 556 females with calves (totaling 1,112 individuals) and 24 unaccompanied adults were recorded between Hermanus and Witsand. This number, double that of the previous year, marks the continuation of a remarkable five-year cycle, reaffirming 2018’s “bumper” year.

As the survey nears its completion by early next week, the gathered data promises valuable insights into the lives of southern right whales, reaffirming the need for ongoing conservation efforts to preserve these awe-inspiring marine giants.