The Power of Whales and Citizen Science
On 22 July Wildlife in Sandy Point (WiSP) hosted an Information Session and Whale Watching Practical at Walkerville North and Cape Liptrap respectively. The Dolphin Research Institute expert David Donnelly presented to a 20-person strong audience several having traveled from Mornington. Accompanying David was Research Fellow Leanne Nguyen from the Dolphin Research Institute who offered information and ways to be involved.
David gave excellent targeted information on how to identify marine mammals, how to report them and what to expect when photographing and spotting. Much of his talk was complemented by personal experience and he offered very entertaining antidotes to highlight the information and his perspective. The group enjoyed an afternoon tea by our local baker Michael and we all prepared for conditions at Cape Liptrap where we were joined by other participants. Newly purchased ‘Two Bay Whale Project’ Beanies helped to protect us from the cold.
Conditions weren’t ideal though there wasn’t any rain nor was it blowing a gale. Early on a whale was spotted by its blow. It and another humpback were spotted close. Their blows were spotted in white caps.
Over approximately two and half hours seven whales were spotted. The last five were spotted in two groups far away. It made for an incredible outcome for the day.
The perseverance of each participant (the youngest a six and half year old boy) and the dedication of the researchers created the best possible outcome. It is a testament to the power of citizen science and to the support for nature and its interests by our communities.
The whale migration lasts along the Bass Coast, Waratah Bay and west side of The Prom until late August then normally shifts to the east of The Prom (as the whales head back to Antarctic waters) until November. To report whale and other monitored marine mammals visit Dolphin Research Institute on:
https://www.dolphinresearchaustralia.org/dolphin-sighting-network/report-a-sighting/
