Blue whales, the largest creatures on Earth, have long fascinated researchers with their sheer size, elusive behavior, and complex migration patterns. However, due to extensive commercial whaling activities, blue whale populations experienced a significant decline of up to 97%. Today, blue whales are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
A recent study, conducted by Jeremy Kiszka from Florida International University and his team, offers a glimmer of hope for the conservation of blue whales in the Indian Ocean. The team’s expeditions in November 2020 and 2021 led to the discovery of blue whales in the northern Seychelles, which had last been illegally hunted in the region in 1964.
The Seychelles archipelago, once an opportunistic whaling ground, revealed the presence of at least five unique individual blue whales, potentially photographed for the first time ever. This discovery marks a significant milestone, providing researchers with a chance to learn more about the endangered species’ behavior in the region.
Understanding the ecology, population dynamics, and conservation of blue whales requires innovative and resource-intensive research methods. For their study, Kiszka’s team employed vessel-based visual surveys and placed a hydrophone in blue whale-frequented waters to record whale vocalisations. The hydrophone confirmed blue whale calls throughout the year, revealing their seasonal abundance in Seychelles from December to April.
Kiszka’s team recorded 23 species of whales and dolphins in their 30-day active search effort, highlighting the area’s productivity and potential for supporting large cetacean populations. The preliminary evidence suggests the presence of the pygmy blue whale subspecies in Seychelles, reaching up to 24 meters in length.
The discovery of blue whales in Seychelles opens several avenues for further research. Kiszka’s team aims to increase research efforts to assess the abundance of these blue whales, determine their role in Seychelles’ waters, and monitor how a changing climate influences their distribution and behavior.
By engaging local tourism operators, the government, and students at the University of Seychelles, the research team has taken a step toward long-term conservation initiatives for blue whales in the region.
These discoveries and ongoing research provide valuable insights into blue whale populations, their migrations, and the role of the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean in their survival. The findings will contribute to the development of effective management strategies and international cooperation to protect and conserve blue whales, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
You can read the original article from The Conversation and learn more about the study here: [Link to Original Article]
(This article is for informational purposes only. While carefully researched, it is not intended as a substitute for professional guidance. The author is not responsible for any actions or consequences derived from its use.)