Researchers in Australia captured incredible footage of humpback whales during their annual migration along Australia’s Eastern coastline.
During the migration season, they successfully tagged 10 whales and recorded their movements and behaviour underwater in an effort to learn more about the species.
“To further our understanding of humpback migration behaviour and patterns, it was really amazing to deploy 10 whale tags for tracking [and] witness competitive pods in action,” says Olaf Meynecke, a whale expert at Griffith University who led the tagging project.
They also had the opportunity to collect whale poo, which will be analysed to understand how it helps fertilise the ocean. Meynecke says being able to collect the stinky surprise was “a rare bonus for us researchers especially on the Gold Coast.”
Along with this fascinating insight into whale behaviour, the researchers also saw heartbreaking entanglements.
“It's really disheartening to see fatigued whales dragging nets and fishing lines along the migration, or watching a new mother stuck in shark nets with her newborn in tow,” he says.
“We see this year after year and wonder when we’ll begin to see less of it.”
Whale camera - below and above
Main image and video: Olaf Meynecke
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