Scientific Study of Mossel Bay’s Whales And Dolphins
Wednesday, March 16th, 2011
Masters student Bridget James has begun work on the second phase of a project to determine the number, distribution, and habits of the whales and dolphins in Mossel Bay.
Ms. James is studying for her MSc. degree through the University of Pretoria’s Mammal Research Institute, and is working in Mossel Bay through the locally-based Oceans Research.
Her work is the continuation of a project that was started by fellow masters student, Edith Mertz, in January 2010.
“Edith has been investigating the behaviour and distribution of whales and dolphins in Mossel Bay, and this second study will focus on collecting data after the PetroSA desalination plant comes on line. This will allow us to make a comparison between the movements and behaviours of the animals before and after the activation of the plant, which will in turn allow us to measure the effects of the plant on whales and dolphins,” said Ms. James.
“The most important potential impact of a desalination plant is that the effluent produced during desalination and discharged into the Bay could potentially change the bottom-dwelling fauna which support the fish communities on which the dolphins feed.”
The research thus far has shown that the Bay is well stocked with cetaceans.
“Humpback dolphins are found year round and there appear to be about 50 individuals that visit the Bay; between 150 and 400 bottlenose dolphins are here most of the year; common dolphins are seen occasionally in large groups of a up to about three hundred specimens; small numbers of Bryde’s whales have been seen between January and April; and groups of about thirty humpback whales, and forty southern right whales a day visited last season. (The migratory species are generally seen from June to October.)
“Also, a pod of between five and twenty false killer whales was seen in May last year,” said Ms. James.
The position of each sighting is accurately recorded using a surveyor’s theodolite – which can be set up at any of six observation stations that the researchers have established at the Cape St Blaize Lighthouse, the ATKV-Hartenbos Resort, the Garden Route Boutique Hotel and Spa and at several private homes.
Observations are carried out on about four days out of every seven.
Both the business and conservation communities of Mossel Bay have contributed to the study.
“Fred Orban of the Oystercatcher Trail in Vlees Bay has provided logistical support and accommodation; Maracon Civil contractors has provided various materials and surveying data; and Moss Car Rentals gave us the use of a vehicle for a year – thanks to the hard work of Rhenia Niemand of the Dana Bay conservancy,” said Ms. James.
She said that the research would shortly be extended to Vlees Bay (the first bay to the west of Mossel Bay) so that comparative studies could be made between Mossel Bay and a relatively untouched, but geographically similar ecosystem.
Mossel Bay Tourism’s Marcia Holm said that the study was of great interest and vital importance to tourism in the town.
“Mossel Bay’s economy is built on tourism, and the ocean is one of our greatest attractions.
“Especially because of the relatively long term of the study, the hard data proves that Mossel Bay is an excellent whale and dolphin-watching destination, and the knowledge that’s being built up will help planners to ensure that human impact on our ocean environment is kept to a minimum,” she said.
“Members of the public are always welcome to talk to us when they see us working in the field,” said Ms. James. “We value the opportunity to tell people about our work and the need to protect whales and dolphins in South African waters.”
Businesses and members of the public who would like to make tax-deductible contributions to research into Mossel Bay’s whales and dolphins (the organisers are particularly looking for another car for this year) should contact Bridget James (083 707 2227; bsjames@zoology.up.ac.za) or Katie Cummings (079 266 7883; k.cummings@oceans–initiative.com).
ENDS
Mossel Bay Tourism News Flash
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