Sperm whales were targeted by the whaling industry in the 19th and 20th centuries, and more than 70 per cent of their population was wiped out. “My theory is that because of all the whaling that took place, they have learned to disappear as soon as they hear a big ship.”
Kate Green/Stuff
Principal scientists Matt Pinkerton, left, and Richard O Driscoll, with ice pilot Evan Solly, centre, in front of Niwa flagship Tangaroa ahead of its departure to Antarctica. Knowing how many sperm whales were in the Ross Sea and their movements was an important part of a five-year programme, led by Niwa, to monitor the effectiveness of the Ross Sea Marine Protected Area established in 2017.
A group of scientists have set sail on a six-week voyage to Antarctica today in search of the elusive sperm whales
A group of scientists have set sail on a six-week voyage to Antarctica today in search of the elusive sperm whales 11 January 2021
NIWA researchers on board the Tangaroa vessel are checking moorings that have been detecting whale sounds.
Dr Matt Pinkerton says this is the third in a series of voyages down to the Ross Sea.
He says they re excited to see what the moorings have picked up in the two years they ve been down there.
Moorings sitting in the ocean for the past two years could be the key to discovering how many sperm whales live in the Ross Sea
Moorings sitting in the ocean for the past two years could be the key to discovering how many sperm whales live in the Ross Sea 11 January 2021
A group of NIWA scientists have set sail for Antarctica to check whale sound detection devices.
They include Dr Matt Pinkerton, who says there may be too much sea ice for them to live that far south.
He says they want to see whether the ice affects where the whales go at different times in the year.
Kate Green/Stuff
Principal scientists Dr Matt Pinkerton, left, Dr Richard O Driscoll, right, and ice pilot Evan Solly, centre, in front of NIWA flagship Tangaroa ahead of its departure to Antarctica. “This year we are focused on understanding the key processes that drive the environment and oceanography of the region and assessing the potential impacts of climate change.” On board is a team of 40, including 20 science staff, 18 crew, one doctor, and one ice pilot, to return on February 17. The whole crew felt “incredibly lucky”, O’Driscoll said, to be setting off considering Covid-19 was stalling expeditions around the world. All onboard were tested for coronavirus ahead of departure, and an on-board quick testing machine would be used if anyone displayed symptoms.