WHALES & DOLPHINS
MONITORING OF WHALES AND DOLPHINS
Our marine biologists and guides collect observational data about all whales & dolphins spotted whilst onboard the vessels of our partner company, Dyer Island Cruises. All sightings are mapped and this creates a knowledge foundation that is used for various studies. On each trip, we take readings of water temperature, pressure and oxygen levels.
The collection of this observational & environmental data is critical to the understanding of the cetaceans frequenting our area and the studies of various biologists.
WHALES
IUCN Classification – LEAST CONCERN
EUBALAENA AUSTRALIS
Southern right Whale
They frequent our area between June to November / December and are here to mate and calve. The DICT collect whale faeces for a study on feeding habits – the whales do not generally feed when here but some feeding behaviour is observed. We have supported genetic studies and collect non-invasive samples when required. Where possible we participate in acoustic research. We work co-operatively on projects with the Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit situated at the University of Pretoria and we support their annual whale aerial survey
MEGAPTERA NOVAEANGLIAE
Humpback Whale
This species migrates along our coastline throughout June to August, heading toward warner waters off Mozambique. They head back again usually around December. All sightings are logged.
IUCN Classification – LEAST CONCERN
BALAENOPTERA BRYDEI
Bryde’s Whale
The area has a year round population and all sightings are mapped. There are very few studies done on Bryde’s whale along the SA coastline. Those done have included population studies and genetics. The DICT is part of the on-going project to collect images of Bryde’s whales frequenting our area. These images are recorded in a national database and will contribute to provide more information about this species that are threatened by overfishing.
WHALES
EUBALAENA AUSTRALIS
Southern right Whale
They frequent our area between June to November / December and are here to mate and calve. The DICT collect whale faeces for a study on feeding habits – the whales do not generally feed when here but some feeding behaviour is observed. We have supported genetic studies and collect non-invasive samples when required. Where possible we participate in acoustic research. We work co-operatively on projects with the Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit situated at the University of Pretoria and we support their annual whale aerial survey
IUCN Classification – LEAST CONCERN
MEGAPTERA NOVAEANGLIAE
Humpback Whale
This species migrates along our coastline throughout June to August, heading toward warner waters off Mozambique. They head back again usually around December. All sightings are logged.
BALAENOPTERA BRYDEI
Bryde’s Whale
The area has a year round population and all sightings are mapped. There are very few studies done on Bryde’s whale along the SA coastline. Those done have included population studies and genetics. The DICT is part of the on-going project to collect images of Bryde’s whales frequenting our area. These images are recorded in a national database and will contribute to provide more information about this species that are threatened by overfishing.
DOLPHINS
SOUSA PLUMBEA
Humpback dolphin
Data collected from humpback dolphins contributes to the broader Sousa Project. Through data collection and sharing, the project aims to assess in detail the population status of humpback dolphins along our coastlines. Photo ID’s assist with the identification of individuals and provides answers on population size, calving intervals and success. Data collected by the Dyer Island Conservation Trust and Dyer Island Cruises have already allowed for the identification of about 30 different humpback dolphins from the Greater Dyer Island area.
TURSIOPS ADUNCUS
Indo-Pacific Bottlenose dolphin
Family groups are sometimes seen moving through the area and sightings are logged.
IUCN classification – DATA DEFICIENT
DELPHINUS CAPENSIS
Common dolphin
We often see large groups of this species moving through the area. The location and behaviour is recorded.
ORCINUS ORCA
Killer whale
We participate in collaborative effort of sightings data that shows the movement and behaviour of orca around the South Africa coastline.
DOLPHINS
SOUSA PLUMBEA
Humpback dolphin
Data collected from humpback dolphins contributes to the broader Sousa Project. Through data collection and sharing, the project aims to assess in detail the population status of humpback dolphins along our coastlines. Photo ID’s assist with the identification of individuals and provides answers on population size, calving intervals and success. Data collected by the Dyer Island Conservation Trust and Dyer Island Cruises have already allowed for the identification of about 30 different humpback dolphins from the Greater Dyer Island area.
IUCN classification – DATA DEFICIENT
TURSIOPS ADUNCUS
Indo-Pacific Bottlenose dolphin
Family groups are sometimes seen moving through the area and sightings are logged.
DELPHINUS CAPENSIS
Common dolphin
We often see large groups of this species moving through the area. The location and behaviour is recorded.
ORCINUS ORCA
Killer whale
We participate in collaborative effort of sightings data that shows the movement and behaviour of orca around the South Africa coastline.
CONSERVATION ACTIONS:
The Trust is the first port of call for marine animal rescues in the area. We have an expert team and dedicated recovery vessels. Necropsies are done on-site, and samples are provided to various research centres. The samples and material we collect is used for scientific projects and museum collections. We provide the Department of Environmental Affairs and the Mammal Research Institute of the University of Pretoria with data from all marine mammal strandings in our area.
Dolphins are quite vulnerable to entanglement due to their more playful, curious nature. Through Dyer Island Conservation Trust’s Fishing Line Bin project, we are able to mitigate entanglement by removing line from the environment before it reaches the sea.