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R800 000 granted for local Whale project

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A memorandum of understanding between Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) and Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) was signed today to kick off cutting-edge research on two baleen whale species in Algoa Bay, coupled with concerns about the impact that continued shipping and construction noise may have on these mammals.

In terms of the agreement, TNPA will fund the research project with R800 000 over four years.

When NMMU Coastal and Marine Research Unit Research Fellow Dr Stephanie Plön conducted a survey on whales and dolphins in Algoa Bay between 2008 and 2011, she identified unexpectedly large numbers of baleen whale cow-calf pairs in Algoa Bay.

During this time, 38.8% of all southern right whale sightings and 57.5% of all humpback whale sightings were cow-calf pairs, indicating that Algoa Bay is potentially an important nursery area for both species.

According to Dr Plön little is yet known about how baleen whale cows bond and communicate with their calves prior to their return migration to Antarctic waters, and how this sensitive life stage is influenced by anthropogenic (human generated) sounds in the ocean.

“Research will yield valuable information on the potential impacts of these anthropogenic activities on whales, which is currently of global interest,” she says.

In addition, she says, the agreement indicates TNPA’s foresight in terms of sustainable development and social responsibility in the field of marine bioacoustics in South Africa.

The research will include measuring the noise levels in Algoa Bay (busy bay with new harbour development) compared to St Francis Bay (quiet bay with no industrial port). It will also compare sound levels recorded in the bay from anthropogenic sounds with sound levels from acoustic communication of cow-calf pairs to evaluate the potential impact on the animals during this sensitive life stage.

The project will be run in collaboration with the Centre for Marine Science and Technology (CMST) at Curtin University, Perth, Australia.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.