Where’s Whaledo?

Whale tracking and conservation in Newfoundland play a crucial role in understanding and protecting these magnificent creatures. At Sea of Whales Adventures, we are proud to collaborate with researchers to support valuable whale research. By contributing ID images and aiding in fieldwork, we help scientists track the movements and behaviours of various whale species.

In February of last year, we began networking with Steve Ferguson, a Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) researcher from Manitoba. Steve had initially contacted Arlene Erven, who compiles the North Atlantic Orca catalogue which includes our ID images. He was looking to cross check it against their arctic catalogue and see if there were any matches. As so many of our photographs are in the catalogue, Arlene brought us into the loop. There have not been any matches made between the catalogues to date but that could change at any time.

In November, Steve reached out again. This time to ask about the sperm whales that we see in our area. They were interested in deploying tags and doing biopsy samples, and wondered how regular our sightings are of sperm whales, what kinds of behaviours we see, and when they are most likely to be here.

Initially the plan was to have one of our boats and captains help. After much deliberation, we decided that we did not want to be the ones putting the tags on and biopsy sampling the whales. We felt it might make them less comfortable around our boats. We were, however, able to help Steve with logistics—namely where to leave from, where to find the whales, and where to stay. In the end, a local DFO boat was used. The team included Steve Ferguson (DFO C&A, Winnipeg, Manitoba), Luke Storrie (University of Manitoba PhD student, Winnipeg, Manitoba), Kyle Lefort (DFO NL, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador), Greg Furey (DFO NL, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador), and Jack Lawson (DFO NL, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador).

2024 has been an amazing season for sperm whales in our area. Though initially there were 5, numbers continued to increase until we had as many as 13 in the area at one time — a new record for us!

Steve and his team arrived in mid July, bringing a variety of different tags with them. Included were suction cup multi-sensor CATS tags that would log data for a short time, and limpet tags that would log data for a longer time. Biopsy samples would also be taken.

The field work was a great success! Biopsy samples included 19 collected from humpback whales, 18 from sperm whales, 5 fin whales, and 1 minke whale. CATS tags were placed on whales 4 times; data was retrieved from 3 and one was lost. 17 limpet tags were successfully deployed on whales, including 9 on sperm whales. Five of the tags are still transmitting locations of these sperm whales today.

Steve has allowed us access to the tags, and their transmissions, so we are able to see where these animals have been. It is most interesting that all 5 sperm whales that still have tags on have gone offshore in northeastern Newfoundland, and one is off the coast of Greenland!

It was so fun to get to watch their movements throughout the season. Steve has sent us still images from Luke’s GoPro footage of deploying the tags. In the coming weeks, we will attempt to ID the sperm whales that were tagged. We can’t wait to see what else this study tells us about “our” boys!

Whale watching offers unforgettable experiences, and also an opportunity to appreciate the importance of protecting and understanding these majestic creatures. By tracking whale populations, we contribute valuable data to support conservation efforts and ensure the future of these species in our oceans. At Sea of Whales Adventures, we’re passionate about both marine wildlife and sustainability. Join us for a thrilling, eco-friendly tour and experience the wonders of whale watching firsthand while supporting the vital work of whale conservation. Book your adventure today and become part of the story to protect these giants of the sea.