Summary
Our team recently concluded an exhilarating field season in the Antarctic, focusing on the health and behavior of whale populations in the rapidly changing environment of the Antarctic Peninsula. Read the article for key findings of our research and watch the video to get a closer look at our research.
Whales play a vital role in ocean health by promoting nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration through their biological processes.
A film crew from NowThis Earth documented our expedition. Watch the video!
Our team has just finished an incredible field season in the Antarctic. We collected several hundred biopsies of whale tissue, paired many of these with measurable images of body condition using drones, placed tags on several animals, and conducted exposure experiments for a new study on the impacts of tourism on whale behavior. A film team from NowThis Earth joined one of our teams on an Intrepid Travel ship to tell our story.
The Antarctic Adventure
This past season has been a whirlwind of activity and discovery. Our primary goal was to understand the health and behavior of whale populations in the rapidly changing environment of the Antarctic Peninsula. As one of the fastest-warming regions on the planet, the Antarctic is experiencing dramatic shifts in sea ice coverage, directly impacting the availability of krill, the main food source for many whale species.
Biopsies and Body Condition
One of our major tasks was collecting biopsies from whales. These tissue samples are invaluable for studying the health, genetics, and diet of the whales. Paired with drone-captured images of their body condition, we can gain insights into how these majestic creatures are faring in their changing habitat. The drones allow us to get a comprehensive view of the whales’ physical state without disturbing them, providing a non-invasive method to monitor their health over time.
Tagging and Tracking
We also placed tags on several whales, which will help us track their movements and understand their migratory patterns. These tags provide critical data on how whales are navigating the increasingly ice-free waters and adjusting their feeding habits in response to diminishing krill populations. Understanding these patterns is crucial for conservation efforts, as it allows us to predict how whale populations might shift in the future and what measures can be taken to protect them.
Impact of Tourism
Another significant aspect of our research was conducting exposure experiments to study the impacts of tourism on whale behavior. The Antarctic Peninsula sees a growing number of tourists each year, and while tourism can raise awareness about the importance of this pristine environment, it also poses potential risks to wildlife. Our experiments aim to understand how close encounters with tourist vessels affect whale behavior and stress levels, which is vital information for developing guidelines to ensure that tourism remains sustainable and minimally invasive.
The Role of Whales in the Ecosystem
Whales play a critical role in maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems. They contribute to nutrient cycling by releasing fecal plumes that fertilize the ocean, promoting the growth of phytoplankton, which absorbs significant amounts of carbon dioxide. This process helps mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon in the ocean. Moreover, when whales die, their bodies sink to the ocean floor, providing a feast for deep-sea creatures and further contributing to the ocean’s carbon storage.
Our findings underscore the importance of protecting whale populations as a means of preserving ocean health and combating climate change. Whales are our allies in this fight, and their conservation is not just about saving these magnificent creatures, but about ensuring the future of our planet.
Watch Our Journey
To get a closer look at our research and the breathtaking beauty of the Antarctic, watch the video produced by NowThis Earth. Their film crew joined us on an Intrepid Travel ship and captured the essence of our mission and the challenges we face. Watch the video here.
As we continue our research and advocacy, we hope to inspire more people to take action to protect our oceans and the incredible wildlife that calls them home. Whales may indeed help save the planet, but it’s up to all of us to ensure they have a fighting chance.