Happy hump (back) day*

With a confirmed sighting of a whale earlier this week off the Animal Flower Cave, St.Lucy, Barbados I am in over the top whale mode. Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) get their name from the prominent hump in front of the dorsal fin, their long pectoral fins and the shape of their backs as they arch before a dive. They are also known for their magical songs which may just sound like a moan, groan or cry to you.

  

The humpback whales typically migrate through the waters off of the East Coast of Barbados annually, from November to April. However, in the past few years these amazing creatures have graced us with their presence for a bit longer and those lucky enough to either catch a glimpse of them or have a decent interaction described it as something magical. I know that no matter how many times I see them, I get just as excited as the first time (suppose that's my passion burning through). 

Our whale friends that visit come from the Western North Atlantic stock of humpbacks. They breed and calf in the warmer waters of the Caribbean and then head North up to one of the distinct feeding aggregations in Gulf of Maine, eastern Canada, West Greenland or the eastern North Atlantic. They are not known to generally feed (but there have been reports) in our less productive waters which are lower in nutrients but instead rely on their blubber reserves to carry them through the long journey back to the North.  

How do you spot them?

A "spout" is usually a first indication of a whale and is caused by the exhalation of the breath after a dive, which on average can last from 30-45 minutes. The spout of a humpback whale is a tall vertical column. 

Image via Washington Post

What am I doing? 

Trying to record any sightings and get photos of their tails (flukes) to add to a global catalog. On the underside of their flukes is a pigmentation pattern of white and black which the whales are born with and which will remain the same throughout their life. This is one of the ways used to identify individual humpback whales. The markings on these flukes are so distinct that names have been given to many whales based on these.

Quiz time: Can you spot the difference between their markings? 

The fluke of Salt, one of the most well known humpback whales from the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary showing its distinct marks. 

Etch-a-sketch, one of the grand-daughters of Salt. Images via NOAA.

So if you happen to be lucky enough to see these fascinating creatures in the sea, here are some tips to safely and enjoyably watch them: 

• You will be excited and want that perfect insta shot but do not get carried away
• If you are ~ 1/2 mile to 1 mile away, reduce speed and post a dedicated look out to assist the vessel operator in monitoring the location of the marine mammal
• Never attempt a head-on approach
• If approaching from 100-300ft of whales, only one vessel should be in this range
• Do not approach within 100ft of whales
• Idle engine & watch from a distance

Image via NOAA

Humpback whales are known for their breaching (jumping behaviour). You are curious about them but they are also curious about you; especially the calves. Imagine a 35ft mother whale touching your boat? All you wish to do is imagine this, not experience it so respect these beauties and if you do get the chance to see any marine mammals from land or sea, please report them in our fb group and look out for an official sighting form coming your way!

Happy hump (back) day!

Nikola*