On 1 October the 2022 Southern Right Whale Survey started. According to the Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit this is the 43rd annual photo identification Southern Right Whale aerial survey. It is undertaken by the Whale Unit of the University of Pretoria’s Mammal Research Institute (MRI).
The MRI said on its Facebook Page its personnel flew the coastline of the De Hoop Nature Reserve on Sunday and photographed 71 females with calves and 11 unaccompanied adults.
Many people became hot under the collar on learning an event was taking place in Struisbaai on the eve of this important survey.
The P750 World Championships would have taken place from 30 September to 8 October. “This is shocking, do the people of Struisbaai not use their common sense that an event like that should not be allowed during the whale season?” one post read. “I sommer feel like crying.” Perhaps it is fortuitous the event was cancelled.
But on 28 September a boat came speeding past Sandbaai while there were whales in the area. On a WhatsApp group a user said: “In a known concentration of whales and newborns it would be reckless and selfish to have a joy ride. Props and whales don’t go well together. We have caused enough carnage on whales; it’s time we respected them and gave them the sanctuary they need.”
The effect of the props is devastating, and in 2019 an environmental management branch said it removes 14 to 15 dead whales each year due to ship strikes, although some are also killed by getting tangled in nets or stranded.
“This is getting worse,” it said in a statement. “The number is increasing and the scares of the noise and prop, we must respect our environment. Animals aren’t here to entertain but respected.”
A nature lover said the effect the propeller and even the noise has on whales is getting worse. “The numbers of whales injured, or even killed by the boats, are increasing. The scars on the whales are clearly visible,” he said.